Jersey City Wedding & Elopement Photography

From sacred ceremonies to modern love stories, we deliver your vision with whimsy, intention, and elevated artistry. As a creative studio specializing in Jersey City Wedding & Elopement Photography, we’re here to capture the magic of your day with heart, movement, and meaning.

Whether you’re exchanging vows against a sweeping city backdrop, wandering through your favorite neighborhood, or crafting a deeply personal ceremony that honors your story, our approach blends documentary authenticity with cinematic style. Every frame is designed to reflect not just how your day looked, but how it felt — vibrant, emotional, and unmistakably yours.

If you’re seeking a team that celebrates your individuality and preserves your story with a touch of whimsy, welcome — you’re in the right place.

blending the classic elegance of film 
with the contemporary artistry of digital

NYC Wedding Photographer, bride and groom laughing together during reception
Collage of nine wedding photos featuring a bride and groom in various outdoor and urban settings, including close-up shots, walking together, and sharing kisses.
Elopement Photographer in NYC, close up of bride and groom kissing
Outdoor Wedding Photography in NYC, couple getting married underneath a wood gazebo

I'm Ignacio Leonidas — a documentary style photographer and filmmaker with a deep appreciation for storytelling. Influenced by my background as a film director and a photojournalist, I blend film and digital media to deliver a product that feels honest and elegant.

I'm inspired by the beauty and tradition of ceremonies and cultural rituals, and I love reimagining those sacred moments through a modern lens. I want my clients to feel unrestricted in terms of their ultimate vision and have developed the skills necessary to bring complex ideas to life.

Whether I’m shooting on lush 35mm or 120mm film, capturing the movement of Super 8, or crafting something digital and editorial, I work with intention, artistry, and care.

NYC wedding photography, two brides holding hands and sitting on a low couch together

Film Photography

My approach to film photography combines the intimacy of 35mm and point-and-shoot cameras with the refined look of medium format. I treat each wedding as an editorial story — blending candid emotion with cinematic composition. The result is imagery that feels natural yet elevated.

  • offers a distinctive blend of spontaneity and nostalgia. I work with a range of cameras — from classic 1970s SLRs to compact 90s point-and-shoots like the Olympus Mju, along with fun Lomo cameras that experiment with colored flashes. Together they create a one of a kind gallery of images, weaving unique aesthetics into each frame.

  • offers a level of depth and detail that feels high-quality. Using a Japanese Mamiya and a classic Rolleiflex — the same cameras used in iconic editorial portraiture of the 1980s and 1990s — I create portraits that are rich in tone and emotion.

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Close-up of a bride and groom at their wedding, showing only their lower bodies, standing on a dark pavement decorated with gold and silver star-shaped confetti.

Digital Photography

allows me to capture every detail with precision and depth. Flexible and fast, it’s perfectly suited for a documentary approach — ideal for candid storytelling throughout the day. rom quiet, natural light moments to the energy and flash-lit rhythm of the dance floor. The result is imagery that is crisp, modern, and true to life.

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Super 8 Motion Film

Bringing a dreamlike quality to your wedding story, this format captures not only what the day looked like, but how it felt.

Shot on vintage cameras, it reveals character and warmth — the soft sunlight, the grain of film, the subtle imperfections that make each moment feel authentic.

There’s an intimacy to it — as if you’re watching a cherished memory unfold rather than a recording of an event. It evokes the romance of old home movies and the timeless beauty of classic cinema.

When blended with 4K digital footage, the outcome is truly unique.

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Digital Video

preserves the movement and atmosphere of a wedding without missing any of the sights or sounds. From quiet gestures during your vows to the energy of the celebration that follows, it gives space for the day to unfold naturally.

Paired with Super 8 or offered on its own, digital video is a popular choice for couples who want a clear, dynamic record of their day — capturing the big, memorable moments as well as the smaller ones they may have missed in the rush of emotion and activity.

