A non traditional wedding invites couples to design a day that feels true to who they are. This Brooklyn NYC celebration at Grimm Artisanal Ales Brewery shows how authenticity can lead the experience. Instead of rigid timelines or formal structure, the couple centered the wedding on connection, comfort, and shared joy. Set in an urban brewery designed for gathering, the day unfolded naturally and felt intimate, relaxed, and deeply personal.

A Brewery Wedding Venue That Sets the Tone

The venue played a huge role in shaping the atmosphere. Hosted at GRIMM Ales, the setting felt creative and unpretentious while still visually striking. Known for uncompromising excellence in hops, classic styles, and creative wild ales, GRIMM has been named New York State Brewery of the Year multiple times through blind tasting competitions. Their Grimm Weisse hefeweizen was also awarded the Governor’s Cup for best in show in 2025.

The four thousand square foot rooftop terrace offered expansive views of Brooklyn, including Cooper Park and the Kosciuszko Bridge. Floor to ceiling accordion doors created a seamless indoor outdoor flow, while Biergarten style tables encouraged guests to gather organically. Cerulean blue and emerald green tilework, terrazzo floors, and a Turkish Moonstone pizza bar anchored the space with warmth and character. Guests enjoyed Grimm beers and natural wines from Physica while pizza came fresh from the Italian wood fired oven.

Designing a Wedding Day Around Authenticity

This queer wedding embraced the idea that meaningful does not have to mean traditional. A short vow ceremony began at six in the evening, allowing space for heartfelt words without pressure or performance. One hour before the ceremony was reserved for family and wedding party photos, keeping portraits relaxed and unhurried.

Once the vows were shared, the evening shifted seamlessly into a casual open bar pizza party that lasted until nine. No rush. No rigid schedule. Just time together. Group photos were handled early, leaving the rest of the celebration open for candid moments and natural interaction. This non linear approach allowed the couple to stay present and actually enjoy their wedding day.

Candid Moments and Personal Details That Matter

What made this non traditional Brooklyn wedding especially memorable was how personal it felt. The couple leaned fully into what brought them joy, including playful details that reflected their personalities. Large cut outs of their cats’ heads appeared throughout the celebration, instantly setting a lighthearted tone and inviting laughter. These moments felt less like novelty and more like an extension of who they are.

Photographed with a candid driven, documentary approach, the gallery captures real moments as they happened. Conversations unfolding at long tables. Friends leaning in close. The comfort of a celebration where everyone belongs. The overall feel is urban, creative, and unpretentious, more like a great party than a production.

A Non Traditional Wedding Experience for Modern Brooklyn Couples

This intimate celebration shows how a non traditional wedding can be relaxed, modern, and deeply intentional while still visually compelling. By choosing a meaningful urban location, a flexible timeline, and a focus on community, the couple created a wedding day that felt like a true reflection of their values.

For couples planning a queer, Brooklyn based wedding that prioritizes connection, inclusivity, and ease, this day is proof that tradition is optional but intention is not.

“I worked with Liz for my wedding photographs. From the beginning, she made the whole process feel fun and had amazing energy. She was super easy to work with and did a great job helping wrangle everyone on the day of. I love how she really captured the essence of my husband and me in our photos, and how full of joy and light they are. I would highly recommend her for any session; she’s a true professional and such a great person to have in your corner.“

If you are dreaming of a non traditional wedding that feels like the best gathering you have ever hosted, I would love to document it. Book Liz Stewart, an inclusive Brooklyn NYC wedding photographer, to capture your day with honesty, storytelling, and a documentary approach centered on real moments and atmosphere.

Want to see the full gallery? Check it out here