Happy Wedding Wednesday! Get ready to fall in love with Jillian and Mark’s fall-inspired wedding! This wedding will warm your hearts from the stunning autumn colors, caramel apples and a unique signature drink created by the bride’s father. There is so much gorgeousness combined throughout this affair, including some of the most magical portraits captured by Danielle Hopkins Photography.

“I fell in love with my ivory, Jim Hjelm lace and organza gown the minute I tried it on! Fortunately, I had worked part time modeling dresses for the bridal store which I ordered the dress from, so I knew what style dress suited my body best. I knew I definitely did not want strapless as I absolutely hate having to pull up dresses when they start to fall! My dress, which featured lace straps to my shoulders and an open back, was comfortable, light weight, and made me feel absolutely beautiful! I actually took the original belt off the dress (a feather beaded flower) and used it to wrap the stem of my bouquet, and instead, added a completely beaded leaf designed belt. I seriously love my dress so much that at the end of the night- 3:00 in the morning as we shut the bar down-I honestly felt sad taking it off!”

Jillian rose gold Badgley Mischka shoes complemented her gown beautifully. She added a personalized touch by asking her mother and bridesmaids to sign the bottom using a purple pen.

Mark proposed to Jillian with a square halo engagement ring setting with a round one carat diamond and split diamond band.

Designed by Petal Pushers, Jillian carried a stunning lush bouquet featuring a mixture of each of her bridesmaids flowers with a touch of ivory roses and orange calla lilies. A locket to honor loved ones was attached to the lace wrapped stems.

“Mark went to high school with Danielle, so we checked out her website shortly after getting engaged and saw she did beautiful work, and immediately booked her for our engagement pictures. They turned out beautifully that it was no brainer hiring her for our wedding. She, along with her talented husband Chad, are laid back, as they make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. As a result, we have beautiful photographs capturing all aspects of our most memorable day! We took pictures at our childhood homes, church, and all over the grounds of the Mill. Some of our favorites are outside by the beautiful lake.”

“The Mill was only the third venue we saw and we both immediately fell in love with everything: the location (Spring Lake Heights), the modern, yet warm atmosphere, delicious food, and above all the staff. Donald Rodgers, the CEO and site manager was the epitome of a venue manager; he treated us as though he had known us for years, a common feeling when visiting The Mill. The staff makes you feel at home. Throughout our two year engagement, The Mill staff went above and beyond to help us create our dream event. We cannot thank them enough for the way they made our dreams come true after Hurricane Sandy had devastated the area. Thankfully, The Mill was not damaged, but the town of Spring Lake was without power and Don, his son Don Jr., and our wedding coordinator worked diligently to make sure our wedding reception happened (we were concerned as the weddings the weekend prior had to be canceled/postponed due to the power outage). It wasn’t until Wednesday night, two days before our wedding, that Don called us with the good news- they had power. Our wedding was a go! In one day (as our wedding was that Friday), the staff at The Mill prepared for our wedding. My father and I have both worked in the restaurant business, and we know how difficult it must have been to turn out a wedding in less than 36 hours, but the staff, still dealing with their own issues as a result of Sandy, did just that and then some. Our guests were treated royally, the food was fresh and delectable, and as result, Don was recognized in my father’s speech. We can honestly say we will continue to patronize the Mill for years to come.”

Jillian and Mark’s centerpieces were black lanterns with an ivory candle surrounded by a ring of antique hydrangeas with deep purple and orange accents.

The newlyweds held the spotlight to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, as family and friends surrounded the dance floor.

Jillian and Mark opted for two signature drinks for guests to enjoy throughout their wedding. “Fall in Love”, which featured Laird’s apple brandy was created by Jill’s father, a former bartender.  They also had “Tequila Sunrises” available, which is Mark’s favorite wedding drink.

“Chris Mathews, our D.J., was fantastic! He played all the must haves on our play list which included everything from Sinatra (Mark’s favorite singer) to The Temptations, 80s hits to LMFAO. We even played a polka (in honor of our eastern European heritage) after we cut the cake.”

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Mark and I dated for about two years when we were in our late teens/early twenties. We broke up for a while, and it wasn’t until five years later, when I asked him to meet back up for coffee, that I knew he was definitely the one I wanted to grow old with. Though we are opposites in many ways, we have the same values and beliefs, and ultimately, a deep respect and love for one another. Our proposal wasn’t anything grand: he proposed on a Thursday night, in gym shorts, in his childhood bedroom. To me, it was perfect!
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Our first dance; it was emotional because we honestly didn’t think we were going to be able to have that moment a few days before!
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: Seeing Jill for the first time. She was absolutely stunning!
What was the most exciting part of planning your wedding? Though I honestly enjoyed planning our wedding, I loved spending time with my dad rehearsing our dance. We are quite an emotional pair, so I was thrilled when my dad agreed to surprise our guests with a fast dance combination, avoiding a blubbering scene that was surely to come. I am a part time dance teacher, and my father came into the studio on Saturday mornings to rehearse our number. We began the dance with our real song, “You Can Depend on Me” by the Duprees because I grew up listening to Doo Wop with my dad. Then we broke out into his go to fast song favorite, the Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”. At 65, my father did his dancing daughter proud by breaking out into the robot, throwing dice, and shimmy shaking his way across the dance floor. I will cherish that routine forever!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to the Secrets Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was recommended by family and friends, and booking it was convenient because you could book your hotel and flight all in one. They also had a honeymoon registry, which our family and friends graciously gave us money towards excursions and dinners on the beach.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? If you are a type “A” teacher type like me, please please please, let your family and friends help with they offer. This is just as an important day to them as it is to you, so let your inner control freak go with the flow. Your day will be perfect because it is your day-all the planning can’t stand in the way of pure bliss!
What are you currently enjoying or looking forward to as a couple? We are enjoying our conversations, laughter, and “alone time”. We look forward to traveling and starting a family very soon.

