Erica + Alex first met at a jukebox–true story–at his favorite bar. It was love at first sight! She’s a wardrobe stylist in New York City and he’s a touring musician (whom you might recognize as the guitarist of The Gaslight Anthem!) and together, these two are adventurers at heart. They wanted an effortless day with love (and food!) at the center, inspired by a simple “nothing more, nothing less” planning mantra. Sticking to local vendors around Jersey City, they found *the one* as soon as they stepped into Battello, a warehouse restaurant located on a pier with downtown Manhattan in view.
Erica tells us, It was actually the first and only venue we saw! Not advised, but we know what we like. The venue isn’t only beautiful and delicious, the staff is the best I have ever worked with. Dominique, the Director of Events, was a godsend. She helped us with everything and made the process so easy that I didn’t really have to worry about anything. I can’t rave about the staff enough. We felt so pampered and taken care of and they deserve a biggest of shout outs!
Erica + Alex wanted candid, intimate photos of the day and who better to call on than friends? Veronica and Sean of Veronica Lola Photography snapped away as the couple celebrated their big day:
The glitter! The bows! SHOE HEAVEN.
Karma Flowers helped create Erica’s dream bouquets: We went with an assortment of different white daisies, chamomile, palm leaves, and grasses provided by Kristyn at Karma Flowers in Jersey City. The bridesmaids wore different black dresses that they chose and carried bouquets of baby’s breath, and I carried a bouquet of mixed daisies.
Aw! What a cool spot for a first look!
We’re really loving the natural look and the sweet Katie May lace dress + daisy combo.
Processional: Here Comes The Sun by George Harrison & Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
Recessional: You’re So Cool by Hans Zimmer
First Dance: Need Your Love So Bad by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac
Our ceremony was so special. We had one of our best friends marry us and our dog, Zissou, was there. She fell asleep during the ceremony on the train of my dress. It was such a comforting feeling. Everyone was crying and there was such an intense feeling of support and love radiating from that place--it was overwhelming. My dad and sister made the most heartwarming speeches, and we had a huge, rowdy, pop punk dance party late night…I will never forget it no matter how many Hemingway’s were consumed.
Psst – her shoes are from Maison Martin Margiela *swoon*
Let’s talk food: Erica is a big fan of cocktail hour, so they went all out with passed hors d’oeuveres, a carving station, and a seafood station!
How sweet are these two?
I was told I was a relatively easy going but inside I was really freaking out. Just know that you can only do so much and you have to let yourself really enjoy it. Know what is important to you. Good and photos were very important to us, and that is what we spent the most on. Start a Pinterest board, collect photos on what type of flowers you want, bridesmaid dresses, fun details, and especially photography. Show these to your vendors to ensure you get what you want and hire vendors that represent your personal aesthetic. In the end you will feel pressure from every angle, so breathe, have fun, and remember why you are planning this day.
As for the day of, don’t worry about any details, what is done is done. Enjoy every single moment, don’t pass up one bite of food, and dance to every song that pulls you to the dance floor. Soak up everything, the day goes by faster than you can even imagine.
Indeed, it is! And you sure can feel it with these two love birds. Many congrats to Erica + Alex!
photography: Veronica Lola Photography // venue name: Batello, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA // florals: Karma Flowers // wedding dress: Katie May // wedding dress boutique: Lovely Bride, NYC // bride's shoes: Maison Martin Margiela // hair stylist: Kristina Maccaro // makeup artist: Stephanie Perez // groom attire: Sandro // groom's shoes: Sandro // paper goods: Paperie LA // cake: Mrs. B’s Cakes, Little Falls NJ // music: Mike Polnasek, Black Gold Records, NYC
Anyone who uses anything Fleetwood Mac at their wedding gets my thumbs up!
Lovely photos.
Beauty all over. Fabulous <3
what an absolutely beautiful wedding <3
Absolutely gorgeous, Veronica is the best.
Any idea where the bride’s necklaces are from?
My favorite part of these accounts is always seeing the music.