Nor’easter – Maritime Parc Wedding Jersey City- Sharon & Kellan

Sharon and Kellan’s Maritime Parc wedding in Jersey City got hit with a full-on nor’easter and it didn’t slow them down for a second. They picked the waterfront venue for their May wedding, and the weather just made the whole day feel a little more cinematic. The wind, the rain, the gray skies over the Manhattan skyline, it gave their photos a moody, one-of-a-kind look you can’t plan for.

Maritime Parc sits right on the Jersey City waterfront with one of the best Manhattan skyline views in the area. The marina behind the venue and the Central Railroad of NJ Terminal across the way are both within walking distance, which is huge when the weather goes sideways and you need backup portrait spots. Parking is easy, the staff is great to work with, and the food is genuinely good. If you’re looking at NJ waterfront wedding venues, this is one I always recommend.

Getting Ready at Hyatt House Jersey City

Sharon and Kellan got ready at the Hyatt House in Jersey City with their loved ones and the cutest little white pup along for the ride. Shirley Chau from Genesis Wedding kept everything moving even when the pup had an accident in the bridal suite. Vicky from VickyC5 nailed hair and makeup for the girls and even touched up Kellan. The guys looked great in their Indochino suits.

 

Indoor Bridal Party Portraits at Hyatt House

The plan was a first look by the Hudson, but the nor’easter killed that idea quick. We pivoted to a glassed-in room at the Hyatt House that was being set up for an event, and the hotel was kind enough to let us use it. The natural light coming through made it work even better than the original plan, and the bridal party portraits in there came out so soft and pretty.

Couple Portraits at Central Railroad of NJ Terminal

To get out of the rain, the whole crew headed over to the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal for couple portraits. The big arched ceilings, the worn-in vintage feel, and the soft natural light spilling in made it one of the best portrait spots I’ve worked in around Jersey City. With NYC peeking through the windows, it gave Sharon and Kellan’s portraits a real sense of place.

The Ceremony and Tea Ceremony at Maritime Parc

The ceremony took place inside Maritime Parc’s main space, which is a clean, modern white room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Even with the gray sky outside, the natural light was beautiful. After the ceremony Sharon and Kellan did a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, which is one of my favorite cultural moments to photograph. The officiant had the best southern accent and made everyone laugh.

A Waterfront Reception at Maritime Parc Jersey City

The reception at Maritime Parc had the city lit up across the water once the sun went down. Sharon and Kellan’s choreographed first dance was the highlight of the night, totally worth the build-up. We wrapped the night with a few portraits of the two of them overlooking the NYC skyline at night, with the rain finally letting up just enough.

Even with a nor’easter, Sharon and Kellan had a perfect day. Huge thanks to them for trusting me to document it.

Planning a Maritime Parc Jersey City Wedding?

If you’re booking Maritime Parc and want a photographer who already knows the venue, the backup spots when weather hits, the Central Railroad terminal across the street, and how to time a full Jersey City wedding day, let’s chat. I’ve shot here multiple times and would love to be part of yours.