As a wedding photographer in New York who often documents more offbeat, non-traditional weddings; I have the joy of witnessing all sorts of different celebrations. From big to small, colorful, glittery to rustic and everything in between. I LOVE finding unique wedding venues in NYC and especially love when I get to work with a couple as unique and wonderful as André and Jonny. This wedding at Baylander Steel Beach was an amazing celebration and I’m so glad I got to be part of it.
From the first phone call with these two amazing humans, I knew this wedding was going to be something special. Not only are André and Jonny the kindest people you could meet, they were throwing a fantastic party at a unique wedding venue and wearing custom outfits that were perhaps the most fabulous, sparkly wedding outfits I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.
I met up with the couple at a hotel in Harlem while they finished up getting ready and then we hopped on a trolly to their wedding venue, The Baylander Steel Beach. I love a boat wedding, and this amazing venue is an old Navy ship docked on the Hudson in Harlem. They had access to the whole ship and were married on the deck right on the river. It was awesome!
First things first though, we took all the photos! I can not begin to describe how amazing these wedding outfits were! Aren’t they gorgeous!?! André and Jonny met in Fire Island and wanted to bring an ocean breeze theme to the wedding and guests were told to dress accordingly. (Yes, of course there was an award for best dressed!) Their outfits complimented each other perfectly and were exquisitely sparkly and festive.
They loved the camera as much as it loved them. These two were a dream to photograph.
A favorite photo from 2023? Yes. Without question.
Their dog Sparkles also played a part in the ceremony so we had to get a photo of course!
Their wedding party looked incredible! I love a big group and these folks were so much fun!
Not a dry eye in the house for this wedding ceremony. Jonny and André exchanged beautiful personal vows.
However, perhaps one of the most fun aspects of their wedding ceremony at Baylander Steel Beach? One of their friends is a comedian and did a whole routine roasting everyone and it was hilarious and she had everyone cracking up.
The happiest!! I love this moment so much!
When you have a navy ship for your wedding venue, you can toss the bouquets from the upper deck!
Wedding bingo to get everyone mingling was a great idea!
Later in the evening both grooms danced with their mom’s. As a parent, I will always love this tradition.
And then they did their first dance, which started nice and quiet and sweet, and then took off into an amazing choreographed routine! This two looked incredible!
And what party is complete without a full drag show?! Jada Valenciaga put on an incredible performance!! More drag queens at weddings please!
And then it was dance party time! The weather was bonkers on this day, crazy high winds and it started to storm, so everyone headed below deck for the rest of the party.
The award for best dressed!
Huge congrats to André and Jonny for an incredible wedding! What an amazing day!
Wedding Day Vendors:
Wedding Photographer: De Nueva Photography
Make-Up: Jerkeema Garrett
Hair: Harlem Natural Hair
Venue and Catering: Baylander Steel Beach
Outfit Designer: Johnny Vendiola
Officiant: Friend, Jayne Eckley
DJ: DJ Jon Ali
