Jordan Van Aken Photography

DUMBO wedding at Superfine: Debby & Matt

2011-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

I love love love these two and I love shooting in my neighborhood - Brooklyn! This was an unbelievably perfect day. Debby and Matt were married by a close friend on Pier 1 in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, with a sweeping view of the city. Superfine in DUMBO looked smashing, the photography locations are to die for, the food was divine, Debby looked stunning and chic (check out that black dress), Matt was debonair and a girl couldn't ask for nicer people all around. Deb's parents couldn't make the ceremony, so one of the couple's friends broadcast the reception live so they could enjoy the revelry. Superfine helped set up live streaming so that Deb's parents could give a toast during the reception. It was a first for the venue (and me) and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Special thanks to my friend and second shooter extraordinaire Jenny Boyle and my assistant Whitney Browne.

CLICK HERE for the slideshow

The date of their wedding

Whitney's shot below

Jenny's shot below

Westchester Jewish Center Bar Mitzvah: Joshua

2011-09-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for being so amazing, open and welcoming! It was really fun watching the big day unfold and everyone share in the love and laughter of family and friends and the joy for Joshua and his family. I'm honored to share your day and weave these emotions into moments and document this milestone - this weighty flicker in time. Congrats Joshua!

Ceremony: Westchester Jewish Center
Reception: Lusardi's Restaurant
Band (and they sounded great!): Metropolitan Klezmer

Westchester Jewish Center Bar Mitzvah: Joshua. Sneak peek

2011-09-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

The ceremony was held at the Westchester Jewish Center and the reception was held at Lusardi's Restaurant.
More to come soon!

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 Wedding: Debby & Matt sneak peek

2011-09-21T16:27:00.001-07:00

Their wedding was at the fabulous Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the reception was held at the super funky Superfine in DUMBO. More to come soon!

Church of St. Joseph, Aurora Gallery Wedding: Eliza & Joey

2011-09-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

What a day! Nothing could stop the love of Eliza & Joey, not even hurricane Irene! Not even being separated by an island - Eliza was going to make it to the side of her one and only love, Joey, no matter what! We set out into the storm and it turned out to be a wonderful day. It made it even more special and sweet to see smiling friends and family there to support the couple.

These two are super adorable and just plain cute to watch. Their families were constantly with them, supporting them the whole way. The ceremony was especially moving since Eliza is the musical director for the church and her friends and one of her bridesmaids sang during the ceremony.

Venue: Aurora Gallery
Church: Church of St. Joseph
Dress: Adele Wechsler
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Flowers: Urban Flora and Eliza's maid of honor Caroline
Cake: Eliza's friend Luke
Hair, makeup: Eliza's bridesmaid Courtney

How great is this sign when she's about to be married to Joey?

Lillian & Enzio

2011-08-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

Despite the rain, Lillian and Enzio were all smiles for their wedding. What a beautiful couple and not concerned with a thing but each other and making this day special for their friends and families. Even though we were tucked away and cozy under the porch for the ceremony, afterward we were able to sprint into the beautiful gardens for a romantic portrait session between showers.

Lillian's Dad sang and played guitar during the ceremony (he sounded great) and definitely set the bar high for father of the bride speeches. Enzio's family could not have been more proud of him. A wonderful day all around! Very special thanks to my friend and photographer Rob Munroe for second shooting - he always makes everyone smile!

Ceremony & Reception: Catlin Gardens Inn

Chloe

2011-08-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic time seeing everyone again! Chloe was an absolute joy to work with, as was her whole family. A great venue, a wonderful party and I can't wait to see everyone again!

Ceremony: Congregation Kol Ami
Reception: The Renaissance Westchester Hotel

Kate & Brian engagement photos

2011-08-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Kate, Brian and I had a ton of fun tromping around the meatpacking district creating engagement photos. I'm so excited to photograph their wedding this fall at the Waveny House in New Canaan, CT. It's a truly spectacular venue and I'm looking forward to shooting there again!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

2011-07-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

What a great night, Happy Birthday Andrew & co!!

Venue: The Glass Houses located in the Chelsea Arts Tower

Solana in San Francisco!