Jillian & Mark
November 9, 2012
The Mill at Spring Lake Heights • Spring Lake Heights, NJ

Ceremony Location: The Church of the Sacred Heart / Celebrant: Father Dennis Appoldite / Reception Location: The Mill at Spring Lake Heights / Photographer: Danielle Hopkins Photography / Videographer: Creative Video Editing Films / Entertainment: DJ Your Way / Florist: Petal Pushers / Limousine Service: Cescaphé Trolley / Cake Designer: Chocolate Carousel / Bridal Salon: The Bridal Suite of Hamilton / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Schaffer’s Tuxedos / Invitations: Magnet Street / Favors: Donation to Wounded Warrior Project / Hair Salon: Robert James Salon and Spa of Hamilton / Makeup Artist: Silvana Longo / Jeweler: The Original Pratico Jewelers / Honeymoon Location: Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Two weeks ago we relived Jamie and Eric’s seaside soiree through gorgeous wedding photographs that had us reminiscing of sweet memories shared at the Jersey Shore. Today we’re taking another look at Jamie and Eric’s wedding film brought to us by Majestic Entertainment that is one to put in the books and to serve as a reminder that there is  hope for the future of New Jersey’s coastline. Added Bonus: We love how Majestic Entertainment incorporated Eric’s proposal to Jamie!

Jamie + Eric NJ Wedding Highlights The Waters Edge Seabright from Majestic Entertainment on Vimeo.

Ceremony Location: The First Presbyterian Tower Hill Church / Celebrant: Theresa Swenson / Reception Location: The Water’s Edge / Caterer: Merri-Makers / Photographer: Joselyn Diaz of Majestic Entertainment / Entertainment: Majestic Entertainment / Florist: Boxwood Gardens / Limousine Service: Andiamo Limousine / Cake Designer: Bella Palermo / Bridal Salon & Veil: Castle Couture / Shoes: Maggie Sottero / Formal Attire: Love Lane Tuxedo / Invitations: The Papery / Favors: Personalized Picture Frames & Personalized Hershey Kisses / Hair Salon: Milagro Spa / Makeup Studio: MAC Cosmetics / Jeweler: Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry / Honeymoon Locations: Caribbean Cruise

It doesn’t get much better than spending a warm summer night on the Jersey shore, unless you’re celebrating love and a happily married couple at a location right on the water. It’s beautiful photographs like Jamie and Eric’s that truly represent “the calm before the storm”. Although this locale was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, this seaside soiree has us not only reminiscing of sweet distant memories, but serves as a gentle reminder that there is hope for the future of the New Jersey coastline.

“The end of August is bittersweet, yet an exciting time for people (like us) who grew up on the New Jersey coast. Those few short months of summer heat start to dwindle away and the occasional breeze of cool air starts to give this feeling of new beginnings. But something else happens, too. The vacationers head home and the Jersey shore returns to its simple and beautiful form. It’s the way that we love it and the best time of the summer to beat the shore traffic, grab a good book, and soak in the last of what the beautiful summer days have to offer…in peace. That is why we chose August 25th. It was one of the last weekends of the summer and that nostalgia made it feel so right.”

“I only tried on about four gowns before I tried this one on and I knew it was the one. I felt like Marilyn Monroe in this dress! My mom, sisters, and best friend’s faces said it all when I walked out. I felt sexy and elegant.”

Joselyn of Majestic Entertainment captured the essence of the wedding day beautifully in a photojournalistic approach. Not only did she help calm the brides nerves before the church, but made everyone feel comfortable being in front of the camera. “Joselyn has such a great soul and has an incredible personality. [We] had a blast taking the beach pictures!” exclaimed Jamie.

Jamie’s bridesmaids wore floor-length pink silk and chiffon dresses with a flower accent.

When it came time to choose a reception location, The Water’s Edge made a great impression on Jamie and Eric. “We wanted a venue that matched our personalities. We had family coming from other countries so we wanted a strong representation of New Jersey. We also knew friends of friends who were married at the venue and they loved it. The window that looked out over the ocean (right behind the sweetheart table) was a great selling point. They also had lights to shine out over the water so everyone could see the ocean at night.” commented the groom.

Jamie and Eric shared their first dance as newlyweds to Etta James’ “At Last”, which the bride pre-recorded. “I wanted to showcase my wife’s beautiful voice and I think everyone really felt how personal our first dance was.”

Cocktail hour served guests a variety of options including a raw bar, mashed potato station, and taco station. Dinner began with a mozzarella and tomato appetizer followed by a strawberry and walnut summer salad. For dinner, guests had a choice of salmon, chicken Marsala or filet Mignon. Crème brulee and a chocolate fountain was served for dessert, in addition to wedding cake.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Eric surprised me and proposed in our apartment when I least expected it. He decorated everything with flower petals and candles and hid a camera behind the couch to capture my reaction. He also played a video of pictured of us through the years and set it to the our favorite song, “No One” by Alicia Keys. I was a teary eyed mush and immediately knew that this was the start of something great.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Reading our vows to each other and looking into Eric’s tear filled eyes was a moment I will never forget.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: My favorite memory that I won’t ever forget was the first time I saw Jamie walking down the aisle. It was difficult for me to choke back all the emotion I felt. She looked absolutely beautiful and literally took my breath away. Her dress was even more beautiful than I had imagined.
What was the most exciting part of planning your wedding? For me it was just experiencing new things with Jamie. We got to know each other a lot better and the process as a whole was fun. I would do it all again in a heartbeat (even with all the stress).
Where did you go on your honeymoon? We decided to be practical and splurge on a new home first to start our future together, The cruise is coming soon and we are very excited.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Have fun and don’t stress about the little details too much because life is beautifully flawed. Nothing will go exactly the way you want it to so don’t try to control every aspect of the day.  Just go with the flow and enjoy every moment because it’s over in a heartbeat.
What are you currently enjoying or looking forward to as a couple? We are currently enjoying being first time homeowners and look forward to becoming first time parents this Fall!

