Romantic New Jersey Wedding in Newark at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart + Nanina’s at The Park
– planned by The Wedding Plan & Co
photographed by Michelle Elyse Photography
An Italian wedding with all the food. With a ceremony at the breathtaking The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. And an extended reception and after-party with multi-course buffets that are a feast for the eyes.
“HUGE thank you for the absolutely beautiful photos. I am in awe of everything, especially those detail pictures!!
thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We are beyond happy and so grateful we had the pleasure of working together. “
Gabriella, the Bride
A few favorites above…now onto the rest of the experience.
This couple chose to book multiple sessions for extended weekend overage that included their rehearsal dinner, wedding way and after party. I’ll share a brief snippet of their rehearsal dinner, while their incredible ceremony and reception will be shared in detail below.
REHEARSAL DINNER:
The big weekend celebration kicked off at Zeugma’s Restaurant in Newark for the first of many delicious meals together.
WEDDING DAY:
These two high school sweethearts excitedly planned their wedding at the incredible Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. Spring was in full bloom, and the Cherry Blossoms were in their full pink vibrance. Such a beautiful scene for Gabriella and Steven’s special day.
The detail of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is just astounding. Time for their ceremony to begin!
What a ceremony! After making their grand exit, we whisked around the church to give these newlyweds a romantic moment to cherish by themselves
Above: I’ve never seen such a stretch limo convoy! Time to head to Nanina’s In The Park for their Cocktail Hour
Gabriella’s glamorous grandmother walks past their custom escort display
And the feast begins! Two floors filled with various stations enticed guests to enjoy various types of cuisine. From the chinese “takeout” station, to pizza, to homemade mozzerella, to lobster tails and seafood, to pasta, and so many more that I can’t even remember all of them
And then it was time to enter the ballroom. The scene was romantic and the tables were lined with long-stem red roses
Dinner was served, and then cake! Gabriella did her third dress change- into an absolutely adorable custom skirt set made from her mother’s wedding gown.
The multi-course buffet continues! This time with a Viennese cocktail hour. The staff at Nanina’s were kind enough to leave a table full of various goodies from the stations that lined the entire room.
Then came the moment that I know Gabriella was waiting for- The Chris’ Red Hots Stand! She told me that one of her greatest visions for her day was to be standing in her wedding dress and eating her favorite hot dog. Mission accomplished!
After party time! Late night bites were served
Gabriella and Steven, thank you so so much for allowing me and my team to capture this incredible weekend for you! Though you may have celebrated many years together already, we wish you many many more! ~Michelle
VENDOR CREDITS
Photos: Michelle Elyse Photography @michelleelysephoto
Planning: The Wedding Plan & Co (Christie)
Venue, Food & Bev: Naninas at The Park @naninasinthepark
Florist: Crest Floral @crestflorist
Ceremony Location: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Ceremony Dress Designer: Eve of Milady @eveofmilady
Transport:Blue Streak Limo @bluestreaklimo
DJ: Hank Lane DJ @hanklanemusic
Hot Dog Stand: Chris’ Red Hots @chris_redhots
Naninas at the Park Wedding Reception and Food
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Wedding Ceremony in Newark, New Jersey
Destination Editorial Wedding Photographer with Documentary Style
A Glamorous Newark Wedding Full of Romance and Unforgettable Food | Cathedral Basilica Ceremony + Nanina’s at the Park Reception
There are weddings… and then there are experiences. This luxurious Newark wedding was an absolute feast for the senses—both literally and visually. With a romantic ceremony at the iconic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, an opulent celebration at Nanina’s at the Park, and a dreamy rehearsal dinner at Zeugma’s, this celebration was as beautiful as it was indulgent. Captured by Michelle Elyse Photography, a top rated wedding photographer known for her effortless documentary style and editorial eye, this wedding perfectly blended old-world grandeur with modern glamour.
As an editorial wedding photographer and seasoned artist with a passion for real moments, Michelle Elyse and her team also incorporated stunning drone photography throughout the day—showcasing the scale and beauty of each location from above. Serving clients throughout the U.S. and internationally, Michelle especially focuses on East Coast weddings, with frequent coverage in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
Rehearsal Dinner at Zeugma’s
The weekend began with a chic and intimate rehearsal dinner at Zeugma Mediterranean Grill. Located in downtown Newark, Zeugma’s offered a warm yet sophisticated setting for toasts, laughter, and the first of many gourmet meals. With fresh modern interiors, candlelit tables, and rich, flavorful cuisine, it was the perfect start to a weekend centered around joy, indulgence, and connection.