Gallery
Wedding photography services in NYV, bride standing in a grassy field
Wedding Photography, close up of bride resting her hand on groom's hand
Elopement Photography, couple standing together outside at night in the city
NYC Wedding Photography, close up of couple with red light shining over them
NYC Wedding Photography Services, same sex couple, brides sitting together at a fancy reception venue
NYC Wedding Photographer, couple standing next to old sports car
Two women smiling in front of a blue brick wall, wearing white dresses and pearl earrings.
Wedding Photographer in NYC, close up of couples hands and rings
Wedding Photographer in New York, spread of food at reception venue
NYC Wedding Photographer, guests sitting with their plates of food at the reception
Bride walking down the aisle during her wedding photography session in NYC
Light reflecting off a stained glass window and shining on a church seat during the wedding
Couple standing together and looking at camera with an array of Chinese decorations and gifts behind them
Wedding Photography in NYC, couple standing outside of a Chinese restaurant
Wedding Photography around NYC, bride standing next to groom who is sitting down on steps of a doorway
Wedding photography in New York, couple sitting next to each other, both holding small flower bouquets
Couple kissing at a roof top wedding ceremony
Couple walking down the aisle together during a roof top wedding ceremony
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of pink and red flowers, standing on a wooden dock by a body of water with trees and a bridge in the background.
A bride and groom standing outdoors near a river, under trees, during a wedding ceremony. The bride is holding a large bouquet of pink, red, and white flowers, and is wearing a white wedding dress with a veil. The groom is dressed in a light gray sui
A woman in a wedding dress and veil walking between two older adults on a paved path in a park, with stadium lights and a large stadium in the background.
A bride wearing a white dress and veil with tattoos on her arms, standing outdoors during a rainy wedding ceremony, with a person holding a transparent umbrella in the background.
A man with glasses and a woman with tattoos, wearing a veil with a large bow, are at an event. The woman is holding a bouquet of white flowers above her head.
Wedding Photography in NYC, bride pushing through subway entrance
Wedding Photographer, close up of tattoo on bride's shoulder
Man with dark hair, glasses, and mustache, wearing a tuxedo with a white shirt and light-colored tie, sitting in a room.
Close-up of colorful garden flowers with a blurred background of trees and a pathway.
A bride and groom stand together inside a building, looking out through an open doorway onto an outdoor scene with people and a decorative animal figure. The interior has decorated tables, brick flooring, and ornate archways.
A top-down view of a formal dining table with a red and white striped tablecloth, featuring a large colorful flower centerpiece, place settings with menus, bread rolls, glasses, and cutlery.
A bride and groom in wedding attire posing for a photo, with the bride wearing a veil and the groom in a tuxedo with a white boutonniere.
Two people in traditional Korean wedding attire standing behind a table with various traditional foods and decorations, with a red backdrop featuring cranes and Korean characters.
Close-up of a smiling bride with dark hair, wearing a pearl necklace and wedding veil, with a groom in a tuxedo blurred in the background.
Two people dressed in traditional Korean costumes, standing in front of a red backdrop decorated with cranes and pine trees.
A young man and woman sit close together in a dimly lit room, with the woman wearing a white dress and the man in a white shirt and dark pants. The woman is leaning into the man, who has His arm around her. They appear to be comfortable and relaxed.
A woman in a lace top pours champagne into glasses at a bar or restaurant, with a dark, illuminated background and shelves of bottles.