Jamie & Eric
August 25, 2012
Merri-Makers at The Water’s Edge • Sea Bright, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: The First Presbyterian Tower Hill Church / Celebrant: Theresa Swenson / Reception Location: The Water’s Edge / Caterer: Merri-Makers / Photographer: Joselyn Diaz of Majestic Entertainment / Entertainment: Majestic Entertainment / Florist: Boxwood Gardens / Limousine Service: Andiamo Limousine / Cake Designer: Bella Palermo / Bridal Salon & Veil: Castle Couture / Shoes: Maggie Sottero / Formal Attire: Love Lane Tuxedo / Invitations: The Papery / Favors: Personalized Picture Frames & Personalized Hershey Kisses / Hair Salon: Milagro Spa / Makeup Studio: MAC Cosmetics / Jeweler: Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry / Honeymoon Locations: Caribbean Cruise

We can all agree that Paris, France is THE city to embrace and celebrate love! It’s the perfect locale where passion explodes at every corner; from the breathtaking scenery, historic streets, and breathtaking landmarks that has us dreaming of romance. Mara and Conrad’s fairy tale wedding captured by Maxime Desessard Photographe is one that will not only have you fall madly in love for the City of Lights, but will have you ‘oooh la la-ing’ over every one of their wedding images.

When Mara and Conrad began planning their wedding, they knew Paris, France, was the perfect locale to host their destination wedding as this location holds emotional significance to their relationship. Additionally, it was an ideal geographical location for both families to meet in the middle. Mara and Conrad agreed, “It was surreal to have so many of our closest family and friends come from different corners of the world to be there for us, meet each other, and to experience a city that has meant so much to us as a couple.”

“It was surreal to have so many of our closest family and friends come literally from different corners of the world (from New Jersey to South Africa) to be there for us, to all meet each other, and to experience a city that has meant so much to us as a couple.”

The ceremony took place at The American Church, where the bride walked down the aisle wearing a stunning blush-colored Sareh Nouri wedding gown featuring a fitted bodice and dramatic organza skirt embellished with roses. Conrad sported a classic black Hugo Boss tuxedo with ivory bow tie.

ollowing the ceremony, the newlyweds, along with their guests, boarded the Seine River Cruise for their cocktail hour. As they viewed many prominent sights of Paris, guests were served a variety of specialty hors d’oeuvres prepared by Traiteur Tradition Française, while being entertained by La Planche à Dixie jazz band.

At the end of the boat cruise, the celebration continued at the historical Restaurant Le Procope, which was known for hosting intellectuals, revolutionaries, and philosophers in its day.

Centerpieces of ivory and blush roses completed each tablescape design, as Mara and Conrad wanted the main focus to be kept on Restaurant Le Procope’s dramatic architecture.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Conrad proposed in South Africa (where he is from), in a beach town along South Africa’s garden route, where he spent summers growing up. He proposed on the terrace of our room, overlooking a beautiful sunset. I was completely surprised because I thought he was just being extra romantic that day for our anniversary. I started crying when I realized what was happening, and of course, said yes!
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: It had been raining in the morning, so walking out onto the boat after the ceremony and seeing the sun come out just in time for the cruise down the Seine was probably our favorite memory. That, and seeing our families and friends from all over the word meet each other and enjoy each other’s company.
What was the most exciting part of planning your wedding? Tasting the food and cake was definitely the most fun. We also enjoyed an excuse to take dancing lessons!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to southern Spain for our honeymoon because we wanted to stay in Europe, but still have nice warm weather in mid-October. We started out on the Costa del Sol, in a beach town outside of Malaga, and rented a car which gave us the flexibility to take day trips to Marbella, Ronda, Grenada. We spent a few days relaxing in Seville, and ended with a few days in Madrid before flying back to New York. We loved trying all of the different tapas and tasting the delicious Spanish wine in the different cities.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Have fun [with the planning], even when its gets stressful. In the end, it is an incredibly happy day that you are planning and nothing can really go that badly in the end. Also remain true to yourselves and not feel pressured to stick to any specific traditions that don’t seem meaningful to you. Do what makes you both happy!

Mara & Conrad
October 13, 2012
Restaurant Le Procope • Paris, France

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: The American Church / Celebrant: Dr. Joseph Indano / Reception Location: Restaurant Le Procope / Cocktail Hour Caterer: Traiteur Tradition Française / Photographer: Maxime Desessard Photographe / Wedding Coordinator: Dreams in Paris / Ceremony Music: Eloise Renand (Violinist) & Fred Gramann (Organist) / Entertainment: La Planche à Dixie / Florist: L’atelier Vertige Marais / Limousine Service: Star Limos / Cake Designer: Wedding Cakes Avenue / Bridal Salon & Veil: Exquisite Bride / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Hugo Boss / Invitations: Invitations by JoAnn / Favors: Miniature Wine Bottles / Hair Salon & Makeup Studio: Murielle Palace / Jeweler: Timeless Diamonds / Honeymoon Locations: Southern Spain

What better way to celebrate wedding Wednesday than by sharing this classic purple wedding from the Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel of Freehold! Lena and Christopher’s love story is as real as they come. The two were only fifteen when they met during the Babe Ruth Little League World Series and although they went their separate ways, they reconnected through a mutual friend years later. (Lena even admitted that she let Christopher slip past her once, but wasn’t willing to do so again!) Take a look at their magical images that 217 Photography brought to life beautifully.

