Documentary Wedding Photographer NYC: a Wall Street/Red Hook wedding

One of the best things about being a documentary wedding photographer in NYC is getting to experience those moments when everything seems to come together perfectly: a sweet, sophisticated, thoughtful couple; incredible architecture; boisterous and loving friends and family; can’t-stop-dancing music; and even cooperative weather.

That’s what happened for Meghan and Pepe’s wedding. And they deserved it, because they had to pull the whole affair together at the last minute… their original venue CANCELLED on them out of the blue.

It was no small feat for them to rearrange everything for their wedding. Pepe is originally from Mexico and had many friends and family traveling internationally to be at the wedding. (Plus, they had to schedule around the World Cup!)

Having to change the schedule completely at the drop of a hat required steady nerves and grace. Luckily, Megan and Pepe have both. 🙂

In the end, they not only changed the date and place for their reception; they changed states! They were originally planning to get married in Jersey City, with a view of the Hudson River and Manhattan in the background. Instead, they got married in downtown NYC, then celebrated their reception in Red Hook with a view of the East River and the southern tip of Wall Street in the background.

One of the most fun things about their wedding photos is the variety of architectural backdrops. They got ready at the Beekman Hotel, truly one of the most unusual hotels in NYC. It was the first “fireproof” office building in the city, built in 1883, and with typical Gilded Age excess, it combines three different architectural styles into one dramatic, unforgettable design. Its most memorable feature is the atrium, from which you can look up at nine stories of neo-Grecian colonnades and wrought iron balconies, topped with a skylight.

Their ceremony was at St. Peter’s Church on Barclay Street, a Greek Revival structure build in 1835 that fits the Wall Street aesthetic like a glove. The classical white and gold interior is punctuated by a large painting of the Crucifixion by Mexican artist Jose Vallejo, a gift of the Archbishop of Mexico City in 1789.

And finally, their reception was at Liberty Warehouse in Red Hook, a 150-year old converted liquor warehouse. The raw interiors and industrial aesthetic made a dramatic counterpoint to the baroque styles of the venues earlier in the day.

We can’t forget to mention one other thing we loved about this wedding: the music. You can always tell from the dancing photos if people are having a good time, or a GOOD TIME. It was definitely the latter at Meghan and Pepe’s party! Kudos to Hank Lane for providing killer music from start to finish.

Congratulations, Meghan and Pepe!