A Romantic Waterfront Wedding at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn, New York


As a wedding photographer in New York, I love venues that showcase the city, and Giando on the Water in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, does exactly that. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge, it was the perfect setting for Jess & Nick's wedding day. From getting ready at The Penny Hotel to their outdoor ceremony overlooking the East River, their celebration was filled with beautiful details, timeless style, and genuine moments with the people they love.


Getting Ready at The Penny Hotel in Williamsburg


The day began at The Penny Hotel in Williamsburg, a boutique hotel just a short drive from Giando on the Water. Its modern design and convenient location make it a great getting-ready option for couples planning a wedding in the neighborhood.


One of my favorite parts of photographing a wedding morning is capturing all the little details that make the day personal. J & N incorporated a beautiful palette of soft blues and whites throughout their wedding, starting with their invitation suite. Blue floral patterns, delicate ribbons, and white orchids created a romantic look that carried through the rest of the celebration.


The bride wore an off-the-shoulder ball gown with a full skirt and a cathedral-length lace veil. The combination felt timeless, with just the right amount of drama for an outdoor waterfront ceremony.

Black and white photo of a smiling Asian bride getting makeup applied with a brush, wearing a white dress.
A makeup artist applies lipstick to a bride in a white dress during wedding preparations.
Elegant periwinkle blue wedding invitation suite with floral accents, pearl jewelry, and ribbon on a neutral background.
Blue and white wedding stationery flat lay with rings, pearl necklace, and floral accents on elegant invitation suite.
Elegant blue and white wedding invitation suite with orchids, pearl jewelry, and rings on a soft beige background.
Elegant wedding flat lay featuring a diamond engagement ring in a gray velvet box, wedding bands, and blue stationery.
Wedding flat lay with orchids, rings, Gucci Flora perfume, blue ribbon, and floral stationery on white background.
Blue and white floral wedding stationery with orchids and ribbon on cream background.
White bridal heels with floral details beside Gucci Flora perfume and orchid flowers on white background.
Blue wedding flat lay with Chanel Allure Homme Sport cologne, vows book, bow tie, and diamond ring box.
White bridal heels with floral details and ankle straps resting on a lace wedding veil against a green background.
Five women in matching white outfits smile together on bean bags beneath balloon letters in a black and white photo.
Bride in white slip dress admiring her strapless ball gown wedding dress hanging by a bright window.
Two bridesmaids in light blue dresses help each other get ready, one adjusting the other's gown strap indoors.
Smiling groom in black tuxedo adjusting bow tie outdoors with lush green foliage background.

Wedding Portraits Overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge


One of the biggest draws of getting married at Giando on the Water is its location. The venue sits directly along the East River, with incredible views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline.


Before the ceremony, we took advantage of the venue's outdoor terrace and gardens for portraits. The greenery provided a beautiful contrast against the city backdrop, while the Williamsburg Bridge added a distinctly New York feel to their photographs.


We captured some traditional portraits, but also made time for the more playful moments. The bridesmaids wore soft blue dresses, with one in a blue-and-white floral print that tied in beautifully with the wedding's color palette. Their bouquets featured delicate white flowers and greenery, complementing the garden setting.

Rooftop garden with lush green plants and colorful flowers overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City.
Bride in white off-shoulder gown with bouquet stands behind groom in black tuxedo in lush garden setting.
Bride and groom first look on waterfront terrace with Williamsburg Bridge and lush greenery backdrop in New York.
Bride and groom pose on waterfront terrace with lush greenery and Manhattan Bridge backdrop in New York City.
Bride and groom embrace on a rooftop terrace with lush greenery and the Williamsburg Bridge in the background.
Bride in off-shoulder gown with bouquet and groom in tuxedo pose in lush garden with waterfront backdrop.
Bride and groom embrace on a terrace with lush greenery and the Williamsburg Bridge in the background.
Bride and groom hold hands near lush floral arrangements with the Williamsburg Bridge and NYC skyline in the background.
Groom kissing bride on cheek under veil, bride smiling with eyes closed wearing pearl necklace and off-shoulder gown.
Bride and groom share intimate moment under veil on rooftop with lush greenery and Williamsburg Bridge backdrop.
A groom in a black tuxedo tenderly holds his bride's chin as they share an intimate moment on their wedding day.
Groom lifts smiling bride in white gown on terrace with lush greenery and Brooklyn Bridge backdrop.
Bride in white gown with long train holds bouquet, posing before lush garden and suspension bridge backdrop.
Smiling groom in black tuxedo with bow tie and boutonniere poses outdoors with bridge and greenery in background.
Bride in white lace gown holding elegant cascading bouquet of white orchids, calla lilies, and green accents with blue ribbon.

