navigate

Browse Posts

ENGAGEMENTS

Browse Posts

Weddings

SEARCH

find me elsewhere:

Hi! I'm Karina. I love photographing weddings + special moments throughout the East Coast! I'm happily married to my best friend and I LOVE love. I'm overjoyed to share these beautiful love stories with you!

Hi, I'm Karina.

Waterside Events Wedding | North Bergen, NJ | Arianne & Matt

Bride laughing during ring exchange at outdoor waterfront ceremony with Manhattan skyline in background and officiant in colorful tallit at Waterside North Bergen wedding

Waterside North Bergen Wedding | Arianne and Matt

Arianne and Matt got married at Waterside in North Bergen, New Jersey on October 25th and as their wedding photographer, this day was pure NYC glam from start to finish. The most stunning Peter Langner gown, gorgeous details, a twilight outdoor ceremony overlooking Manhattan, and two people madly in love. Scroll on for a look at their incredible day!

Starting with the Details

The NYC theme was woven into every detail. Arianne and Matt’s invitation suite by Sofia Invitations featured a black NYC skyline silhouette on white card stock. Their escort cards were the cutest little yellow taxi cab holders, and their custom drink stirrers featured an illustration of their adorable Pomeranian.

Arianne’s engagement ring was absolutely stunning. Her bridal jewelry included crystal drop earrings and a delicate bracelet that sparkled beautifully. Her bouquet was classic and elegant with white orchids and calla lilies wrapped tightly, perfectly complementing the black and white color palette.

Matt’s wore black patent leather shoes, a black bow tie, a white boutonniere, and the coolest yellow taxi cab cufflinks to tie in their NYC theme. The inside lining of his jacket featured a fun playing card print which was such a great personal touch.

Wedding invitation suite flat lay with NYC skyline silhouette details card invitation RSVP and envelope with yellow taxi cab accents white roses and monogrammed ring box for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Closeup of engagement ring and wedding band on yellow New York taxi cab figurine for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Engagement ring and gold wedding band on wedding invitation
Groom details flat lay with black patent shoes black bow tie white calla lily boutonniere MG monogrammed cufflinks and yellow taxi cab accent
Engagement ring and wedding bands on white velvet ring boxes with yellow New York taxi cab figurine
Groom details flat lay with black patent leather shoes black bow tie white calla lily boutonniere MG monogrammed ring boxes and yellow taxi cab cufflinks
White orchid and calla lily bridal bouquet with green strappy heels for Waterside North Bergen wedding

Getting Ready at The Envue Hotel

Arianne and Matt got ready at the Envue Hotel in Weehawken, New Jersey, and the views from the hotel were unreal. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River made for the most incredible backdrop for getting ready photos.

Arianne and her sister (and Maid of Honor!) wore the cutest matching floral pajama sets while getting ready together. The energy between them was so sweet and fun. On the other side, Matt got ready in his room with his brother (and Best Man) and looked so sharp in his classic black tuxedo.

Arianne’s gown was a showstopper. Her Peter Langner dress was an absolute dream. It was a strapless sweetheart neckline with the most incredible ruffled and layered tulle skirt that looked like a cloud. The way it moved was just unbelievable.

Maid of honor in black embellished dress helping bride into Peter Langner ruffled ballgown by floor to ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan skyline at Envue Hotel Weehawken for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white closeup of buttons being fastened on back of Peter Langner bridal gown at Envue Hotel
Groom portrait in black tuxedo with bow tie and white calla lily boutonniere looking out window
Groom putting on black tuxedo jacket showing playing card print lining at Envue Hotel for Waterside North Bergen wedding

First Look at The Envue Hotel

Arianne and Matt’s first look took place on the rooftop terrace at the Envue Hotel overlooking the entire Manhattan skyline. It was such an incredible setting. Matt waited with his back turned while Arianne walked up behind him, and his reaction when he turned around was so sweet. These two have the best chemistry and every photo from their first look is just full of genuine joy and emotion.

We spent some time on the rooftop after the first look for portraits and the skyline backdrop was unmatched. We also got the sweetest photos with their Pomeranian, who wore a tiny tulle veil and a pearl leash for the occasion. I mean, how adorable is that?

