As a professional photographer, I must say that wedding photography takes me to a place that leaves me absolutely smitten with my craft…and of course with the lovely couples that I am honored to capture in these photos.

Today, I am sharing the humble love story of bride and groom, Karen and Vipul – a love story that truly set sail for eternity from the moment they said, “I Do”.

On a beautiful and sunny New York day, the two were joined in the hands of marriage in front of their loved ones by the captain of the ship. Fusing the traditions of generations past with their own traditions to build on today, this adorable couple celebrated their love in a unique blended Indian and American wedding. The ship was docked for this moment and later set sail for an eventful reception on the bay.

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYKaren Vipul Hornblower W Hoboken2 013Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

The pop of colors draped across the ladies of the wedding are known as sari, while the gentlemen were tastefully suited up in their very best. The bride’s bouquet was a refreshing and robust bundle of peach and deep pink roses, light green orchids, blue lisianthus, yellow freesia, and bright pink alstroemeria.  A true Indian wedding as like many other cultures is not complete without a delicious spread of tasty morsels to munch on. At Karen and Vipul’s reception there was a delightful array of traditional Indian dishes such as: Saag Paneer, Chicken Makhani, Chick Pea Cake, Khasta Alootikki Chole with Pindi, and Basmati Rice. Whilst rejoicing in smiles and laughter for the couple’s celebration of their love, guests took in views of the majestic sites of the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, and the legendary Manhattan skyline.

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

And as every story only gets sweeter, this special day couldn’t have been completed without the bride and groom’s traditional fondant wedding cake, simply designed with a cascade of fresh flowers.

From the bride & groom – Karen and Vipul:

We met in the mid 90s at our first job out of school. Keeping in touch throughout the years, Vipul was single and partying for a while and I was in a relationship until 2012 – this is when I moved to Hoboken and reconnected with him. We started dating almost right away – he’s the most thoughtful and selfless person I know. He is also the smartest person I know, which is incredibly attractive to me. So, I fell in love with him for so many reasons. I can go on! We started dating in Fall of 2012 and got engaged in January of 2015 while we were on vacation in Aruba  – we went there for New Year’s Eve and my birthday which is on January 2nd, 2015 and got engaged on January 1st, 2015. Vipul proposed to me on the beach in Aruba. It was incredibly sweet.

We started planning the wedding in March of 2015. Vipul had the idea of getting married on a boat in NYC because he grew up in Hoboken and went to high school in NYC so the area is near and dear to his heart. When we had seen the Hornblower Infinity, we were both instantly sold! It was amazing! we went on a ‘test’ cruise and it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery, the atmosphere, the quality of the Hornblower amenities were all amazing. We booked the boat and all of the vendors that John Barrall suggested were amazing! We got the venue in the Spring and I started meeting with vendors in April/May…And this is when we met our incredible photographer Tatiana Valerie – we loved her right away!

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

We booked the honeymoon to Mauritius and Maldives in March and sent out the save the dates in June.

Our honeymoon was absolutely amazing. The wedding planning was really from March through September – yes September! We had found out that we couldn’t get officially married on a moving vessel, so we actually got married before the reception as well. We got officially married on August 8th, 2015 and the reception was September 26th, 2015. My nieces and nephew were the flower girls and ring bearer. Neither of us are planners and we we left a bunch of stuff until last minute but it all worked out perfectly. We wanted both of our parents to be part of the day so we had a dance with each parent which was so awesome. The wedding day itself was so much fun! We really enjoyed the day!

I would recommend to anyone all the vendors that John Barrall suggested. John at Hornblower himself was wonderful and such a pleasure to work with! Tatiana Valerie, our photographer, Deborah at City Sweets and our florist in Hoboken Flowers By Diane were all amazing.

The party was incredible, everyone had so much fun!

Wedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NYWedding on a boat in NYC Hornblower NY

Contact Hornblower’s Wedding Specialist John Barrall today to inquire about having your wedding on a Hornblower Yacht : 646-576-8410 | [email protected]

Hotel: W Hoboken
Ceremony & Reception: Hornblower Infinity
Cake: City Sweets & Confections
Flowers: Flowers by Diane
Photography: Artvesta Studio