2011-07-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yes - have camera, will travel. While I'm based out of New York City (Brooklyn), I have traveled far and wide to such places as New Orleans, Amsterdam, Boston, etc. to capture memories, smiles and create family archives. Solana's location was as spectacular as she is. I love how beautiful and classic she looks in this first portrait, as if it was stolen out of time, which is a perfect tie in with the venue where she had her Bat Mitzvah bash - the amazing eye candy of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

I have had the immense pleasure of working with this extended family before by photographing Frances & Spencer's B'nai Mitzvah in New York and Lucy's Bat Mitzvah in Boston. I can hardly wait for everyone to start getting married! (Of course I'm sure their parents are perfectly happy to wait.) Solana was great fun to work with and everyone had a fantastic time, it was really beautiful to see everyone again and watch the young adults get older. Mazel Tov Solana! Special thanks to the wondrous Julia Newman for being my second shooter and to finding all the little treats of San Fran - such as the delicious, fresh and vividly-flavored ice cream we scooped up at Humphry Slocombe.

Slide show: Click here for the show
Venue: The Moss room at the California Academy of Sciences
Temple: Congregation Beth Sholom

Ben

2011-07-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Bar Mitzvah Ben! It's always wonderful to have the opportunity to work with the same families over time - to see the siblings grow up and chat with the parents. I've worked with this family before and it was amazing fun to see everyone again. Ben couldn't be nicer and the party was killer (just check out the location)! Debra, his mom, worked tirelessly to pull everything together and his Dad, Steve, created an amazing film that played during the candle lighting ceremony and had everyone laughing and reminiscing. Mazel Tov everyone!!

Ceremony location: Temple Sholom
Venue: Sono Field House

Lisa & Eugene

2011-07-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

What a spontaneous and beautiful couple! All their dance moves during the portraits were impromptu and perfectly in sync. Friends entertained everyone during the reception with skits and family kept the toasts going, all in Russian! What a beautiful and perfect day, it was a privilege and a delight to be there to document the beginning of a new family - Lisa & Eugene's. Congrats you two! Special thanks to Shelly Kroger, my friend and wonderful second shooter for the day.

Venue: Manhattan Penthouse

Lori & Ed

2011-07-04T16:31:00.001-07:00

It threatened to storm, but turned out to be a perfect wedding day for Lori and Ed at the Rockaway River Country Club. I love it when the venue invites guests to ring the dance floor before the first dance - it's great to see friends' faces in the background and it gets everyone on their feet for the first dance set. Thank you to the fabulous Lily Kesselman for second shooting with me!

Kate & Brian preview

2011-06-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending the evening with Kate and Brian for their engagement shoot. You guys were great!

Considering the news this morning, I just couldn't resist posting this image. Congrats New York! Of course, it's about to be true for the two of them, but still couldn't resist the moment and the wonderful timing, or adding another two for them.

Tanya & Detavio

2011-06-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

As prime wedding season comes in full swing, it's always great to get to spend the day with stunning and wonderful people. Tanya & Detavio were just such a couple. Down to earth, truly in love, generous and loving. What an absolute pleasure and privilege to capture your big day. Congrats you two!!

Thanks to my amazing second shooter Jen Davis, who always makes the day easier and more fun. Click here for the slide show.

Location: Grassy Hill Country Club

Jackie & Ryan

2010-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Bad for me, great for my clients.... I just couldn't decide which ones to post!

Emily & Jonathan

2010-12-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how stunning Emily was and how proud Jonathan was all day long! What a fantastic day with both families. It may have been chilly outside but it was nothing but warmth and love inside. Such a treat to see all the best men don Halloween wigs at the end of the night and cut loose. Even the bride got in on the midnight madness. How great are Emily's amazing purple shoes by the way?

Best wishes to Emily & Jonathan!! Many thanks to my wonderful second shooter for the day, Nancy Adler.

Reception & ceremony venue: Crystal Springs Golf Resort
Officiant: Cantor Arlene Frank
Dress: Augusta Jones
Style: Waverly
Florist: VBB Flower Shop - Vesna

CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDE SHOW

Michele & BettyAnne

2010-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

Aaron

2010-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hannah

2010-11-29T22:08:00.001-08:00

Click here for the screen show

Elizabeth & Luis - super sneak peek

2010-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazing wedding last night! The venue, West Park Winery, was stunning and I'm pretty sure Elizabeth is part pixie, part magic! If you don't believe me, just take a look...

