When Ivonne and Connor reached out about photographing their June wedding, I knew we were in for something special. A traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Henry’s Church in Bayonne followed by an elegant reception at Liberty House in Jersey City with those incredible NYC skyline views? Sign me up.

This St. Henry’s Church and Liberty House wedding perfectly showcases why these two venues work so beautifully together for couples planning a Jersey City area wedding. The combination of historic Gothic architecture and modern waterfront elegance with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views creates unforgettable wedding photos. Here’s everything you need to know about this stunning venue pairing.

Getting Ready at The Westin Newport

The day started at The Westin Newport in Jersey City, where Ivonne and Connor got ready in separate rooms. June weddings in Jersey City offer that perfect early summer weather—comfortable temperatures, longer daylight hours, and gorgeous natural light flooding through hotel windows.

Ivonne looked absolutely radiant in her white silk robe with lace trim, her hair already perfectly styled with those gorgeous soft waves. Her strapless lace wedding dress hung nearby on a custom “Bride” hanger, and honestly, that dress was stunning. The intricate lace detail and fit-and-flare silhouette was everything.

Connor’s getting-ready photos had this classic, timeless feel. We caught him in that contemplative moment by the window, adjusting his cufflinks in his tuxedo shirt with suspenders.

There’s something about those black and white getting-ready shots that just hits different—the contrast between formal attire and those quiet, reflective moments before the ceremony.

One thing I loved about working with Ivonne and Connor was how organized they were. They had their rings ready, the room was tidy for photos, and everything ran smoothly.

When couples are this prepared, it makes my job so much easier and we get better photos. Instead of scrambling for details, we spent that time capturing genuine moments.

St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church Ceremony

St. Henry’s Church in Bayonne is an absolute photographer’s dream. The Neo-Gothic architecture, those soaring vaulted ceilings, the ornate altar with gold details, and the stunning stained glass windows create this ethereal atmosphere that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.

Ivonne arrived at the church looking like an absolute vision. We captured that moment when she stepped out of the limo, her off-the-shoulder lace gown and cathedral-length veil flowing behind her.

Her parents walked on either side of her as they approached the church, and you could feel the emotion building with every step.

Inside, the ceremony was deeply meaningful. Both of Ivonne’s fathers walked her down the aisle in a touching moment that honored her blended family.

The ceremony included readings in both English and Spanish, reflecting the couple’s cultural heritage.

There was a beautiful candle ceremony with both mothers that brought tears to everyone’s eyes—one of those moments where you just know you’re capturing something truly special.

One technical note for other photographers: St. Henry’s doesn’t allow flash photography during the ceremony, so you need to be comfortable shooting in natural light.

You also need to know how to work with those gorgeous stained glass windows. The way the colored light filtered through during the ceremony created these incredible moments.

Working with available light in Gothic churches is challenging but absolutely rewarding when you nail those shots.

After the ceremony, we captured that classic shot of Ivonne and Connor on the church steps, her veil cascading down behind them against those Gothic arches. Then guests showered them with bubbles as they exited, which created this magical, celebratory atmosphere.

Why St. Henry’s Church is Perfect for Wedding Photography:

• Stunning Neo-Gothic architecture with ornate gold altar details
• Natural light from expansive stained glass windows (no flash needed)
• Intimate 100-150 guest capacity ideal for traditional ceremonies
• Prime location in Bayonne with easy access to Jersey City reception venues
• Beautiful interior and exterior photo opportunities

Family Portraits at St. Henry’s Church

We did family portraits right inside the church, taking advantage of that stunning altar backdrop. Ivonne had been very thoughtful about her family dynamics, letting us know in advance about some sensitive family situations, which helped us navigate the formal photos smoothly and respectfully.

The couple’s portraits inside St. Henry’s took full advantage of the architecture. That front and center shot with the ornate altar canopy behind them and the red carpet leading up the aisle is one of my favorites from the day.

Liberty House Restaurant Reception

After wrapping at the church, we headed to Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City for the reception.

If you’re looking for jaw-dropping NYC skyline views for your wedding, Liberty House is it. Located right at Liberty State Park, you get unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center, and the Hudson River.

The 20-minute drive from St. Henry’s Church makes this venue pairing logistically perfect.

We had about an hour for couple and family portraits before the reception started, and we made the most of it. The outdoor areas at Liberty House offer so many photo opportunities.

