Brooklyn Grange Rooftop New York Wedding | Jessica + John

I love how free-spirited and relaxed, yet fun and full of personality Jessica and John's urban wedding at a rooftop at the Brooklyn Grange in Brooklyn, New York was. The day was full of high, loving energy, and it was super sweet to witness how connected both Jessica and John were to all of their friends and family, celebrating this day together like there was no tomorrow.

The morning was quite relaxed and the girls were getting ready while having lots of laughs together. I loved the moment when Jessica, wearing her beautiful white wedding dress, put on boxing gloves and hit the punching bag a few times. That was so unexpected yet fun.

When I went to see the guys, they were already dressed. They'd ordered a pizza and spent quality time together relaxing and fixing up last minute things. These are the kinds of real, unposed moments that make documentary wedding photography so special.

Jessica wanted John to have a blindfold on before the first look so she could dramatically pull it off, and as soon as he was ready, they went ahead with the plan. And it was so fun to witness—him standing there with the blindfold on and seeing Jessica sneak up on behind him on the stairs and pulling the blindfold off. It was such a beautiful moment of connection, embracing one another as they were finally together.

This was also the perfect time to get them both together just the two of them before the day got crazier. So the portrait time was a bit on the quiet side, but it felt right, that moment of togetherness and quality time between themselves. I always encourage couples to take a breather and soak it all in—it's these little pauses that make for the best storytelling wedding photography!

Jessica + John hung out with friends right before the ceremony—goofing off, having so many laughs together and just overall banter. The girls even wanted to lift up John! These are the kinds of unposed wedding pictures Toronto couples dream of—full of laughter, spontaneity, and genuine connection.

The ceremony took place on the rooftop of the Brooklyn Grange. It was emotional and so beautiful being surrounded by so much greenery, but also endless views of the city. They were beaming with happiness, and the pink sunset at the end couldn't have been more perfect. As a destination wedding photographer in Ontario, I’m always inspired by unique venues like this that bring together nature and city vibes.

There was no sit-down dinner for the reception and instead they decided to go ahead with the cocktail party, amazing drinks, and dancing! Who would've thought that Jessica + John had a trick up their sleeves—they had a burlesque dancer show up as a surprise to the guests. Honestly, that was such a WOW moment! And saying “burlesque dancer” is really an understatement because, as she describes herself, she is an “opera singing aerialist, burlesque pole dancer”. She even did a striptease at the end and it was so beautiful to see at a wedding, and how it was a celebration of the beauty of a human body. And also someone who sings opera so beautifully—honestly, awe-inspiring! It was the perfect way to kick things off to party the night away.

If you're dreaming of a wedding day filled with personality, genuine connection, and beautifully imperfect moments, I'd be honored to capture it all—whether you're celebrating in Ontario, New York, or anywhere your love takes you! <3

Wedding Vendors:

Photography by: Sara Monika

Wedding Coordinator + Caterer– Naturally Delicious

Band/DJ– MonAmie

Florist – Wyld

Cake Artist – Nine Cakes

Make-up + Hair - Joli Bridal

Wedding Dress - BHLDN

Burlesque - Marcy Richardson - @operagaga

Did you fall in love with these wedding photos? Just imagine how stunning YOUR wedding photos could be! 😊

I’d be honoured to document the story of your day for you two and your family + friends! 💖

If you enjoyed this blog, you will also love Leslie + Damien's Sentimental Evergreen Brickworks Wedding.