An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Giando on the Water


The outdoor ceremony space at Giando on the Water is one of the venue's standout features. With the Williamsburg Bridge stretching across the background and the Manhattan skyline visible beyond the river, it's hard to imagine a more recognizable New York City setting.


J & N exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, with white floral arrangements framing the ceremony space. The late-afternoon light brought a beautiful warmth to the terrace, and the surrounding gardens added softness to the urban landscape. It's a setting that photographs beautifully from so many different angles, especially when the city skyline is incorporated into the wider ceremony photographs.

Elegant four-tier white wedding cake with intricate scroll frosting, floral topper, and bow accent on a draped table.
Elegant wedding table setting with gold favor packet, calligraphy menu card, crystal glasses, and white floral arrangements.
Elegant wedding place setting with personalized menu card for Jess and Nick, white napkin, and gold favor bag.
Elegant wedding menu card for Jess and Nick dated 10.10.2026 displayed on a white plate with silverware.
Elegant wedding reception hall with white round tables, Chiavari chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city skyline.
Elegant wedding reception hall with white Chiavari chairs and round tables overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge and East River.
Elegant wedding reception table 2 with white and blue floral centerpiece, crystal glassware, and white place settings.
A couple walks down the aisle at an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests, under a white tent.
Groom walks down the aisle in a black tuxedo at an outdoor wedding ceremony with seated guests.
Groom in black tuxedo stands at outdoor wedding ceremony altar under white tent, awaiting bride.
Groom in black tuxedo with bow tie stands at wedding altar with white floral arch, groomsman in background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony on waterfront terrace with white chairs, city skyline backdrop, and bride in flowing white gown.
Outdoor rooftop wedding ceremony with guests seated in white chairs, bride in white gown, city skyline at sunset.
Bride in white gown and veil walks down aisle with parents at outdoor wedding ceremony under tent.
Groom shaking hands with father of the bride during outdoor wedding ceremony near bridge with white floral arch.

A Classic Wedding Reception


Inside Giando on the Water, the celebration continued with a reception overlooking the city.

The couple carried their blue-and-white color palette into the reception decor with lush floral centerpieces featuring white blooms, soft blue accents, and greenery. The arrangements brought a garden-inspired feel to the tables without distracting from the venue's waterfront views.

Giando's large windows and statement chandeliers gave the reception a classic, elegant atmosphere.

Couple dancing on rooftop terrace at night, man in tuxedo, woman in red satin gown, NYC skyline backdrop.
Couple sharing a romantic dip kiss on a terrace at night with the Brooklyn Bridge illuminated in the background.
Couple dancing romantically at night with NYC skyline lights glowing behind them, woman in red dress lifted by man in black suit.
Couple posing at night, man in tuxedo and woman in red floral qipao, city lights glowing in background.
Couple sharing romantic moment with NYC skyline and One World Trade Center glowing behind them at dusk.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss at night in red qipao dress and black suit with illuminated bridge backdrop.
A smiling bride in a white strapless gown and groom in a tuxedo share their first dance at an elegant wedding reception.
Bride and groom raise their arms joyfully as they enter their wedding reception on a shiny ballroom dance floor.
Bride and groom share their first dance at wedding reception, groom spinning bride in white ballgown.
Bride and groom share their first dance at an elegant wedding reception with guests watching in a grand ballroom.
Groom lifts smiling bride in white gown during joyful first dance at elegant wedding reception.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sharing a romantic dip kiss during their first dance at wedding reception.
Bride in white gown and groom in black tuxedo share a kiss near a wooden bar at their wedding reception.

Looking for a Brooklyn Wedding Photographer?


I'm Evelyn, the photographer behind Ever After by Evelyn, specializing in editorial wedding photography in New York City and the surrounding areas. My approach combines thoughtful direction with room for the genuine moments that make your wedding day yours.

If you're planning a wedding at Giando on the Water or another Brooklyn wedding venue, I'd love to hear what you're envisioning for your day.


Vendor Team

Photography: Ever After by Evelyn

Venue: Giando on the Water

Hair and Makeup: Tatiana Li Makeup

NYC & NJ Wedding Photographer

Hi, I'm Evelyn

Based in New York, with a degree in photography and a background rooted in both art and fashion, my work blends genuine emotion with thoughtful composition. I focus on capturing the in-between moments while pairing them with clean lines, intentional light, and a refined, film-inspired aesthetic.
My approach is equal parts intuitive and intentional. I’ll guide you when needed, make you feel comfortable and confident, and create space for real moments to unfold naturally.

More About Me
A photographer in a white blouse and grey skirt captures spring cherry blossoms in a peaceful garden setting.