That giant outdoor chess set became one of our favorite spots, with Ivonne’s veil perfectly catching the breeze as the Manhattan skyline rose behind them.

Best Times for Liberty House Wedding Portraits:

• Golden hour: 1-2 hours before sunset for warm, romantic light
• Late spring/early summer: Sunset around 8:00-8:30 PM (perfect timing)
• Cocktail hour: Take advantage while guests are occupied
• Weekday traffic consideration: 20 minutes from Bayonne, allow 30 for weekend travel
• Weather backup: Indoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows maintain skyline views

The boardwalk along the waterfront gave us those romantic walking shots with the city in the background. The summer evening light was just starting to get that golden quality, and with the grass fields and skyline views, every angle was money.

Creative Couple Portraits at Liberty State Park

One of my favorite shots from the day was through the circular sculpture at Liberty State Park. Framing Ivonne and Connor through that textured metal circle with the greenery behind them created this artistic, editorial look that stood out from traditional wedding portraits.

These are the kinds of creative shots that make Liberty State Park such an incredible location for wedding photography. Beyond the obvious skyline views, the park offers unique architectural elements, vintage railroad tracks, and sculptural installations that add artistic variety to your wedding gallery. (If you’re considering engagement photos in Jersey City, this location is perfect for that too.)

We also captured some stunning veil shots on the boardwalk. When you have a cathedral-length veil like Ivonne’s, you’ve got to use it.

That image of her veil stretched out behind them with the full Manhattan skyline in the background perfectly captures the elegance of their day. The June breeze cooperated beautifully, creating that flowing, romantic movement that makes veil shots so dramatic.

The key to great veil photos? Timing and positioning. We waited for those moments when the wind caught the veil just right, and positioned them so the skyline provided that stunning backdrop without competing with the couple as the focal point.

Liberty House Reception Details

Inside the Liberty Room, the reception setup was elegant and romantic. White roses and hydrangeas filled the space, and the sunset timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

We took Ivonne and Connor back outside around 8:15 PM for those golden hour portraits that every couple dreams about. The light at that time of evening is absolutely magical—soft, warm, and flattering on everyone.

The DJ played a special song for the table photos, and Ivonne and Connor made their way around all ten tables, greeting their 110 guests. This is such a smart way to ensure you get photos with everyone—much more natural than a traditional receiving line.

The dance floor energy was incredible all night. We captured tons of candid moments of the couple interacting with their guests, which is exactly what they wanted. Those spontaneous, joyful moments are often the ones couples treasure most.

Three parent dances added to the emotion of the evening. Connor danced with his mother Christine, while Ivonne had a special moment dancing with both her father and stepfather, honoring both men who raised her.

Planning a St. Henry’s Church and Liberty House wedding? I’d love to discuss your photography needs and help you create a timeline that captures every meaningful moment. These venues work beautifully together, and I know all the best spots for portraits at both locations. Check my availability or call 917-992-9097 to start planning your wedding photography.

Why St. Henry’s Church and Liberty House Work So Well Together

These two venues complement each other perfectly. You get the traditional, sacred ceremony space with all that Gothic architecture and history at St. Henry’s, then transition to modern elegance with unbeatable views at Liberty House.

The travel time between venues is only about 20 minutes, which is ideal for keeping your timeline on track without losing momentum or exhausting your guests.

Logistics Benefits of This Venue Pairing:

• Only 20 minutes between venues (4.5 miles via Kennedy Boulevard)
• Both venues accommodate 100-150 guests comfortably
• Complementary aesthetics: historic Gothic elegance + modern waterfront sophistication
• Easy vendor access for caterers, DJs, and florists familiar with both locations
• Parking available at both venues
• Prime location for guests traveling from NYC, North Jersey, and Hudson County

For couples considering this venue pairing, here’s my advice:

St. Henry’s Church: The architecture photographs beautifully, but remember no flash during the ceremony. Plan time after the ceremony for those interior portraits because that altar area is too stunning not to use. The church steps and exterior also offer great photo opportunities.

Liberty House: Book your wedding during sunset season (late spring through early fall) if you want those incredible skyline photos with perfect light. The outdoor spaces work best when it’s not too hot, and the views are spectacular year-round.