Lauren & Bill

2010-09-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Bill are the cutest, most elegant couple ever. Both of their families are so sweet and the love that surrounded them was evident the entire day. Just take a look at the hug from Grandma, and you'll see what I mean! I can't wait to make an album with them, their photos really capture the emotions of the day. Special thanks to Adena Stevens for second shooting with me.

Click here for the screen show

Location: Westchester Country Club
Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Mark Ingram Atelier
Belt: Monique Lhuillier, Los Angeles
Flowers: Daniel Florals & Events
Music: Stolen Moments
Hair: Bethany at Knotz Hair Salon, New Rochelle
Invitation: Jonathan Wright and Company, Los Angeles
Program: RSVP, Plymouth, Michigan
Jewelry: Siren Boutique, Mamaroneck
Bridesmaid Dresses: Watters & Watters

Fredda & Seth

2010-09-11T11:55:00.001-07:00

What a joy it was to work with these two - so in love! I photographed Seth's brother's wedding years ago and it was amazing to see everyone again - the entire family welcomed me with open arms. Fredda was stunning and Seth looked debonair in his suit. Check it out! Thanks to my second shooter, Adena Stevens, who was a huge help the whole day.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW

Flowers: Stefan's Florist
Venue: Great Neck Synagogue
Band: NYC Swing
Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
Tuxedo: Brooks Brothers
Honeymoon: Greece

Cole

2010-08-03T20:34:00.001-07:00

What an amazing Bar Mitzvah, and such a beautiful family - inside and out! Everyone was so warm and welcoming and it was great to see several familiar faces there as well. Cole was a complete pro, wowing everyone when he stormed the stage with his rocking performances throughout the evening. Dessert was a family affair, too - coming from Crumbs Bake Shop. Please enjoy the sneak peek and slideshow below.

Click here for the slideshow
Venue: Arch Street
Cupcakes: Crumbs Bake Shop

Devon & Justin

2010-07-27T23:13:00.001-07:00

Wow what a beautiful bride and hunky groom! An absolute stunning couple and they just couldn't be nicer than an iced lemonade on one of these steamy NYC summer days! Of course I'm not surprised, when Justin is the brother of my sweet, gorgeous and wedding-photographer friend, Jennifer Davis - who introduced me to this awesome couple. Even though I hadn't met Devon's side of the family before the big day, I felt an instant connection with them as her brother and father are both named Jordan, like me!

Both families were warm, welcoming and really knew how to throw a great party on such a joyful day. Devon & Justin's friends even took over from the band and played a rocking song for them during the reception. Thanks again to the wonderful planner, Stacey Kallenberg, for pulling it all together and my friend and talented second shooter, Lily Kesselman, for being my rock during the entire day!

Click here for the newly added show!

Vendors:
Reception: The Chapel at Rio Vista
Wedding Planner: As You Wish Wedding & Event Design
Band: Hoi Polloi
Videographer: A Video Tech Studio
Lighting: JB Lighting Production, LLC
Catering: Contemporary Foods
Cake: Le Petit Gateau
Flowers: The Flower Shoppe

Elizabeth & Omar

2010-07-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Congrats to the both of you! Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and wild wedding at Gantry Plaza State Park with me. I LOVED the details of your day and your dress was truly fabulous. Everyone was so open and loving. We couldn't have asked for a better day!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW
Venue: Riverview Restaurant
Officiant: Rev. Annie Lawrence
Feather bouquet and boutonnières: Corie Wallace
Dress: Momo Falana
Wedding bands hand made by bride and groom: Mokume
Favors: Sugar Sugar Inc
Flowers: Trader Joe's

Robert

2010-04-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

What a friendly family and such an amazing party! I had such a blast capturing this rambunctious crew! Everything sparkled and smiles filled the room.