“Starting around Monday of that week, the weather predicted rain. It was a high percentage and I had a feeling we weren’t getting around the rain. At first, I was devastated. We didn’t know where we’d take pictures and the flow of the day could have been ruined. For some reason, that morning when I woke up to pouring rain, it didn’t bother me one bit. I was overjoyed and so excited to be marrying my best friend, I shockingly forgot about the rain. The day was perfect. It was almost on cue when the rain stopped just in time for us to exit the church, get in some amazing pictures, and get to the ballroom before the rain started up again. The only way I can describe those events is pure luck.”

Lena’s bouquet featured white roses and a touch of lilac roses scattered throughout.

Chosen for its accommodating staff, a large ballroom to hold their guest list comfortably, and the ease of having on-location accommodations, the reception was held at The Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel of Freehold. Additionally, Lena and Christopher liked how the facility was in close proximity to their ceremony location.

Guests were served a variety of options during cocktail hour including a pasta station, carving station, smashed potato bar, eggplant rollatini, lemon chicken, fried calamari, and passed hors d’oeuvres of crab cakes, spring rolls, and wraps. For dinner, guests had a choice of ginger-infused salmon with honey glaze or filet mignon.

Lena and Christopher held the spotlight for their first dance as newlyweds to”I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: I knew Chris was the one soon after we first started dating. We got along perfectly and he always made me laugh. Being around him was addicting and I felt as though I never had to try. Our relationship came natural. Chris proposed on the beach in Myrtle Beach on August 18, 2011. He had wanted to do it at sunrise, but I was in no mood to wake up that early on vacation. Luckily, he just went with the flow and did it on our early afternoon walk instead. The moment was a blur. I can just remember before and after, not during. I was so excited he said I could barely speak. I had a feeling the proposal was coming, but nothing can prepare you for the actual moment. It was perfect!
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Chris and I promised each other that before the night ended, we would stop, look around and take it all in. As the night’s end neared, he took me by my hand and we stepped off to the side of the dance floor. We looked around and noticed all the people who were there to support us and our love for each other. We took in the laughing, dancing, and love that was all around that room. It was the most magical day and that moment really helped it sink in.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: The best part of our ceremony was hearing us pronounced as Mrs & Mrs. Jones and getting to officially make Lena my wife. It was such a great feeling knowing it was done! We had waited a year to hear those words. All the planning had lead to that and it was great! At the reception, our first dance was very memorable. I remember looking at each other in amazement that our day had been so perfect. It was nice to escape with her for the 3 minutes we had together on the dance floor.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Chris’s parents generously gifted us with our honeymoon! They had a timeshare through RCI and we were able to pick from hundreds of beautiful resorts. We wanted something that was fun and relaxing. When we came across the website for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in the Dominican Republic, it looked perfect! It had so many different activities, restaurants, pools, and bars that could definitely keep us busy for a week. The reviews we saw were very positive and we couldn’t wait to try it out.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? It’s hard to put this into perspective, but as much as you want the day to be perfect, it is only one day. It’s the promise you make to each other for the rest of your lives that is most important. The little things didn’t matter once I woke up that morning. All I cared about was marrying my best friend. The day will be perfect no matter what as long as you remember what you are gaining.

Lena & Christopher
July 20, 2012
Crystal Ballroom • Freehold, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church / Celebrant: Deacon Jim Knipper / Reception Location: The Radisson Hotel of Freehold / Photographer: 217 Photography / Videographer: First Floor Films / Entertainment: DJ Available / Florist: Petal Pushers, Inc. / Limousine Service: Platinum Limo / Cake Designer: Chocolate Carousel / Bridal Salon: The Bridal Suite / Headpiece & Veil: Illusions / Shoes: Zappos / Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Invitations: Michael’s / Favors & Photo Booth: Go Festive / Hair Salon: Headways Salon / Makeup Artist: Unforgettable Faces / Jeweler: David’s Bridal / Honeymoon Locations: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino―Punta Cana, DR

It’s a beautiful day in New Jersey! We’re so excited that spring has arrived and that mother Nature finally is gifting us with warm weather. As you all enjoy the outdoors today, here’s a breathtaking Beach Chic wedding that will have you dreaming of an oceanfront oasis.

Tara wore a stunning Suzanne Neville wedding gown made of French Chantilly lace and a sewn-in corset.

From the morning preparations, ceremony, and throughout the reception, Shira Weinberger captured the special moments in a photojournalistic approach. “Shira perfectly captured the day without being intrusive or demanding, and we felt she managed to capture every single moment that brought us joy,” commented Tara. The couple was also pleased with their videographer, Exo Photography, who caught their wedding day on video.

Tara and Joe’s 8-pound Shih Tzu trotter made the perfect flower girl, along with two-year old Sophia.

Chosen for its beachfront property with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful décor throughout the facility, the ceremony and reception were held at the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Club. Tara and Joe also liked that the facility was centrally located for their guests who were traveling from New York City and Westchester. It was a beautiful day for a beach wedding [just one week before Hurricane Sandy made landfall].

“Our ceremony was held on the beach, in the sand behind the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Club. It was the most beautiful backdrop you could imagine. The sun was shining bright and the waves were crashing behind us, all of this…just one week before Hurricane Sandy struck! All of our guests were given sandals and matching, engraved pashminas as they were seated onto the white wicker chairs lined with baby blue cones filled with petals…and placed alongside gorgeous lanterns with candles. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when we signed our Ketubah, which was anything but traditional! My younger sister made it from a picture from the Hubble telescope, knowing how much I love NASA and efforts to explore the final frontier!”

