Jersey City Wedding | Sam + Michael - siobhanstantonphotograhy.com

Sam and Michael’s wedding in Jersey may have had a weather twist, but that didn’t stop their family and friends from showing up to celebrate their wedding day.

When talking with Sam and Michael, one thing they kept mentioning was how their family and friends guest experience was important to them. They wanted the dance floor to be the life of the party as their wedding was bringing all of their favorite people together under one roof almost like a reunion. They wanted a wedding that made everyone feel welcome.

While taking getting ready photos, Sam shared how her wedding veil was custom made. It incorporated lace and beaded appliqués from her mother’s wedding dress. After learning this, I used Sam’s veil as the base of all her detail shots. I love when brides incorporate aspects of their mothers wedding gown. It’s like a full-circle moment. The hope is Sam’s two sisters will also wear the veil when they get married.

Prior to the ceremony, Sam shared a first look with her dad and, of course, Michael. First looks took place outside because, I mean, you just couldn’t beat the skyline view! It was extremely windy because a storm was rolling in. However, we were able to get some swoon-worthy images before the rain began to pour.

Sam and Michael had hope to have their wedding ceremony outdoors, but due to the inclement weather we had to pivot indoors. Let me say, they were true champs during the process!

No one wishes it to rain on their wedding day. But, if it were to happen, it’s important to take a deep breath and adjust your plan. At the end of the day, you will still get to say, “I do” and most likely have some great stories, too! Plus, old wives tales consider it to be good luck on your wedding day because the rain represents the last sad tears the bride will ever cry.

After moving things inside and prior to their ceremony, they had an intimate signing of the Ketubah. The Ketubah is a Jewish marriage tradition where the bride and groom sign what is like a marriage contract stating the groom will protect and support his bride from this day forward. This was a highlight of Sam and Michael’s wedding for me and such an honor to get to witness this intimate tradition.

Once the Ketubah ceremony was complete, guests began to arrive for the ceremony. The room was packed of family and friends just as Sam and Michael had dreamt their wedding day to be. Once the ceremony was over guests made their way to the reception where they enjoyed delicious food, speciality drinks, and hit the dance floor.

The weather even cleared so I could sneak the newlyweds away for a few nighttime portraits with that stunning skyline in the background again!