“We’re halfway there”

If ever there were a quintessential Hoboken couple, Kenia and John are it. The first time I met them was at the bar where it all began at O’Nieal’s Restaurant and Bar where we kicked off their engagement session. After a glass of wine for Kenia, we were all set to start exploring all the places in Hoboken that meant the most to them…well, at least what we could walk.

What we couldn’t cover for the engagement session, we picked up on the wedding day! Kelly and I met Kenia at her apartment where she and her girls and daughter, Gabby, were getting ready. Gabby was in the “hair chair” getting her hair blow dried for one hour and 20 minutes. I think that’s a record for hair drying, mine will air dry in 20 minutes.

I am still in love with all of the tulle in Kenia’s dress. It played a huge theme in the details portion, portraits, and even dancing (you’ll see!). The wind was pretty intense, and the tulle just danced around Kenia for all of her portraits. The other part of her that danced around was her veil. It actually flew away, traveled towards the bridesmaids and was caught, but we had to do without for a majority of the portraits.

My favorite accent piece, though, was not the veil (and my past brides know how I feel about veils!), but Kenia’s stole! This super soft, and cozy detail, set the scene for a beautiful chilly fall day that made her look so classic!

My favorite moment happened when, after an hour of portraits, John said “I love this row of trees and thought it would be nice for pictures!” Why? Because John is not so keen on pictures. So, after shuttling him around from Court Street to the Pier, he had his own ideas of where to take MORE pictures! Like music to my ears! And John, this was my favorite location. Bravo!

As the light started to fade, we headed to the Kolo Klub, where the ceremony was just about to begin! I love the Kolo Klub! It is so unique and reminds me a lot of Eastern Europe! The room was filled with candles, tungsten bulbs, and brick. Tricky to light, but super romantic and cozy!

Everything happened in this room. From ceremony, to cocktail hour to reception and party dancing! I loved the intimacy of all the family and friends. I also loved how much Hoboken meant to most of them! The room literally came alive with Journey and Bon Jovi, as it should in any Hoboken scene.

Thank you, Kenia, John and Gabby for sharing such a wonderful day with us! We loved being part of every moment! Thank you Kelly Joyce for being my assistant, second shooter, and car handler!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Kelly Joyce

Venue: Kolo Klub, Hoboken, NJ

Musician: Tiphanie Doucet