“Our cocktail hour was held outside near the pool area of the Bath and Tennis Club. It was a wonderful ambiance under the stars, with music from our brass quintet lighting up the night. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food and many stations. There was a raw food bar and pasta station among many others. The stations were decorated very beach chic and it felt like we were transported to an island in the Caribbean!”

“We really wanted to keep things beach-chic, not too traditional! So some our flowers were put in mason jars on the tables, alongside iron baskets and other rustic containers!”

Dinner began with a warm goat cheese and leek tart, followed by a choice of breast of chicken roulade or filet mignon for the main entrée. Guests were treated to miniature key lime pies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, doughnut holes with dipping sauce, and miniature ice-cream cones served butler style, in addition to their red velvet with gianduja mousse wedding cake.

After being announced into the ballroom as the new Mr. & Mrs., the couple participated in the traditional Horah, while Hank Lane Music & Productions got the party started with live entertainment. They played a variety of music that had guests dancing the entire night. In order to incorporate a feel of local music, Joe surprised Tara with a special guest appearance from Taylor Dayne, who serenaded the couple.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: I am a lifelong advocate of space, nasa and exploration of the final frontier. It is my great passion outside of journalism. So Joe filmed the 30-second commercial inside the Hudson River museum planetarium in Yonkers. As I was about to get off the anchor desk on 3-10-12, my director told me in my ear…oh don’t leave! There is a big mistake with the show that we have to correct. They said watch the monitor and we’ll play back the mistake. It was Joe’s commerical that aired instead! In 30 seconds, he compared our love to all the coolest miracles in the universe, but said of all the ‘stars’ I shine the brightest for him and would I accept his hand in marriage. Next thing I knew, Joe, my co-workers and my boss all came pouring into the studio. He got down on one knee and popped the question. Everyone at work knew, I have no idea how they were able to keep the secret. I was stunned but thankfully had enough wits to say yes! He had apparently asked my parents permission to wed weeks before!
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Looking out in the ballroom after we were announced and realizing everyone I had ever loved our cared about for the past 34 years was in one room, to share in our joy!
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: The beach ceremony and seeing my wife for the FIRST time in her wedding dress.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Joe wanted to explore his roots and I wanted to go somewhere that was off the beaten path. We decided to start out in the picturesque Amalfi coast where Joe’s parents were born. It was his first time and very emotional for him. We met cousins of his that he’d never met! It was so special. Then we did the 20-hour trek to Mauritius! What an unbelievable island and worth the shelp! We did everything from water sports to private meals on the ocean to ziplining to walking with lions! Next it was off to Cape Town. We enjoyed trips to lovely vineyards and before we knew, it was time to head home!
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? It became very overwhelming at times trying to manage all the planning for such a large, detailed event. Best advice I ever got was from a friend who told me to make a simple list of everything that had to be done (my list had 59 items) and tackle 1 maybe 2 tasks per week! Also, do your research on your honeymoon planning. We did not know it was a national holiday in France when we booked our Mauritius honeymoon and the place was filled to the brim with children and young families!

Tara & Joe
October 20, 2012
Westhampton Bath & Tennis Club  • Westhampton Beach, NY

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony & Reception Location: Westhampton Bath & Tennis Club / Officiant: Rabbi Mallamy / Caterer: Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs / Wedding Coordinator: Unforgettable Hamptons Events / Photographer: Shira Weinberger / Videographer: Exo Photography & Cinema / Entertainment: Hank Lane Music & Productions / Florist: House of Flowers / Limousine Service: Capricorn Limousines / Cake Designer: Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe / Bridal Salon & Veil: Wedding Atelier / Shoes: Gianfranco Ferre / Formal Attire: Joseph Abboud / Invitations: Passion Paper / Favors: Pashmina’s & Sandals / Hair Salon: DM Luxury / Makeup Artist: Denny / Jeweler: Cartier / Photo Booth: Photobooths by NY Digital Memories / Dove Release: Lasting Memories by Sharon / Honeymoon Locations: Amalfi Coast- Italy & Africa

Although Hurricane Sandy made made landfall almost five months ago, many are still greatly affected as they continue to clean up the aftermath. For those brides and groom’s who had to put their special day on hold, World Yacht is generously helping couple’s have the wedding of their dreams. New York City’s premiere destination on the Hudson River announced they will apply a couple’s full deposit (up to $5,000) as a discount toward a ceremony and/or reception aboard a World Yacht vessel. Experience New York through a one-of-a-kind experience from the water with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. For more information visit http://www.worldyacht.com.

If you want to keep the children at your wedding occupied throughout the day, these gorgeous boxes are packed with wedding themed things to do.

Kids between the ages of 3-9 will love the variety of creative activities included in the boxes and they are all themed around a wedding. These luxury boxes will not look out of place on any top table and come tied with a white satin ribbon.
Get yours at Not on The High Street

After this bride shared her knowledge of the many positive qualities this bird bestows upon many cultures, we now have a new love for peacock-themed weddings. Mari and Nick’s wedding day is a breath of fresh air, as their special day truly inspires through a personalized ceremony focused solely on the love this couple shares. After all, there’s nothing more special than sharing personalized vows surrounded by those you love most, family and friends. “The overall theme of our wedding was peacocks. We choose this because of the positive symbolic attributes bestowed on peacocks around the world. Peacocks are widely regarded as a symbol of openness and acceptance. Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality. This came from the ancient legend, supported by St. Augustine, that the flesh of the peacock did not decay. Peacocks are also associated with the Resurrection of Christ because they shed old feathers and grow newer, brighter ones each year. In Buddhist iconography, peacocks are symbols of wisdom. They are compared to the great bodhisattvas for their ability to consume poisonous plants without being affected, just as a bodhisattva is capable of taking in the toxins of human emotion while still attaining Enlightenment. A symbolic representation of a tree flanked by two peacocks represented absolute unity in Mesopotamia. Native American cultures view the peacock as a symbol of dignity, wholeness, and beauty. The peacock symbolizes the Hindu deity that represents benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion, and luck. In Japan, the peacock is associated with an emblem of love, compassionate watchfulness, good will, nurturing, and kind-heartedness.”