Bride in ruffled ballgown approaching groom for first look on Envue Hotel rooftop overlooking Manhattan skyline for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white photo of groom smiling seeing bride for first time during first look on Envue Hotel rooftop
Groom seeing bride during first look on Envue Hotel rooftop with Manhattan skyline and Hudson River in background
Black and white photo of groom emotional during first look as bride holds bouquet with Manhattan skyline behind them on Envue Hotel rooftop
Bride and groom kissing while holding Pomeranian on Envue Hotel rooftop with Manhattan skyline in background for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride and groom portrait on Envue Hotel rooftop with panoramic Manhattan skyline and Hudson River views
Bride smiling over shoulder holding white calla lily bouquet with Manhattan skyline in background on Envue Hotel rooftop for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride holding Pomeranian on Envue Hotel rooftop with panoramic Manhattan skyline view for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride wearing white fur stole and groom in black tuxedo on Envue Hotel rooftop with Manhattan skyline
Bride and groom smiling at camera on Envue Hotel rooftop with Manhattan skyline and Hudson River behind them
Groom holding brides hand as she walks in white fur stole and Peter Langner gown on Envue Hotel rooftop with Manhattan skyline for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Ketubah signing with bride groom maid of honor best man and officiant in tallit seated at table inside Waterside ballroom
Black and white closeup of bride and groom holding hands during ketubah signing

Outdoor Ceremony | Waterside North Bergen Wedding

The outdoor ceremony at Waterside was absolutely breathtaking. Arianne and Matt were married on the waterfront patio as the sun began to set behind the Manhattan skyline. The timing could not have been more perfect. White chairs lined both sides of a white aisle runner, and elegant white floral arrangements on tall columns framed the ceremony space. Palm trees flanked the chuppah area, adding a touch of warmth to the October evening.

Before the ceremony, Arianne and Matt signed their ketubah in an intimate indoor moment with their Maid of Honor, Best Man, and close family. It was such a meaningful part of the day and I loved being able to capture it.

Arianne and Matt exchanged vows overlooking the water with the city lights beginning to flicker on in the distance. The interfaith ceremony was beautiful, blending Jewish traditions including the signing of the ketubah and the breaking of the glass. When Matt stomped on the glass, their guests erupted in cheers and the whole moment was so joyful.

Wide angle of outdoor ceremony setup on waterfront patio with white chairs white aisle runner and white floral columns overlooking Hudson River at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Closeup of white ceremony floral arrangement with hydrangeas roses babys breath and calla lilies with Manhattan skyline
Panoramic view of Manhattan skyline across Hudson River with rocky waterfront shoreline
Closeup of ketubah with Mazel Tov bag on ceremony table
Ceremony altar with white hydrangea and calla lily arrangements on white columns with Manhattan skyline and Hudson River behind at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white portrait of groom waiting at altar with best man before ceremony at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride walking down aisle with parents as guests stand at outdoor waterfront ceremony at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white photo of groom seeing bride for first time at ceremony as guests smile at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride circling around groom for jewish wedding ceremony tradition
Bride smiling at groom during vows with maid of honor and Hudson River in background at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Wide angle of outdoor waterfront ceremony with bride and groom at altar white floral columns and Manhattan skyline at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride reading vows into microphone smiling at groom during outdoor ceremony at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white artistic photo of bride and groom during vows with Manhattan skyline in sharp focus behind them at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride laughing during ring exchange with officiant in tallit and best man with Manhattan skyline behind at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Live painter by Art by Gab painting ceremony scene on canvas with waterfront ceremony and Manhattan skyline in background at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white wide angle of groom breaking the glass during ceremony for jewish custom and Manhattan skyline at Waterside North Bergen wedding
Groom dipping bride for first kiss at end of outdoor ceremony aisle with Manhattan skyline and guests cheering at Waterside North Bergen wedding

Bride & Groom Portraits

After the ceremony, we snuck down to the rocky waterfront along the Hudson River for more portraits with the skyline behind them. The light at this point was beautiful. The sky had this gorgeous overcast quality that made everything feel so cinematic. Arianne’s gown trailed across the rocks and her cathedral-length veil caught the breeze so beautifully.

These are some of my favorite portraits from the entire day. The scale of the skyline behind them, the wind in the veil, the way these two look at each other felt perfect. We captured everything from classic posed portraits to candid moments of them laughing, dipping, and just enjoying their day.

