Hudson House Wedding Photography: Shannon and Brendan’s Elegant Jersey City Celebration
Shannon and Brendan’s March wedding at Hudson House in Jersey City was a beautifully modern, heartfelt celebration overlooking the iconic Manhattan skyline. Hudson House is known for its clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and some of the most enviable waterfront views in the region, and it created the perfect atmosphere for their early-spring wedding day. Our team was also proud to be the recommended photographers and videographers for Hudson House, which always allows us to work seamlessly throughout the space and make the most of its panoramic design.
Their wedding day unfolded with a light, relaxed energy. From getting ready in downtown Jersey City to portraits in their Paulus Hook neighborhood with their dog Harley, every moment reflected a personal connection to the city they call home. Asya and Massimo captured the day with the editorial-meets-documentary approach that defines our studio, focusing on natural expressions, warm family interactions, and the subtle architectural elements that make Hudson House wedding photography so striking.
Photographers: Asya and Joe
Venue: Hudson House
Hotel: Canopy by Hilton – Jersey City Arts District
Bride’s hair: Cait with Emboldened Hair Artistry
Bride’s makeup: Monica Case
Bridal Dress shop: Kannitha at Seng Couture
Groom’s Attire: Mario with Vero Uomo
Florist: Ivy with Flower Bar
DJ: Dave Nase with Elite Entertainment
Cake: Calandra’s Bakery
Officiant: Father Vince Corso
Getting Ready in Jersey City
Both Shannon and Brendan began their day in locations that felt meaningful and familiar. Shannon got ready at the Canopy by Hilton, a stylish hotel known for its minimalist interiors and clean natural light. Her suite was bright and airy, giving us the perfect backdrop for detail photos, finishing-touch moments, and portraits with her family.
We especially loved photographing her naturally curly hair, which she chose to wear in its full, textured beauty. Brides with curly hair often tell us they are unsure how it will photograph, but curls are incredibly photogenic. They add shape, movement, dimension, and personality to every image, and Shannon’s curls framed her face beautifully from morning until the final dance.
Meanwhile, Massimo met Brendan at their apartment on Essex Street. Groom prep is often overlooked in wedding coverage, but it adds so much to the story of the day. Brendan and his groomsmen were relaxed and easygoing, and the classic space gave us great textures for portraits. We captured shots of Brendan putting on his accessories and sharing moments with his family before heading outside for the first look.
First Look and Portraits in Paulus Hook
The first look took place right outside their brownstone, surrounded by the cobblestone streets and brick facades of the Paulus Hook neighborhood. This setting felt authentic to them, and the images reflect exactly that. One of the highlights of the day was incorporating their dog, Harley, into the portraits. Couples frequently ask if it’s possible to include pets in wedding photos, and the answer is always yes. As long as the timeline allows for it and there is someone to help with handling, dogs can be part of some of the most memorable wedding portraits.
The combination of cobblestones, the historic railway tracks, warm March light, and Harley trotting in and out of the frame created some of our favorite images of the entire wedding. This part of Jersey City offers a perfect blend of texture and charm, and it is a wonderful alternative to busier locations like the waterfront. For anyone searching for pet-friendly wedding photo locations in Jersey City or natural, editorial-style wedding portraits, this neighborhood is one of our top recommendations.
Portraits and Family Photos on the Hudson House Rooftop
From there, the wedding party and family joined us at Hudson House for portraits on the rooftop. Shooting on the rooftop at Hudson House is always a highlight, especially for couples wanting dramatic skyline views. The open deck, crisp architectural lines, and sweeping views of Manhattan give every image an elevated, modern feel.
We spent the hour capturing bridal party photos, extended family groupings, and a fresh set of couple portraits. The overcast March sky acted like a softbox, creating flattering natural light for every grouping. Because Hudson House weddings offer both indoor and outdoor spaces with strong visual impact, we can adjust quickly based on weather and still create editorial-style portraits every time.
The structured family photo list also ensured that we were able to cover all the important combinations efficiently while keeping everyone comfortable. Family photos can easily become overwhelming, but a well-organized list helps keep the flow smooth and stress-free.
Ceremony at Hudson House
The ceremony took place just after sunset, which is an ideal time in Hudson House because the city lights begin to glow through the windows. The space is already breathtaking, but the shift from day to evening gives everything a romantic, cinematic quality. March weddings in New Jersey often have cooler temperatures, but the indoor ceremony location ensures the atmosphere stays warm and inviting regardless of weather.
Asya and Massimo captured the ceremony with a combination of wide architectural angles and intimate close-ups, allowing the full design of the room to shine while still focusing on Shannon and Brendan’s expressions. Their vows, the reactions of their families, and the excitement as they walked back down the aisle all came together to create a timeless sequence of images.
Cocktail Hour and Sunset Photos
Cocktail hour at Hudson House is always full of energy. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring in beautiful natural light early in the evening, and the reflective surfaces of the space elevate every image. We focused on candid guest photos, food and ambiance coverage, and posed groupings with extended family and friends.
As sunset approached, Shannon and Brendan stepped outside for a few golden hour portraits. Sunset photos at Hudson House are one of the most requested elements from our couples. Even in early spring, the warm tones of the sky create cinematic images that pair beautifully with the skyline. These portraits were soft, warm, and romantic, and they provided a natural transition into the evening celebration.
Reception at Hudson House
The reception showcased everything couples love about Hudson House weddings: panoramic city views, a sleek and modern interior, and an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and polished. Shannon and Brendan chose not to do table photos, which allowed the photographers to focus on dynamic candids, emotional toasts, dance floor moments, and interactions among guests.
The ballroom lighting was warm and flattering, highlighting the couple’s first dance, parent dances, heartfelt speeches, and of course the cake cutting later in the night. The variety of reflective surfaces and architectural lines inside Hudson House also make reception photos more visually interesting than many traditional venues.
For couples searching for Hudson House wedding photography, the combination of clean, contemporary architectural elements and incredible skyline views is unbeatable. It’s a venue that photographs beautifully in every season, at every hour of the day, and in every corner of the property.
Final Thoughts
Shannon and Brendan’s Hudson House wedding was a wonderful way to begin the spring wedding season. From portraits with Harley in Paulus Hook to the rooftop photos and the glowing city skyline during their ceremony, every part of the day came together seamlessly.
We were honored to capture their wedding and to be recommended photographers and videographers for Hudson House. The venue’s design, flexibility, and breathtaking views allow us to create timeless, editorial-style images that couples can treasure for decades to come.
If you are planning a Hudson House wedding and would like guidance on timelines, portrait locations, rooftop usage, or incorporating pets into your wedding photos, we would be happy to help you design a photography plan that fits your vision.
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding photography location in Jersey City, look no further. Check out our article for a comprehensive guide to the best places for capturing your special day.