Mari’s wedding day jewelry were heirloom pieces of jewelry that she received from her grandmother who passed away. She wore diamond earrings with a single pearl at the end and a diamond tennis bracelet.

The wedding day began early for the bride who was up bright and early ready to begin getting ready. “I didn’t sleep much the night before. My sister stayed in my room with me, and Nick stayed with his uncle, so she and I talked a lot about how I was feeling and the excitement.” Styled by DeVenir Beauty, Mari’s hair was styled half up with long cascading curls for a soft and romantic look, while her makeup was applied to highlight Mari’s natural beauty. Nicole applied purple and plum eye shadows, which brought out the green in  Mari’s eyes, while the rest of the makeup was applied in neutral tones, including a nude lipstick and liner from MAC cosmetics.

While the ladies continued with hair and makeup, the groom and his groomsmen were also prepping. “The morning of the wedding was spent relaxing with family and friends. I got up and had some breakfast with some out town guests. After breakfast, the best man and groomsmen came by my room where they helped me get ready and shared a toast before heading to Laurita Winery for pre-wedding photos.”

When the bride began searching for bridesmaid dress styles, Mari knew she wanted floor-length dresses in royal blue. “Three of my local bridesmaids were able to come with my to Cinderella Bridals in Matawan to help make the decision.  the women were real champs each trying on so many dresses. They would find one that someone liked and pass it to the next dressing room over. When someone didn’t like one, we would take it out of the pile.” After narrowing down the dresses to their top three, the ladies decided on Bill Levkoff dresses with a sweetheart neckline that complemented Mari’s La Sposa wedding gown perfectly.

Describe your bridal bouquet: “I wanted to have a cascade style with just white and greens to offset the peacock feathers that were in it. I asked the florist to pick mostly white seasonal flowers, with my only request being that I have white snapdragons for my nanny, who was an adoptive grandmother to us since she was with my family from before I was born until she died about a year and a half before the wedding.” When the couple began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to host their special day at a location that would be convenient for guests, most of whom live in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. After visiting Laurita Winery, Mari and Nick were impressed by the pristine grounds and outdoor ceremony location. They also loved that this is a facility they can continue to go back to for years to come. “We went there this year around our anniversary and bought a case of wine from 2011 so we can enjoy it on our milestone anniversaries.” The ceremony was held overlooking the vineyard during sunset, which provided natural light and a beautiful golden haze. During the ceremony, the couple incorporated a reading from the Song of Songs of Soloman, a reading of Pablo Neruda poem, and lit four small candles for those who couldn’t be there. A single white rose in a blue vase was displayed to represent Nick’s mother who passed away in 2004, and Mari and Nick also presented roses to their parents to acknowledge the nurturing and growth they gave to the couple’s relationship.

They ended the ceremony with a Native American wedding prayer, shared their first kiss as newlyweds, and the recessed down the aisle to a string version of September by Earth, Wind, and Fire, one of the couple’s favorite songs.

Mari embellished her 3-inch wedge shoes from My Glass Slipper with DIY shoe clips featuring assorted blue feathers. The groom also embraced the color scheme by wearing blue socks.

From the wedding day preparations to the ceremony and reception, Michelle King Photography captured the wedding in a photojournalistic approach. “Michelle was an absolute pleasure to work with. We choose her after looking at a lot of photographers online. We were drawn to her because of her photojournalist style, but she also seemed to have a special way of capturing the day that made the couple’s personalities shine through. She had described herself as a ninja when working weddings, and she was just that. She always seemed to be there to capture every shot, yet she was never invasive or in our faces.”

Mari and Nick were equally impressed working with Videoccasions who caught the special moments on video. “They were able to deliver the video really quickly after the wedding, and we got to keep not only the raw footage of the entire event, but also the cut videos. We also got a 3-minute music video, which we watch all the time. It gets better every time for us!”

Mari and Nick’s theme was tied together with their wedding day stationery. Their escort cards featured the ”two love birds” motif that were used on their invitations, which were displayed on hand cut wine corks.

Rather than traditional table numbers, the couple opted to name their tables after locations that were special to them. They used royal blue wine bottles and even added a photo of the two at the location in which the table was named. Centerpieces consisted of white large pillar candles set inside white birdcages with a floral wreath at its base.

Through his high energy, seamless transitions, and attention to detail, Jason Jani of SCE Event Group got the party started and had guests on the dance floor the entire night. “Jason was really good at reading the crowd and really gave us a full service experience.” In addition to providing music, SCE Event Group also transformed the ballroom with blue uplighting, a custom gobo light on the dance floor, and entertained guests with a photo booth. “One special thing that SCE Event Group did was at the end of the night when everyone went outside for our send off, they let us relive our first dance with only us on the dance floor. It was such a great moment for us to reconnect and absorb everything that we just experienced.”

Prior to the wedding, Mari and Nick took dance lessons at Stepping Out Studio and learned a choreographed rumba for their first dance to “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band. “It was so much fun to do something special and for everyone to see our lessons paying off.”

