A Modern Bell Works Wedding Day

A Modern & Heartfelt Wedding at Bell Works for Jonathan & Jessica Duani

Jonathan and Jessica Duani’s November 9, 2025 wedding at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey was a perfect blend of modern style, meaningful tradition, and heartfelt family moments. As their New Jersey wedding photographers, we loved capturing every detail across this design-forward venue—from the contemporary glass architecture to the emotional Bedeken and the joyous dancing that filled the night. Every moment reflected the couple’s personality, their families’ warmth, and the beauty of Jewish tradition interwoven into a modern celebration.

The day began at Latitude Suites Tinton Falls – BW Premier Collection, where both Jessica and Jonathan got ready. Jessica planned every detail thoughtfully, preparing a tote bag with all her essential wedding items—jewelry, rings, invitation suite, perfume—to make detail photos seamless. Her bridesmaids were gifted matching pajamas, slippers, and bracelets, which made for beautifully coordinated candid moments. With hair and makeup completed by noon, we photographed styled detail arrangements along with charming robe and pajama shots that captured the fun and excitement of the morning.

Jessica’s mother and sister, along with Jonathan’s mother and sister, joined her for the emotional getting-ready portion. These moments, filled with buttoning, adjusting, gifting, and happy tears, helped set the emotional tone of the day. Because the bride planned to change into her gown at Bell Works, this hotel segment focused on sentimental storytelling and connection—with traditional bridal portraits reserved for later at the venue.

Meanwhile, Jonathan prepared with his groomsmen at the same hotel. The men received custom socks and engraved knives—created especially for the wedding day. A full-group socks photo was requested and coordinated early so the groomsmen could head to the venue by 11:45 AM. Our second photographer met the men at Bell Works to complete additional groom portraits before the first look.

Couple’s First Look & Portraits at Bell Works

Bell Works – A Contemporary Backdrop

Bell Works is one of New Jersey’s most visually striking spaces, and its iconic architecture paired beautifully with Jonathan and Jessica’s elegant style. Their private first look at 1:30 PM created an intimate moment between the two of them before the day’s events began to unfold. Afterward, we explored the grounds—including the lake area outside—for a series of romantic portraits filled with natural light, reflections, and soft early-afternoon warmth.

Jessica planned a first look with her bridesmaids at 2:00 PM, and their reactions were both emotional and joyful. From there, we transitioned into bridal party portraits. The group photos included:

• Bridesmaids together

• Individual images with each bridesmaid, flower girl, and ring bearer

• Full bridal party group portrait

• Varied combinations to reflect both families and friendships

At 3:00 PM, we also photographed family portraits at Bell Works, using the architectural lines and open space to keep the session organized and visually timeless.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour

Bell Works hosted both the 4:00 PM cocktail hour and the 5:00 PM Jewish ceremony, giving the couple the advantage of moving seamlessly from one event to the next. During cocktail hour, we captured golden-hour portraits outside the front of the building and on the steps at roughly 4:15 PM, creating warm, cinematic images glowing with autumn light.

At the end of cocktail hour, Jessica participated in the traditional Bedeken, sitting on a bench with a beautiful backdrop as the bridal party and mothers surrounded her. This emotional moment marked one of the most significant cultural traditions of the day—filled with anticipation and meaning.

Their Jewish ceremony began at 5:00 PM and included the signing, processional, blessings, and rituals honoring family and heritage. The combination of modern architecture and timeless customs made this ceremony especially moving.

Reception at Bell Works

The reception began at 6:00 PM, where men and women danced separately with a dividing wall between the groups—an energizing and meaningful start to the evening. Between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, soup was served, giving the couple time for additional portraits or greeting their guests.

At 7:00 PM, the full bridal party and the couple were formally announced, beginning 15–20 minutes of spirited dancing that set the tone for the remainder of the night. As dinner was served, the first dance, mother-daughter, mother-son, and father-daughter dances took place, creating a smooth flow of events.

The second hora began around 8:00 PM, opening the dance floor to all guests and transitioning the reception into a lively celebration filled with movement, music, and joy. The cake cutting was tentatively scheduled for 9:00 PM, adding a sweet finishing touch to the evening’s festivities.

Throughout the night, Bell Works’ architectural lighting and dramatic interior made for stunning photographic opportunities, blending its signature design elements with emotional storytelling.

It was an honor for Red Bank Studio to capture Jonathan and Jessica’s unforgettable wedding day—filled with modern elegance, meaningful traditions, and the warmth of family.