A City Love Story: Sara & Jonathan’s Brooklyn Winery Wedding
A City Love Story:
Sara & Jonathan’s
Brooklyn Winery Wedding
There are some weddings that feel like they’re unfolding in a dream—where every detail is meaningful, every look shared is genuine, and every moment feels both intimate and cinematic. Sara & Jonathan’s day was exactly that. A timeless celebration tucked into the heart of the city they love, blending their cultures, stories, and styles into something truly unforgettable.
How It All Began
Sara & Jonathan met the modern way—on Coffee Meets Bagel—and quickly discovered they shared a love for good food, great conversation, and a deep appreciation for the city around them. As wedding photographers, we often hear couples say they just knew when it was right. With Sara & Jonathan, you could feel that certainty in everything they did—from the way they looked at each other, to how thoughtfully they planned every part of their wedding.
Photos from Sara & Jonathan's Central Park Engagement Session with Alex Knight
The Night Before:
An Intimate Tea Ceremony at Wenwen
The night before the wedding, we had the honor of photographing a quiet, emotional tea ceremony at Wenwen, a modern Taiwanese restaurant in Manhattan. It was just their immediate families gathered together in the cozy space. Sara & Jonathan exchanged private vows and participated in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony—a meaningful nod to Jon's heritage.
It was during this night that one of the cups used in the ceremony would later become part of their wedding day itself—used during their kiddush alongside Sara’s late grandfather’s cup. Small moments like this—blending tradition, honoring family—made their wedding feel layered and deeply personal.
Wedding Day
The Wedding Venue:
A Full Circle Moment at Brooklyn Winery
The morning of their wedding was calm and clear—the kind of spring day photographers dream of. Sara & Jonathan chose to marry at Brooklyn Winery. They wanted to get married in New York because most of their family and friends are there. Years ago, they’d gone to Brooklyn Winery for a drink and Sara mentioned how beautiful it would be to get married there one day.
At the time, it seemed too small. But when the winery moved to a new, larger space in Greenpoint, Jonathan remembered that moment. “Jon never forgot,” Sara told us, and from the second we arrived, we understood why. It was warm and elegant, filled with natural light and surrounded by their neighborhood streets—the perfect reflection of their relationship.
Getting Ready in the Glow of the Morning
Sara spent the morning surrounded by her family & closest people, getting ready in a light-filled room that felt both elegant and calm. Christina Errante worked her magic on Sara’s makeup, creating a soft and timeless look, while Ivey Ray added her touch to some of the bridal party glam. The team from StylesOnB styled Sara’s hair to perfection—every detail coming together effortlessly.
Her dress was a true showstopper: a romantic Dana Harel gown that felt both modern and ethereal. She found it at Mark Ingram Bridal in Midtown, with the help of stylist Jill, who brought Sara’s vision board to life. The moment she stepped into the gown, it was clear—it was the one. She completed her look with a pair of elegant earrings—something borrowed from family friends Ruth and Steve of Freedman Jewelers, making them all the more special.
The atmosphere in the room was joyful and warm—filled with laughter, music, and a few teary-eyed glances as the morning unfolded. It was the perfect start to such a meaningful day.
A Morning of Quiet Confidence
Jonathan’s morning carried a quiet sense of calm and focus. In a well-lit room with just the right amount of pre-wedding nerves, he suited up in a classic Ralph Lauren tux—thoughtfully chosen with Sara’s input and a friend’s trusted referral. The monogrammed cufflinks, a gift from Sara, added a deeply personal touch to his look.
As he straightened his bowtie and shared a few laughs with family and friends, the moment began to sink in: this was the day he’d been waiting for. There was no rush, just confidence, warmth, and the anticipation of seeing Sara for the first time.
The First Look: A Private Premiere
Before the ceremony, Sara & Jonathan shared their first look—a private, quiet moment where time seemed to slow down. We love capturing these kinds of moments. You could see the nerves dissolve instantly as soon as they saw each other. It was all smiles, soft words, and misty eyes. A reminder of why these two were here.
In the City That Holds Their Story
After the first look, we took a walk with Sara & Jonathan through the heart of Greenpoint—a neighborhood that means so much to them. With the spring light falling softly across the buildings, the streets became the perfect backdrop. They strolled past brownstones, paused under budding trees, and moved through the city with the ease of two people who feel completely at home with each other.
There’s something special about this part of the day—when the nerves give way to excitement and the couple can finally just be. Every frame from this session feels candid and full of connection, capturing the quiet joy between them and the story of where they are in that exact moment in time.
With the Ones Who Mean the Most
Before the ceremony, we also spent time capturing Sara & Jonathan with their bridal party, families, and closest friends. These portraits are always some of the most meaningful—full of inside jokes, warm embraces, and those little looks that only happen between people who’ve known each other forever.
The energy was joyful, supportive, and full of anticipation. Whether it was a quiet moment with parents, laughter between siblings, or the hype from their best friends, every photo from this part of the day tells its own little story. Together, they paint a picture of not just a couple, but a whole community of love around them.
Ketubah Signing: A Sacred Circle
Back at the venue, their families gathered in a quiet room for the Ketubah and marriage license signing. It was small, sacred, and full of emotion. You could feel the weight and joy of the moment—a shared sense of gratitude, love, and tradition. Sara & Jonathan stood surrounded by those closest to them, marking the start of their marriage in the most personal way.
The Ceremony: A Blend of Cultures and Meaning
Their ceremony seamlessly wove together both Jewish and Chinese traditions, reflecting their shared values and family histories. The tea ceremony cup made its second appearance during kiddush, joined by Sara’s grandfather’s cup—a meaningful and symbolic union. Their beautifully designed Ketubah included the Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon, marking the year of their marriage.
As photographers, we’re always moved by ceremonies that feel deeply personal. Theirs was filled with intention—every element thoughtfully chosen, every moment a reflection of who they are together.
The Quietest, Most Perfect Moment
After the ceremony and before the cocktail hour, they took fifteen minutes alone in the bridal suite. No cameras, no guests—just the two of them.
It was their favorite part of the day.
“We really enjoyed our fifteen minute break post ceremony, pre-cocktail hour where it was just the two of us reflecting on how great the ceremony was and how happy we were to be married finally.”
Reception: The Celebration Begins
As golden hour faded into evening, Brooklyn Winery came alive. The reception space was nothing short of magical—lush florals by Rebecca Shepherd spilled across tables and danced along architectural beams, transforming the already-stunning venue into a candlelit garden in the heart of Brooklyn. Every detail felt warm, inviting, and completely in tune with Sara & Jonathan’s style: chic, modern, and deeply personal.
Guests were welcomed with incredible cuisine and craft cocktails, all curated and served by Brooklyn Winery’s in-house catering team. From the passed bites to the artfully plated courses, everything felt elevated and effortless—true to the intimate, urban celebration Sara & Jonathan envisioned.
The band, 45 Riots, took the energy to the next level. The moment they kicked off their first set, the room lit up. The dance floor quickly filled and didn’t empty once the party got started. Sara & Jonathan’s music requests—iconic throwbacks like the Backstreet Boys and WALK THE MOON—had everyone singing, dancing, and celebrating without pause.
It wasn’t just a reception—it was a full-on experience. Every laugh, every toast, every beat of the music felt like a reflection of the couple: joyful, vibrant, and surrounded by love.
The Photo Booth: A Hit with the Crowd
Guests got an extra dose of fun at the photo booth—provided by us at Alex Knight Studio! The booth was busy all night long, capturing everything from hilarious group shots to sweet moments between loved ones. It added a whole other dimension to the evening and gave everyone a keepsake to take home (and some very fun blackmail-worthy images for the couple to enjoy later).
Words of Wisdom from the Couple
Sara & Jonathan were thoughtful in how they planned their day, and they offered one big piece of advice: “Give yourself plenty of time to plan.” They spent over a year bringing their vision to life and recommend the same to other couples. “We were certain about every decision and went into our big day confident that it would be perfect (and it was!).”
A Day That Felt Like Them
Sara & Jonathan’s wedding wasn’t just a beautiful day—it was a celebration of who they are as individuals, as a couple, and as a family in the making. It was meaningful, elegant, joyful, and full of quiet depth. We feel so lucky to have been invited into their story and to capture every piece of it.
From the bustling streets of New York to the quiet moments of connection, their day was a reminder of what weddings are really about: love, intention, and the people who make it all matter.
Framing a Love That Speaks for Itself
From behind our cameras, we watched Sara & Jonathan’s day unfold with so much heart and intention. Every part of it—from the quiet moments getting ready, to the emotional ceremony, to the electric energy of the dance floor—felt like a true reflection of who they are. As photographers, there’s nothing more rewarding than capturing a day that feels this genuine and full of love. We feel incredibly lucky to have been invited into their world, to document not just how it all looked, but how it felt. This wedding was a beautiful beginning, and we know it’s just the start of an incredible story.