“We wanted our cake to be a nod to NYC, which is where we have lived throughout our whole relationship and started dating.” In addition to the wedding cake, guests were treated to a miniature dessert display featuring cannolis, seasonal tarts, chocolate mouse in praline phyllo cups, chocolate brownie diamonds, assorted miniature cheesecakes, cookies, and fruit with chocolate sauce.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Nick proposed on May 28, 2010. It was a Friday night, and since his birthday was only three days before, I thought we were going out to dinner for that. I headed downtown to meet him and his uncle and his uncle’s partner for dinner, but I was surprised when Nick met me at the subway. We got in a cab instead of going to his uncle’s apartment for drinks and ended up at the restaurant where we had our first date, Sushi Samba 7. Nick was acting a little giddy, but it wasn’t too abnormal. There were a few things off, like when we went up to the hostess stand, she had the reservation for only two, and I still thought his uncle and partner were joining us. We went to have a drink in the lounge to wait for them, and Nick had preordered the drinks we had on our first date. I thought something was fishy because his uncle is never late, but I glanced at his jeans pocket and didn’t see a ring box, so I assumed I was wrong. After a phone call to his uncle, which I later found out was staged, Nick decided we should go to the table to wait for them. The hostess took us up to the roof deck, and it was completely empty except for us, which is unusual for a summer Friday evening. There was a table set up just for us and none of the other tables were set, so it was clear at that point that he was going to propose. He sat across from me and told me how much he’s enjoyed out time together and cherishes our relationship, then got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and cried for about 20 minutes and then called all of my family and friends. There were people on the street below clapping and cheering for us. We had a great dinner at the restaurant after the proposal.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day:  My favorite memory was walking down the aisle. It was such a surreal moment because Nick and I locked eyes and I really didn’t notice that anyone else was there. It was like we were the only people in the world. I had a huge smile plastered on my face to keep me from crying and because I was just so thrilled to finally be getting married to him.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day:  My favorite part of the day was when I finally saw my wife. We had our pictures done before our ceremony and we had a big reveal.   When I saw how beautiful she looked, it made me realize that all the planning was worth it for this very moment. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?  We were looking for a tropical destination and somewhere off the beaten path. We visited Tahiti, Fiji and Syndey, Australia. Nick’s uncle was nice enough to give us miles for our flights as part of our wedding present. To use them, we had to fly in and out of a single place, so we choose Sydney, Australia. It was a place that I had never been before and I always wanted to do the Sydney Harbor Bridge climb, so we made that part of the trip. We also realized how easy it would be to get to Tahiti, so we added it on as well. When were in Tahiti, we stayed in an overwater bungalow, which was so beautiful. You could see thousands of fish right off of our deck. We didn’t even need to get in the water. In Fiji, we stayed in a private beach room that had it’s own pool. It was so secluded and romantic. The wildlife there was unbelievable; we’ve never seen so many different species just wandering around. We also had a short stop off in New Zealand as a layover for a flight and were able to visit a winery and enjoy the local wine.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Your wedding day goes by pretty quickly. Every so often, look around the room and just absorb. Take a mental snapshot of your friends laughing together, your parents happily crying and the look on your new husband’s face when you do your first look. It’s worth it to take a step back and remember those moments.

Mari & Nick
September 4, 2011
Laurita Winery • New Egypt, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony & Reception Location: Laurita Winery
Catering: Conroy Catering
Officiant: Dr. Joseph Indano
Photographer: Michelle King Photography
Videographer: Videoccaions
Ceremony Music: Elegant Ensembles
Entertainment: SCE Event Group
Florist: Flowerful Events
Limousine Service: Arrive In Style & A-1 Limo
Cake Designer: Conroy Catering
Bridal Salon: Pronovias • Veil: Bride’s Mother’s
Headpiece: Etsy.com • Shoes: MyGlassSlipper.com
Formal Attire: Joseph A. Bank
Invitations: KO Designs
Favors: Pondrelli’s Italian Pastry Shop
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: DeVenir Beauty
Jeweler: Kwiat
Honeymoon Locations: Fiji, Tahiti, Sydney, & New Zealand

Happy Valentine’s Day! We’re so excited to share Maggie and Artur’s enchanted garden wedding submitted by Juliet Events. Not only does this wedding feature some breathtaking details, but the love these two share is exquisitely portrayed through the photos captured by Matthew Sowa Photography. Maggie and Artur met in 2004 while on a Lake George camping trip with a group of friends. The two hit it off and following the trip they exchanged phone numbers and went on their first date. Maggie and Artur were so head over heals for each other that Artur even told Maggie that she will be his wife. (Now that’s certainly love at first sight!) Blissfully agreeing, the couple dated for six years before Artur proposed with a custom-made two-carat cushion-cut engagement ring, which to this day, Maggie can’t stop admiring. The details of this wedding are so infectious you’ll want to tie the knot all over again.

“We had an elaborate three day wedding planned, with the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Friday, the wedding on Saturday and a tented “after party” for 130 guests on Sunday. We thought that a long weekend would work best for this and that people could still have Monday to recuperate after the weekend. We chose September because it is one of the most beautiful months of the year, has a small amount of rain and the weather is usually fair by then.”

Maggie’s Gucci wedding shoes is what began the overall inspiration for her wedding day. Navy blue and gold were the main colors of the wedding with accent shades of pink and blush.

