Michelle and John’s love story began in 2007 when court reporter Michelle set her eyes on attorney John. He asked her out to dinner and the rest was history. One of our favorite details from today’s “throwback” real wedding was Michelle’s taffeta wedding gown designed by Atelier Aimee. It was beautifully embellished with ruffles, which the design of the wedding cake was inspired by. “My favorite memory of the wedding was when I saw my wife-to-be first entering the aisle of the church in her gown and veil,” stated John. From the lavish cocktail hour and variety of dinner entrees to the dancing and socializing throughout the evening, Michelle and John’s wedding day was hit among guests!
Michelle and John
October10, 2009
Giorgio’s at Fox Hill • Baiting Hollow, NY
Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Greek Orthodox Church of Port Jefferson
Reception Location: Giorgio’s at Fox Hill
Photographer & Videographer: InVision Photography & Video
Entertainment: Long Island Sound DJ • Florist: James Cress Florist
Limousine Service: M&V Limousines • Cake Designer: La Bonne Boulangerie
Bridal Salon: Atelier Aimee • Headpiece & Veil: Solotu Custom Bridal
Formal Attire: Gino’s Fashion Tuxedos • Hair Salon: Rapunzel’s Hair Salon
Wedding Coordination, Invitations & Favors: Classic Event Designs
Honeymoon Location: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Bride Tips to help you through the wedding planning process from Contemporary Bride.
“Discover the bold new shade of luxury.” Located on the lush peninsula 19 miles from San Juan is the Gran Meliá Golf Resort. This luxury resort in Puerto Rico delivers a bold statement offering sophistication, world-class service, and breathtaking views in this pristine destination. Nestled on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast in Coco Beach, Gran Meliá brings privacy, exclusivity, and the opportunity to escape among the lush landscape.
From oversized Junior Suites to Oceanfront Garden Villas, Gran Meliá offers accommodations to suit every guest’s need. Each room features bold colors, custom-designed mahogany furnishings and rich Spanish accents with stunning views of the ocean, rainforest mountains or golf course.
Throughout your stay, enjoy a selection of exceptional fine dining experiences featuring traditions from the Far East, Italian-Mediterranean, and local fare for Puerto Rican gastronomical influences.
Guests can enjoy a variety of life-enriching activities at the Gran Meliá. Tennis, water aerobics, yoga, volleyball, and dance lessons are just a few of the daytime activities offered at the resort. At night, enjoy live music as the Avenue Bar. For more information visit http://www.Gran-Melia-Puerto-Rico.com.
Kelly and Jeffrey recently celebrated their two year wedding anniversary. If you didn’t get to read their wedding story in the Spring/Summer 2011 NY edition of Contemporary Bride, here are some of the highlights from their special day. The May 14, 2010 wedding celebration was filled with love and not to mention bold colors that reflected their personalities. Although the weather called for thunderstorms, Kelly and Jeffrey lucked out with a beautiful and sunny day─perfect for a garden ceremony amid the classical colonnade and blooming flowers at the Shadowbrook. After exchanging vows, Kelly and Jeffrey were pronounced for the first time as “Team Jelly”. The two high-fived and concluded the ceremony with Jeffrey dipping Kelly to share their first kiss as husband and wife, making this their favorite memory of the day. The couple loved how the staff at the Shadowbrook made them feel welcome, catered to their every need and were very flexible.
Kelly and Jeffrey
May 14, 2010
Shadowbrook • Shrewsbury, NJ
Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Location: Shadowbrook • