Some weddings don’t just celebrate two people coming together. They celebrate the world that surrounds them. Maddie and Jon’s New Year’s Eve wedding at the Hilton Pearl River in Pearl River, NY was exactly that kind of day. Every choice they made felt intentional, rooted in their traditions, and filled with joy. While many people choose New Year’s Eve as their wedding date for the new beginnings, party, and spectacle it traditionally holds, Maddie and Jon chose that date because it marked the anniversary of when they first started dating. Their wedding was a natural way of closing one year and starting another with the same love that began years earlier, while also being the best anniversary celebration.
THE COUPLE
Spending time with Maddie and Jon feels a lot like being welcomed into someone’s home. Their love is easy and lighthearted, but it also has a grounded, steady warmth to it. That warmth has carried into their community. Friends know them for hosting Friday night Shabbat services and dinners in their apartment. Their table is often full of food, song, and laughter, and their home is always a place where people feel included.
That same spirit carried through their wedding day. Guests weren’t just attending a ceremony and reception, they were part of something deeply personal. Maddie and Jon wanted their wedding to feel like an extension of who they are: inviting, full of love, and centered around community connection.
THE VENUE
The Hilton Pearl River was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. This hotel is a great place to host large celebrations, with multiple different and beautiful rooms to use for all of the celebrations included in a wedding day such as Maddie and Jon’s . It provided plenty of space for both the traditional aspects of their day, and the incredible party that followed.
THE DETAILS
Maddie and Jon’s vision for the wedding was simple and refined. White florals were used throughout the space, creating a classic and clean look. Gold accents added warmth and shimmer without overwhelming the design. It all felt understated, but incredibly thoughtful and beautiful..
Maddie and Jon also chose to highlight so many meaningful Jewish traditions throughout their day.. In addition to signing the ketubah during their marriage ceremony, they gathered a close group of loved ones before the ceremony itself to sign their marriage documents while everyone sang together. It was one of the most joyful and personal moments of the day, and it set the tone beautifully. Instead of the usual cocktail hour after the ceremony, they opted for a smorgasbord before. It gave guests a chance to eat, mingle, and celebrate early, and it created an energy that carried naturally into the ceremony.
They also chose not to have a wedding party, which made the day feel even more centered on the two of them and the community they had gathered. The simplicity allowed their personalities and traditions to take center stage.
THE RECEPTION
Maddie and Jon’s reception is one I’ll never forget. The dance floor was completely alive from the start, and the energy was contagious. Maddie and Jon were lifted high during the hora (which lasted 20 minutes!), and the celebration only grew from there. Every single guest seemed to be out of their seat, dancing late into the night.
As a photographer, I’ve documented a lot of receptions, but this one stood out as one of the most joyful and spirited celebrations I’ve been part of. It wasn’t just about the party itself, but about the way Maddie and Jon’s love brought everyone together, and kept the room buzzing with happiness.
Maddie and Jon’s wedding was more than a beautiful event. It was a reflection of who they are: two people who create space for others, who honor tradition, and who make everyone around them feel at home. Their love is playful, kind, and welcoming, and on their wedding day, that warmth extended to every single person in the room.
I feel blessed to have been there. Thank you for that gift, dear ones. 💛
Hilton Pearl River WEDDING VENDORS
Photography: Sweet Alice Photography // Venue: Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River, NY // Catering: Genadeen Caterers // Hair: Bridal by Fire // Makeup: Claudia Nicholson // Florals: Petals & Moss // Music: Nafshenu Orchestra
Wedding Date: December 31, 2023
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