As a Newark documentary wedding photographer, Michelle Elyse captured the relaxed excitement of the evening—subtle glances between the couple, shared laughter between old friends, and parents raising glasses with heartfelt emotion. Her storytelling approach allowed the images to reflect the meaning of each moment without ever feeling staged.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Wedding Ceremony
The couple chose to exchange vows at the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the United States. Its towering ceilings, stained glass windows, and historic architecture offered a sacred and timeless backdrop for their Catholic ceremony.
Michelle Elyse Photography, as a Newark editorial wedding photographer, captured the scale and emotion of the ceremony with a refined artistic touch. From sweeping wide-angle compositions of the soaring arches to tender close-ups of teary eyes and clasped hands, the gallery tells the story in vivid, cinematic layers.
The venue’s grandeur, paired with Michelle’s skill as a Newark documentary wedding photographer, resulted in imagery that felt as elegant and eternal as the cathedral itself.
An Unforgettable Reception at Nanina’s at the Park
If the ceremony was the heart of the day, the reception at Nanina’s at the Park was undoubtedly the soul. With its grand ballroom, chandeliers, and lush park views, Nanina’s is one of New Jersey’s most coveted venues—and this wedding showed exactly why.
Guests were welcomed with an epic Viennese cocktail hour, featuring multiple chef-attended stations, hors d’oeuvres in endless variety, carving tables, seafood displays, and curated signature cocktails. The abundance of gourmet food continued through dinner and into the after party, with multicourse buffets, late-night bites, and an extravagant dessert spread. To call it a luxury New Jersey wedding would be an understatement—this was a banquet worthy of royalty.
Decor featured long-stem red roses that added bold romance to the ballroom, paired with tall glass candelabras that flickered like stars above each table. Red and pink uplighting bathed the room in a soft glow, creating a passionate and celebratory mood that deepened as the evening went on.
Michelle Elyse Photography used her editorial style to capture every exquisite detail. From sweeping drone images of Nanina’s grounds to the glint of candlelight on crystal glassware, every photo reflects her ability as the top New Jersey wedding photographer to make a wedding gallery feel like a feature in a luxury magazine.
A Celebration That Didn’t Stop
As the formal reception concluded, the energy didn’t wane. The couple hosted an unforgettable after party right onsite, allowing guests to change into chic, comfortable looks and continue dancing, laughing, and indulging late into the night.
Michelle’s team, true to her reputation as a Newark documentary wedding photographer, remained unobtrusive but ever-present—capturing the candid joy of the dance floor, champagne toasts at midnight, and the final, quiet moments as the couple slipped away into their new life together
Your Newark Editorial Wedding Photographer
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels as elegant and layered as this one. A fusion of high fashion, rich emotion, and real storytelling. You deserve a photographer who can deliver more than just pretty pictures.
As a Newark editorial wedding photographer, Michelle Elyse offers an experience that is artful, seamless, and deeply personal. Her eye for composition and lighting. Combined with her gentle presence and storytelling instinct. Makes her the ideal choice for couples planning a Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart wedding. Or a luxurious reception at Nanina’s at the Park.
Serving clients from coast to coast and around the world, Michelle is particularly focused on the East Coast. Especially New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia. Whether you’re planning a luxury New Jersey wedding or an international destination celebration. Her work brings together timeless style and meaningful connection.
Book one of the Top New Jersey Wedding Photographers
Your wedding deserves more than standard coverage. It deserves editorial artistry and soulful storytelling. Michelle Elyse Photography is proud to be recognized as a top wedding photographer. Bringing a refined, editorial, and documentary approach to weddings across the globe.
With expertise in grand cathedrals, glamorous ballrooms, and everything in between, Michelle is the ideal choice for your Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart wedding, your Nanina’s at the Park wedding, or any unforgettable celebration in New Jersey, The East Coast, or Destinations.
Looking for a Newark editorial wedding photographer? Or a Newark documentary wedding photographer who captures your day with authenticity and style? Look no further. Michelle Elyse Photography will preserve your most cherished moments with grace, heart, and breathtaking imagery.