Restaurant Wedding at Elia in East Rutherford, New Jersey | Anna & Felipe

From our very first consultation, Anna and Felipe were clear about what mattered most to them: family, connection, and genuine presence. They did not just say it. They built the entire day around it. From choosing a venue that felt personal to incorporating heirloom wardrobe pieces with meaning behind them, every decision was guided by the same priorities: stay grounded, stay close, and make it feel like them.

That is something I am always reminding my couples. Your wedding does not have to follow anyone else’s formula. The more you lean into what is true to you, the people you love most, the traditions that actually mean something, and the pace that lets you be present, the more your photos will feel like you too. Because the moments you will want to remember are not manufactured. They are the ones that happen when you are fully in it.

Elia was not just a venue choice for Anna and Felipe. It was part of their family’s story. Her parents and sister both got married there, and it was previously owned by their family before it was sold years ago. Choosing Elia felt less like renting a space and more like returning to something familiar and meaningful. It was the kind of decision that reflected their priorities from the start: family, connection, and doing things in a way that felt personal.

One of my favorite parts of the day was cocktail hour, because it felt like an experience rather than a “gap” in the timeline. They had a live doo-wop band, and the fact that the band sang their first dance song made the whole day feel connected. It gave guests something to enjoy immediately, set the tone early, and created a moment everyone was part of before the reception even began.

Elia in East Rutherford is one of my favorite Bergen County venues because it already has so much built-in atmosphere. It does not need much decor to feel special. Between the florals throughout the restaurant and the overall energy of the space, it feels vibrant and elevated in a way that is different from a lot of restaurant venues that lean dark or moody. The space is bright, lively, and full of character in a way that photographs beautifully and feels inviting for guests. It strikes that rare balance where the design feels intentional, but the energy still feels warm.