Working with Diverse Families and Cultural Traditions

One aspect of Ivonne and Connor’s wedding that made it special was how they blended their families and honored different traditions. From bilingual ceremony readings to both fathers walking Ivonne down the aisle, to the mothers’ candle ceremony, every element was intentional and meaningful.

As a photographer, I love when couples embrace their heritage and family dynamics authentically. It creates richer, more emotional images and tells a more complete story.

Wedding Day Timeline Tips

Their 9-hour coverage worked perfectly for this wedding. We started at 12:45 PM with getting ready photos and ended at 9:45 PM after full dance floor coverage.

Complete 9-Hour Wedding Photography Timeline:

• 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: Getting ready photos for both bride and groom at The Westin Newport
• 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Pre-ceremony portraits with Ivonne, her parents, flower girl, and ring bearer
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Full ceremony coverage at St. Henry’s Church (natural light, no flash)
• 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Bubble exit and guests candids
• 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Church portraits inside and out, family formals
• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Travel time to Liberty House Restaurant
• 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Extended couple and family portraits at Liberty State Park
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Cocktail hour coverage and reception detail shots
• 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM: Reception grand entrance, first dances, toasts, parent dances
• 8:15 PM – 8:45 PM: Sunset golden hour portraits with NYC skyline
• 8:45 PM – 9:45 PM: Cake cutting, table photos, and dance floor coverage

If you’re planning a similar timeline with two venues, I’d recommend at least 8-9 hours of coverage to capture everything without feeling rushed.

The key is building in buffer time. We had 30 minutes built into travel and transitions, which meant when the ceremony ran 10 minutes long (they always do), we didn’t lose any portrait time at Liberty House.

Why June Weddings in Jersey City Are Perfect

June weather in Jersey City is usually ideal for outdoor photos. Ivonne and Connor’s wedding day had that perfect early summer feel with comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s and beautiful natural light throughout the day.

Liberty State Park’s grounds were green and lush—that’s what you get when you book during peak growing season. The longer daylight hours in June meant we had plenty of time for those sunset portraits without rushing. Sunset was at 8:27 PM, giving us that magical golden hour light right when we needed it.

Best Months for Liberty State Park Wedding Photography:

• May-June: Lush greenery, comfortable temps (65-75°F), late sunset (8:15-8:30 PM)
• September-October: Fall colors, crisp air, earlier sunset (6:30-7:30 PM) for reception flow
• Avoid: July-August can be hot and humid; December-February has limited outdoor options

The timing worked out perfectly for their 7 PM reception start with sunset portraits scheduled for 8:15 PM—right in that sweet spot between dinner service and cake cutting.

Final Thoughts

Ivonne and Connor’s wedding was one of those days where everything came together beautifully. The venues were stunning, the couple was organized and relaxed, the family dynamics were honored thoughtfully, and we got incredible photos throughout the entire day.

What made this wedding particularly special was how every detail reflected their relationship and values. From honoring both of Ivonne’s fathers equally, to incorporating bilingual elements throughout the ceremony, to choosing venues that balanced tradition with modern elegance—every choice was intentional and meaningful.

The St. Henry’s Church and Liberty House combination gave us the best of both worlds photographically. The dramatic Gothic architecture and sacred atmosphere of the church ceremony, followed by those sweeping NYC skyline views and golden hour light at Liberty State Park, created a wedding gallery with incredible variety and depth.

If you’re planning a Jersey City wedding or looking for a photographer who can handle the logistics of multiple venues while capturing all those authentic moments you’ll want to remember, I’d love to hear from you.

After photographing 500+ weddings throughout Northern New Jersey and NYC, I know these venues inside and out. I know where the light hits at 3 PM at St. Henry’s, which spots at Liberty State Park photograph best, and how to keep your timeline running smoothly between both locations.

St. Henry’s Church and Liberty House make for an unbeatable combination, and there’s nothing I love more than documenting weddings where you can feel the love and joy in every moment.

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Venues:

• Ceremony: St. Henry Roman Catholic Church, Bayonne, NJ
• Reception: Liberty House Restaurant, Jersey City, NJ
• Getting Ready: The Westin Newport, Jersey City, NJ

Looking for a Jersey City wedding photographer? I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings throughout Northern New Jersey, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. Let’s talk about your wedding day vision.

Contact: alex@alexkaplanphoto.com | 917-992-9097 www.alexkaplanweddings.com

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