Battello Jersey City Wedding | Zoey + Jeff
Battello | Jersey City, NJ
Zoey and Jeff’s wedding at Battello in Jersey City was a beautiful celebration set against the Manhattan skyline. On an incredibly hot summer day, they incorporated meaningful traditions and enjoyed a stunning waterfront setting. I had the privilege of second shooting this wedding for
Battello is one of my favorite wedding venues in Jersey City. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, while the exposed beams, warm wood tones, and industrial architecture give the interiors plenty of character of their own. It’s a venue that gives you the best of both worlds photographically: incredible city views without having to rely on them for every portrait.
Wedding Portraits at Battello
Zoey began the day getting ready at the Westin Jersey City, just across the street from Battello. Once she was ready, we headed over to the venue where Jeff was waiting for their first look.
Afterward, we photographed their portraits throughout Battello’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Because it was such a hot summer day, the interiors gave us a welcome break from the heat without sacrificing beautiful light. The large windows bring in plenty of natural light, while the wood tones and industrial details give indoor portraits a completely different look from the waterfront.
Outside, we used the promenade and Manhattan skyline for portraits with the couple and wedding party. Later in the evening, we came back outside when the light softened for another round of portraits along the water.
A Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony
Before their wedding ceremony, Zoey and Jeff honored her heritage with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The couple served tea to their parents and extended family as a gesture of gratitude and respect.
It was one of the quieter parts of the day and gave us the opportunity to photograph their families together before everyone gathered for the wedding ceremony.
A Battello Wedding Ceremony
Zoey and Jeff held their ceremony inside Battello with the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline visible through the windows behind them. The exposed beams and warm wood tones gave the space plenty of character, while all of that natural light kept it feeling bright even indoors.
After the ceremony, guests moved into cocktail hour while we took Zoey and Jeff back outside. By then, the harsh summer light had softened and we were able to photograph along the waterfront before heading back inside for the reception.
Summer Wedding Reception at Battello
Zoey and Jeff kicked off their reception with a choreographed first dance before the evening moved into dinner and dancing. They also incorporated personal details throughout the reception, including a deck of playing cards that guests could sign in place of a traditional guest book.
Those smaller details are always some of my favorites to photograph. They make a wedding feel specific to the couple and become part of the story of the day alongside all of the bigger moments.
Battello is one of those venues I am always happy to photograph. Between the Manhattan skyline, waterfront, natural light, and character of the interiors, there are so many different ways to use the property throughout a wedding day.
Planning a Battello Jersey City wedding? You can learn more about my approach to photographing weddings throughout New Jersey here.
Photographed for Lizzie Burger Photography