A woman holding a glass of white wine at a social event, wearing a strapless white dress and a pearl necklace, with dark hair and a ring on her finger.
Wedding photographer in New York, couple standing together in the grass underneath a shady tree
Wedding Photography, couple standing holding hands next to the water
Wedding Photography in NYC, couple standing together hand in hand looking out over the water
Wedding Photography Services in NYC, couple posing together behind a row of flowers
Couple standing together with a barn in the background during their wedding photography session
A woman in a white off-shoulder dress holding a bouquet standing between a man in a navy blazer and beige pants and a woman in a black dress, holding hands, outdoors with trees and a brick building in background.
A couple getting married outdoors, holding hands and exchanging vows under a large tree, with a officiant standing behind them reading from a black book.
A couple dressed in wedding attire kissing outdoors surrounded by green trees.
Two women holding hands and smiling during a wedding ceremony, with an officiant standing behind them and floral arrangements on either side.
Split screen photo of four women at a dining table with flowers, two women on the left are standing and looking at the camera, two women on the right are seated and looking down, with a background of white curtains and warm lighting
Decorated dining table with a red and white striped tablecloth, pink floral centerpieces, tall green candles, gold and amber candleholders, plates with buns, menus, glassware, and cutlery set for a formal event.
A black and white photo of an elderly couple on their wedding day, standing outdoors on a paved path with trees in the background. The woman is holding a bouquet, wearing glasses, a long-sleeved dress, and a floral crown. The man is dressed in a dark
A black-and-white photo of an elderly couple dressed in wedding attire, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background. The woman is holding a bouquet and wearing glasses and a floral crown, while the man is dressed in a tuxedo with a boutonn
A bride and groom standing by a lake under large green trees, exchanging wedding vows.
A bride and groom standing outdoors under a large tree beside a river, during their wedding ceremony. The bride is holding a large bouquet of colorful flowers, and a bride wearing a white wedding dress and veil, while the groom is dressed in a light
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors, with the bride holding a colorful bouquet of flowers, and trees in the background.
A bride in a white wedding gown walking down the street at dusk, accompanied by two individuals, with parked cars and trees in the background.
A wedding ceremony inside a grand church with high ornate ceilings, stained glass windows, and decorative columns. The bride and groom stand before a priest, with bridesmaids and groomsmen present, and guests seated watching the ceremony.
A bride and groom in wedding attire standing in the middle of a city street crosswalk at dusk, with cars and tall buildings surrounding them.
Four men in suits standing on a sandy beach, with two more men in suits walking in the background near the water.
A bride in a white satin wedding dress holding a bouquet, walking with her parents outdoors at night on a grassy lawn, with trees and starry sky in the background.
A couple sharing a kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with a man in a suit smiling in the background, under a decorated canopy with flowers and draped fabric.
People dancing and enjoying themselves at a party with colorful lights and motion blur.
A group of people celebrating at a party under string lights, with two people sitting on chairs being lifted in the air, one man with a shaved head in a blue suit and a woman in a satin dress smiling and laughing.
  • A bride and groom standing on a staircase, holding flowers. The bride is wearing a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress, and the groom is dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow tie.

