Photography: @jredziniak
Makeup: @stefanie.saba
Hair: Camarino Salon
Venue: @thegrandevents
Florals: @ehskyflowers
Video: @bluemoonwed
Cake: @calandrasbakery
Entertainment: @polstardjs
Dress: Allure from Lotus Bridal
Invitations: @decoris.pl
Weddings are a celebration of love, culture, and family, and Angela and Rafał's special day was a perfect blend of these elements. With deep Polish roots and a flair for elegance, their wedding was a beautiful reflection of their heritage and personal style.
The day began in Howard Beach, where Angela and Rafał prepared for their big day at their parents' homes. Each house was filled with excitement and love, with beautiful details that set the tone for the day ahead. From the carefully crafted invitations to the beautifully decorated staircase, every element was thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of anticipation and joy.
Once dressed, Angela and Rafał made their way to the church for their ceremony. The moment they saw each other for the first time as Angela walked down the aisle was nothing short of magical—a moment filled with emotion and love that set the stage for the day’s festivities.
Following the ceremony, the couple drove towards their venue in a souped-up Toyota Supra, ready to begin the next chapter of their celebration. But as is tradition in Polish weddings, their journey was interrupted just a block away by a playful "brama." This tradition, where guests stop the bride and groom from reaching their venue, requires the couple to perform a humorous task or challenge, often accompanied by a symbolic payment of vodka.
In this case, their friends, dressed as a priest, stopped them with a van labeled "Mobile Confession." The couple was asked to humorously confess their sins while their friend played the accordion, adding a delightful touch of humor and tradition to the day. After fulfilling their task, Angela and Rafał were free to continue on to their wedding venue—The Grand in Totowa, NJ.
Upon arrival, the couple and their bridal party took center stage for a photo session. The bridal party was a vision of elegance, with the bridesmaids dressed in light baby blue dresses and the groomsmen in classic black suits. Rafał stood out in a navy blue jacket, complementing Angela's stunning bridal look.
The picturesque surroundings of The Grand provided the perfect backdrop for their portraits. From the majestic arches of the entry gate set against cobblestone to the beautiful stone walls, every shot captured the elegance and charm of the venue. Inside, the ornate lobby and hallways offered even more opportunities for capturing the couple's love and joy.
Before the party began, I had the chance to photograph the ballroom decor—an elegant space filled with charm and sophistication. Angela and Rafał then had their ballroom shot, a private moment on the dance floor with indoor sparklers, giving them a chance to practice their first dance before the guests arrived.
As the bridal party made their grand entrance through the main doors, the guests were thrilled to see Angela and Rafał enter the ballroom in a truly unique way—rising from the dance floor on a glass doored elevator, surrounded by golden stanchions. It was a show-stopping moment that perfectly encapsulated the couple's flair for the dramatic and their love for tradition.
The night continued with dancing, laughter, and celebration as guests filled the dance floor, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As the evening drew to a close, we stepped outside for night photos of the couple, capturing the beauty of their venue lit up in warm golden tones—a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Angela and Rafał's wedding was a true celebration of love, culture, and family, filled with traditions, elegance, and fun. It was an honor to capture the beauty and joy of their special day, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness together.