Sabrina & Paul baby naming ceremony

2010-03-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Theo

2010-03-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

What an amazing location! I can't wait to go back for a night out. Such a sweet and fabulous family, it was an honor sharing their big day with them. Everyone had a blast and at the end of the evening Theo really rocked out on the guitar.

Location: Lucky Strike
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW

Sammi

2010-03-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Jonah

2010-02-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

I've been working with this extended family for many years now and it just keeps getting better! I've already been booked for 2012 and I can't wait. They are some of the nicest people I've met and the day was just full of giggles and fun. Take a look for yourself. (If you attended the event, please leave a snippet of your favorite part of the day in the comments section for the family.)

New Day

2010-02-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ah. Fresh morning, fresh week!

New holiday

2010-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

I propose Sunday night should be a recurring national holiday. My most recent data collection suggests it is not wise to attempt to work late on a Sunday night. ;>

Lucy

2010-02-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much fun it was to be a part of Lucy's big day! The whole family was marvelous. They were really excited and happy for her. The event was at the Boston Ballet School, a personally meaningful location for the family.

Rebecca & James in New Orleans!

2009-12-21T20:43:00.001-08:00

Blogged earlier, but Click here for the show

Pauline

2009-12-21T12:52:00.001-08:00

Pauline was an incredible collaborator for her portraits and we all had a blast! Betty and the whole family was sweet and loving. I'm incredibly lucky - the brides and families that I have worked with have all been truly wonderful. It's one of the reasons I love working with referrals so much - nice people are friends with nice people! Enjoy and feel free to leave comments for the family.

Click here for the show
Venue: Muttontown Club, East Norwich
Venue: Bruno Jamais

Mr. A

2009-12-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

The family and all their friends were a true pleasure to be around. Relaxed, loving, and fun! The joy and support was palpable and easily came across. Just see for yourself! Friends, feel free to leave comments for the family in the blog.

Click HERE to see the show
Venue: Stage 6 at Steiner Studios
Flowers: Seaport Flowers

Carolyn & Darrell

2009-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

The slideshow is here! CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW. To view the full event, please contact the couple for the event key and click here.

Rebecca & James in New Orleans

2009-11-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations both of you! What an amazing wedding, I was so, so happy to be there. More to come, but wanted to give you a sneak peek!! Please leave a comment for Rebecca & James down below... such as, "what was your favorite memory from the day?" Or, "What was your favorite thing about New Orleans?" Special thanks to Jennifer Davis, my partner in crime that weekend and second shooter extraordinaire.

Zena & Jose

2009-10-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

These two are a true New York City romance. They met on the subway! You can't get more fate-filled than that. It was an amazing sunny day at Blue Hill at Stone Barns and there were smiles all around. Click HERE to see the show. What a pleasure to be a part of their big day!

Carolyn & Darrell

2009-10-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Carolyn & Darrell had a wonderful day at Hotel Giraffe. They were so happy and Carolyn was so beautiful! My friend Jennifer Davis was my guest shooter and right hand woman for the day. Have a sneak peek and please leave a comment for the two of them down below.

Heather & Abram

2009-08-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day at Round Hill House! Heather and Abram were so happy and everyone made us feel so welcome. Special thanks to my fabulous guest shooter, Lindsay Flanagan!

1. Click here to see their show
2. Click here to view the entire day and purchase prints

The proofing site will be up for a month. Please contact Heather and Abram for the password.
Enjoy!

Hayley's Bat Mitzvah

2009-06-03T21:44:00.001-07:00

Hayley's big day finally arrived and what a wonderful time everyone had. I photographed her sister Sofia's Bat Mitzvah a few years back and it was such a pleasure to see everyone again. Smiles, hugs, laughter and love were everywhere! Please take a sneak peek and leave a comment for the family below.

Frances & Spencer

2009-05-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day full of love, laughter and joy! Frances and Spencer were all smiles and Elena couldn't have been prouder. Many relatives traveled from far away to share in the celebration. Once you view the show, it will end with pictures from the entire job. If you'd like to see them, please 'Sign the Guest Book' (it's free) and contact Elena for the Event Key. If you've already watched the show, you can also click the link to view the proofing site directly.

1. Click here to see the show.
2. Click here to view the proofing site.