    "We had the amazing pleasure of having Ignacio film at our wedding, and we were absolutely blown away by the incredible wedding video he created! We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to have Ignacio be a part of our special day and absolutely would recommend his videography expertise. His use of Super 8 film added a touch of nostalgia and timeless beauty to our special day, capturing every moment with an artistic flair that exceeded our expectations. His attention to detail, creativity, and ability to tell our love story through his lens truly made our wedding video a work of art. And, above all, we're so thankful to have worked with someone so communicative, open and receptive to the vision. We truly will cherish our video forever!"

    Lauren Sbrilli Montaya & Andrés Montoya

  • A man proposing marriage to a woman in a forested outdoor setting, with the man kneeling on one knee and the woman standing, holding his hand.

    “My fiancé and I were blown away by Ignacio’s talent. He was able to take pictures VERY last minute and was extremely understanding. His photos came out beautiful- I immediately hung them up in our home. 10/10 would recommend!!!”

    Taylor Giancarelli & Philip Saglietto

  • A bride and groom walking outdoors in a wooded area, with the bride holding a bouquet of white flowers and the groom smiling in a gray suit with a scarf, on a photo print.

    "My wife Michelle and I worked with Ignacio for our August '23 elopement. We wanted a film video and our photographer immediately recommended him. He produced a gorgeous, thoughtful portrait of our day together. We both felt comfortable to be ourselves while he was shooting and we couldn't be happier with the result. We highly recommend Leonidas Photo Studio for any special occasion. Thank you, Ignacio!"

    Daniel Bögre Udell & Michelle Faviola

  • “We had an amazing experience working with Ignacio. He made us feel very comfortable having never done a photo shoot before. He put in the effort to pre scout the location and suggested some wonderful spots. We didn’t feel rushed and he took a lot of time to get the right shots and capture our personalities and love. We had a micro wedding with about 25 family and friends. Would highly recommend him. Lovely experience.”

    Carly Squires & Patrick Soper

  • Older couple in wedding attire standing outdoors, holding hands, smiling, trees in the background.

    "Ignacio photographed our parents' intimate wedding, and we were delighted with the results! He seamlessly captured the day's details and their love story. The lovely photos are matched by his remarkable care, patience, and flexibility throughout the day. Thank you!"

    Mildred Morency

  • A couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands at a wedding reception or event. The man is wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie and white boutonniere. The woman is wearing a white off-the-shoulder wedding gown.

    “Ignacio was very accommodating and communicative throughout the entire process and truly listened to want my husband and I wanted. He was so personable and great to work with throughout the day. Ignacio made us feel very comfortable and gave us great guidance throughout the process.Our family and friends came up to us multiple times and were extremely complementary of him. We highly recommend Ignacio for any occasion :) !”

    Caroline Benson & Andrew Spraberry

  • A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire sitting indoors by a large window with a cityscape view, including water and skyscrapers, in the background.

    “We are so pleased we were recommended Ignacio! He made the most beautiful video suite for us, capturing our NYC wedding with a mix of Super8 and digital. Planning from the UK, we relied on trusted providers — and Ignacio made everything calm, easy, and fun. His communication was clear throughout, and he worked seamlessly with our photographer and coordinator. On the day, he brought such calm energy — half the time we didn’t even notice he was there — yet he captured every authentic, candid moment beautifully. The teasers, the edits, the music — everything exceeded expectations. We couldn’t recommend Ignacio enough — a talented videographer, a true professional, and an all-round great guy.”

    Kelly Hennessy & Mark Jepson

  • “We had a lovely maternity photoshoot with Ignacio at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He was super easy to work with -- clear and quick to communicate, and he really took the time to understand the vibe we wanted. It was a hot day, but he made sure we felt comfortable and relaxed. We're so happy with how the photos turned out and would definitely recommend him!”

    Clara & Cliff Keer

  • A man in a light blue suit and a woman in a white dress walking on a patio surrounded by green trees and plants in an urban setting.

    “Very pleased with my photos with Ignacio! He captured so many moments from our engagement party. Very easy to work with and very reliable. Highly recommend!”

    Nicole & Jorge

  • A couple stands underneath large gold letter balloons spelling 'PARTY' in a decorated event space with a bar in the background. The woman is wearing a light yellow dress, and the man is wearing a gray shirt and dark pants. There are white plates on a table to right and candles in the room.

    “Ignacio is absolutely wonderful to work with and all of the photos (digital and film) turned out beautifully!!! Would definitely book again for another event or photoshoot.”

    Remi & Brett

  • A young man and woman close together in a dimly lit setting, with the woman wearing a lace dress and a ring on her finger.

    “Ignacio was such a pleasure to work with! I’m so glad I came across his photography. His photos capture the perfect balance of vintage and modern. He’s able to catch both the little and big moments of an event, with making them look so natural. On top of that, he’s wonderful to work with. Highly recommend!”

    Courtney & Matt

A slice of orange-colored cake with decorative flowers, greenery, and an artistic edible flower decoration, with a glass of sparkling drink in front.

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Wedding & Elopement Photographer and Videographer for Jersey City and Surrounding Areas

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