Whitney + Lyle were actually married back in April in Hawaii, but they had their reception/wedding celebration later at Antique Loft in Hoboken, NJ! And that’s where I came in!

Lyle is originally from South Africa and his family still lives. They had their wedding ceremony in Hawaii where both of their families could fly halfway for the wedding was perfect. They both love to travel and had dreamed of a micro wedding (with their feet in the sand) before Covid even happened so it worked out perfectly. Including them there were 9 people at their wedding, 10 if you include the monk seal that was also in attendance at their beach wedding. They aren’t able to see either of their families often so Hawaii was a very special time with family. Lyle’s family wasn’t able to make it to Hoboken, but Whitney + Lyle were very excited to show off where they lived to Whitney’s family and their friends.

Whitney + Lyle live blocks from the Hudson River in Hoboken, NJ. So in contrast to their wedding photos in Hawaii, they wanted photos around their hometown of Hoboken. We started in the Hoboken Terminal with its revivalist architecture (you know I love architectural details!). The original waiting room and tower was built in the early 1900’s with stunning architecture that was definitely in stark contrast to anything you would find in Hawaii. We then went to Pier A and met up with Whitney’s family for some more pictures. Finally we headed to the Antique Loft where they had their reception. All of it was within walking distance so it made for easy transitions to each place since we didn’t have to rely on transportation.

I love Whitney + Lyle’s story because they were so clearly meant to be together and both jumped right in from the beginning. Whitney was living in Boston and Lyle’s company sent him there for a 6 month project (he was living in New Jersey). During their first date they talked about life goals, family, what they wanted in a future partner, even religion and politics. He even promised to take her on a safari one day. Dinner turned into dessert, which turned in to getting together again the next day.

Two months after starting to date, Lyle went to Michigan for Christmas with Whitney’s family and then Whitney went halfway to Hawaii to meet Lyle’s parents. They dated while he was in Boston and when his project ended he went back to New Jersey and they were long-distance for 5 months until she moved to New Jersey. Less than a year after starting to date, Lyle took Whitney to South Africa for more time with his family and of course to take her on a safari.

I call this double exposure “Cinderella’s Clock”. (Even if the clock is no where near midnight.)

Whitney painted her toenails blue for her something blue. This ring that was her grandmother’s could also be her something old, borrowed, and blue. It was stunning!

A little dancing on Pier A while a musician played, with NYC in the background. These are the kind of magical moments you get when you’re near in or near NYC.

The sun was bright that day and it was windy out on the pier! We made it work, but we definitely had to find some shade when it came to family pictures.

I could have made double exposures all day with the NYC skyline in the background!

Whitney: “When planning our reception: The word “quality time’ kept popping up again.”

Whitney + Lyle started their reception by making sure each of their guests got a portrait taken (thanks to Nichole, my second photographer!). The guests then came to Whitney + Lyle (and me!) where they could say hello and get a picture with them. Whitney + Lyle really made sure each guest was welcomed and knew how excited they were there to celebrate with them.

Whitney + Lyle had their planner, Rosanny, set up different areas with different activities for guests. They also made it a point to mingle with all their guests and have that quality time with them.

I loved this idea! Whitney had Lauren from Ninety One Creations come and do 5 minute sketches/illustrations of guests. It was a great favor for guests to take home.

That New York City skyline never gets old for me! Plus Whitney + Lyle’s reception was over Memorial Day weekend so the Empire State Building was lit up red, white, and blue!

Whitney + Lyle,

Congratulations again! I truly loved spending the day with you and capturing your wedding celebration at Antique Loft in Hoboken! I hope there is lots of adventure in store for your future and marriage!

ANTIQUE LOFT HOBOKEN WEDDING VENDORS:

THE DRESS | Eddy K

HAIR | Up and Out

VENUE | Antique Loft

DJ | Sound Explosion Event Group

CAKE | Carlo’s Bake Shop

INVITATION SUITE | Minted

DAY OF COORDINATOR | Wedding by Rosanny

FASHION ILLUSTRATIONS | Ninety One Creations

PHOTOGRAPHER | Cassady K Photography

2ND PHOTOGRAPHER | Nichole Tippin