The bridesmaids wore various style dresses in French blue luminescent chiffon, designed by Jim Hjelm Occasions. “I had eleven bridesmaids and quickly learned it was impossible to find just one dress to fit them well. I wanted them all to look beautiful individually. As a thank you gift, I got the girls personalized 18k gold jewelry to wear on the day of the wedding and to keep as a memento. They all received a monogram necklace and a monogram bracelet from Marinette Jewelry and a pair of gold Swarovski crystal earrings with a golden shadow stone color.”

Artur sported a black Brooks Brothers fitted suit with white shirt, and dark gray tie with diagonal black stripes. He wore custom black and white converse sneakers with the word groom embroidered on the back, as well as custom sterling silver Iron Man cufflinks from MAVA Style Jewelry. ”They were my gift to him on the wedding day and a total surprise. He loves Iron Man and he is the super hero in my life, so they were a perfect fit.”

To ensure their wedding vision would be implemented exactly how they wanted, the couple called upon Angela and Alida of Juliet Events to help with the planning. ” From the moment we met with them, they were always very professional, punctual, understanding, patient and so creative. They always listened to everything we said and always kept our wishes as a priority. The email reminders definitely helped keep me organized and on top of things. They introduced us to excellent vendors who were kept within our budget and our visions. We really had nothing to worry about at all during our planning since we knew we could count on them to help us through it all. It was a wonderful experience.”

After working with Matthew Sowa Photography in the past for a friend’s wedding, Maggie and Artur knew they wanted Mattew to capture their wedding day. “His photos really speak for themselves.  Most importantly, to me, he made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera. I usually hate getting my photos taken and with him all my inhibitions went away and I was able to really show my true feelings,” commented the groom. The couple was equally pleased working with Sunnyville Films who caught the special and most exciting moments in a high action, well edited film.

The place card table was designed with various crystal candleholders, gold julep cups with coordinating floral arrangements, and a dramatic display of rose petals. Each escort card was attached by a navy ribbon to a Victorian key, with a framed sign that read, “Please find the key to our hearts.”

“We visited a lot of venues before finding the Skylands Manor. As faith would have it, we found this one totally by accident. One Sunday, we went hiking with a few friends and we left quite late. The original place we wanted to go hiking was at full capacity when we got there and we decided to google another place near us. We ended up in Ringwood. As soon as we walked past the beautiful gardens and saw the Manor, I wondered if they hosted weddings there. We thought it was breathtaking. As soon as I got home that night I researched the Skylands Manor and emailed them to make an appointment. We got an appointment on Thursday and booked on the spot. It was destiny.”

Tablescape designs consisted of two various styles of oval and round tables. On each oval table were three centerpieces of roses, dahlias, hydrangea, queen Anne’s lace, accents of dusty miller, and other seasonal coordinating blooms for fullness and texture. Cascading crystals, gold cylinder vases with floating candles, votive candles, and rose petals completed the tablescape for a romantic ambiance. Each place setting had a menu card enclosed within a navy taffeta napkin, which was placed on top of a gold charger plate.

Since the couple opted for a weekend affair, guests were given edible breakfast parcel favors that they could enjoy the next morning. “Each navy gable box had a label on it that was designed by me to match the rest of the graphics of the wedding and said “breakfast was on us”. Inside were 6 mini cocktail rolls, each a different flavor, from the renowned Hudson Bread Bakery. They were preordered and ready for us the day before, so they were very fresh. Also included, were 2 mini jars of French Bonne Maman jellies and jams, in an assortment of flavors. The favors were a hit!”

Tell us about your wedding proposal: We were together for eight years before we got married, six at the point of the engagement. Truthfully, I knew I was going to marry him from the beginning and the engagement wasn’t too much of a shock. We talked about wanting to finish school and getting all our ducks in a row and then we would move forward with our engagement and wedding. I loved the way he proposed; it was exactly how I pictured it in my head. I happened to be helping his sister with her resume and as a thank you she really wanted to take me out for a drink. She took me to a local lounge, which also happened to be the place where Artur and I had our first date. As soon as we got our drinks, she went to the bathroom and I sat there waiting. From the corner of my eye I saw someone approach me, and all of the sudden, I realized it was him, dressed up really nice and holding a box. He knelt down and asked me if I would marry him (while his sister took pictures), it was really romantic. I said YES of course! We spent the rest of the night at the lounge, having dinner and drinks.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: When the bridal party did a choreographed dance to the YMCA song, they really go the party started.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: Seeing my bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle, I couldn’t stop smiling.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?  We went to France (the love capital of the world) for our honeymoon.
What are you currently looking forward to as a couple?  I am pregnant with our first child and we recently received the confirmation that it is a boy! I am 19 weeks pregnant as of January 1st, 2013. We got pregnant in Paris! We are very excited!
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Make sure to look past anything anybody tells you you “should” do and do whatever YOUR dreams desire. You and your husband are the only two people whose opinion should matter when choosing what you want your wedding to look like. There are no rules.

Maggie & Artur
September 1, 2012
Skylands Manor • Ringwood, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location:  St. Joseph Catholic Church
Celebrant: Father  Stanley Lesniowski
Reception Location: Skylands Manor
Wedding Coordinator: Juliet Events
Photographer & Photo Booth: Matthew Sowa Photography
Videographer: Sunnyville Films
Entertainment: Esteem Entertainment
Florist: A Touch of Elegance
Limousine Service: Diamond Limo
Cake Designer: Skylands Manor
Bridal Salon: Weddings by Wade
Veil: Michael Wade Bridal • Shoes: Gucci
Formal Attire: Brooks Brothers
Invitations: DIY by Bride
Favors: DIY Gable Boxes
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Melissa D’Aloia & Co.
Jeweler: Golden Classics NYC
Cigars: La Rosa Cubana Cigars
Lighting: JB Lighting Design
Honeymoon Location: France