A Minimalist Spring Wedding With Manhattan Skyline Views at Battello in Jersey City

When Tara and Michael chose Battello in Jersey City for their May 8, 2026 wedding, the decision came down to three things: the unique beauty of the space, the fabulous food and the convenience for their guests. Beautifully photographed by Rebecca Ferrier Photography, their spring celebration was a masterclass in restraint and intention. White florals with generous greenery by Karma Flowers let Battello’s warm wood-paneled interiors do the talking, bridesmaids wore long black dresses of their own choosing each carrying a single calla lily, and a custom monogram projected their initials and wedding date onto the wall as the only added personal touch the space needed. The moment Tara names as her favorite? Her dad’s speech—when he called her his best friend.

Their Story

“Mike and I met the way many youngins do these days—on Tinder (not through work, mutual friends, or because I dropped my papers in slow motion and he helped pick them up),” says Tara. “Fittingly, he had messaged me, ‘when’s the wedding?’ by way of greeting. Over four years later, I couldn’t be happier to have an answer.”

The Proposal

“I made it clear I wanted a low-key and private proposal,” explains Tara. “Mike took the direction literally and popped the question in our living room, transforming our 800-square-foot apartment into a candlelit, rose-adorned hideaway that felt bigger than the four walls it lived in.”

Choosing the Venue

“Aside from Battello’s unique beauty, fabulous food and views of the Manhattan skyline—its convenient location couldn’t be beat,” says Tara. “Mike and I cared a lot about making things as convenient and comfortable as possible for our guests.”

Details of the Day

“I’m a minimalist and felt the venue did the talking without needing to be heavily adorned with flowers and decorations,” says Tara. “I went with white flowers with considerable greenery, and my bridesmaids wore black dresses of their choosing, each with a calla lily bouquet.”

“A custom monogram projected our initials, names, and wedding date onto the wood-paneled wall, adding a personal touch.”

Favorite Moment

“It’s tough to pick one favorite moment as the day was wonderful,” says Tara. “Aside from saying our vows in front of our loved ones, I think it was when my dad, in his speech, called me his best friend. That will stay with me forever.”

Wedding Day Attire

Tara’s wedding dress was from I Do I Do in Morristown. “It was strapless and off-white—simple, like me,” says Tara. “Mike and the groomsmen wore black tuxes to give things an upscale touch. My bridesmaids wore long black dresses of their choosing, and each looked beautiful.”

Advice For Other Couples

“Less is more. Don’t sweat every detail,” says Tara. “And, it’s normal to feel emotional in the weeks leading up to the big day—embrace it. It’s what makes us human.”

Honeymoon

“Mike and I spent ten days in London and drank more pints than either of us cares to admit,” says Tara.