Bride and groom standing on rocky waterfront with cathedral length veil trailing behind and Manhattan skyline across Hudson River
Black and white photo of groom dipping bride for kiss on rocky waterfront with Manhattan skyline and dramatic clouds for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride and groom embracing on waterfront with Peter Langner ruffled ballgown and Manhattan skyline behind them for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Bride and groom kissing with cathedral length veil flowing in the wind and Manhattan skyline
Black and white portrait of bride and groom smiling at camera on rocky waterfront with Manhattan skyline and Hudson River for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Groom admiring bride on waterfront path with Manhattan skyline between them
Black and white photo of groom admiring bride in Peter Langner ruffled ballgown on waterfront path with Manhattan skyline for Waterside North Bergen wedding
Black and white photo of groom lifting bride on waterfront

About Waterside North Bergen Weddings

Waterside in North Bergen, New Jersey is one of the most stunning waterfront wedding venues in the New York City area. The venue sits right on the Hudson River with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. The combination of the waterfront ceremony space and the elegant indoor ballrooms is truly unmatched. A few of my favorite things about shooting at Waterside:

  • The outdoor ceremony patio directly on the waterfront with unobstructed views of the entire Manhattan skyline. There is nothing like exchanging vows with that backdrop!
  • The elegant ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and classic black and white checkered dance floors that photograph beautifully
  • The rocky waterfront shoreline along the Hudson River which creates the most dramatic and cinematic portrait opportunities
  • The flexibility to host both intimate and large celebrations with their versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces
  • The proximity to the Envue Hotel in Weehawken for getting ready, which offers equally stunning skyline views

Waterside is located at 7800 B River Road in North Bergen, New Jersey and can accommodate up to 225 guests in their ballrooms. If you are considering Waterside for your wedding, I would love to be considered to be your Waterside North Bergen wedding photographer.

Waterside Restaurant and Catering teal sign on building exterior in North Bergen NJ

Reception at Waterside

The reception ballroom at Waterside was gorgeous. Crystal chandeliers hung from ornate ceiling details, the classic black and white checkered dance floor was the perfect stage for their first dance, and blue uplighting gave the room a glamorous nighttime glow. White floral arrangements and candles throughout kept the decor elegant and timeless.

Arianne and Matt’s first dance was so romantic. You could see their guests smiling and tearing up watching them. The hora was another highlight of the night. Arianne and Matt were lifted high on chairs while their guests danced and sang below. A live saxophone player from Love of Music Entertainment kept the energy going all night long. There was also a live painter by Art by Gab capturing the reception in real time, which was such a beautiful touch.

Arianne and Matt, thank you for trusting me to capture your Waterside North Bergen wedding. From the rooftop first look at the Envue Hotel to the twilight ceremony on the waterfront to the incredible party that followed, every moment was so full of love and joy. You two are the sweetest and I am so happy for you both!

Yellow New York taxi cab escort card holders with sweetheart table place cards for Mr Matthew Guitard and Mrs Arianne Guitard with NYC skyline details
Yellow taxi cab escort card holders with guest name cards and NYC skyline details
Bride and groom grand entrance into Waterside ballroom
Bride and groom entering reception ballroom with guests cheering and clapping
Bride and groom embracing during first dance at Waterside North Bergen wedding reception
Black and white photo of bride laughing with arms outstretched dancing with groom by white tufted lounge and chandelier
Groom and bride lifted on chairs during hora with chandeliers and blue uplighting at Waterside North Bergen wedding reception
Bride dancing with arms raised surrounded by guests with blue uplighting at Waterside North Bergen wedding reception
Bride and groom with friends posing on dance floor with live saxophone player
Groom showing playing card jacket lining dancing with bride
Black and white photo of groom and friends posing on dance floor at Waterside North Bergen wedding reception
Groom twirling bride in Jovani after party dress on waterfront at night with Manhattan skyline for Waterside North Bergen wedding
bride feeding groom cake next to Arianne and Matthew cake topper at Waterside North Bergen wedding reception

If you are planning a Waterside North Bergen wedding and looking for a New Jersey or New York City wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. Contact me here to check your date.


Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Karina Mekel Photography | @karinamekel

Venue: Waterside | @watersidenj

Videography: Golden Thread Cinematography | @golden_thread_cinematography

Floral Design: JR Floral Designs | @jrfloraldesigns01

Hair & Makeup: Live Lovely Beauty | @livelovelybeauty

Stationery: Sofia Invitations | @sofiainvitations

Bridal Gown: Peter Langner | @peterlangner

After Party Dress: Jovani | @jovanifashions

Live Painter: Art by Gab | @art.by.gab_

Cake: A Little Cake | @alittlecake_

DJ & Saxophone: Love of Music Entertainment | @loveofmusicentertainment

Getting Ready Hotel: Envue Hotel, Autograph Collection — Weehawken, NJ


Love this NYC glam wedding? Check out another recent wedding : Erica and Michael’s Colorful Wedding at The Waterview

Waterview ct wedding karina mekel photography

Weddings

arrow

SEND A NOTE

INQUIRE WITH US

Can we always be this close, forever and ever?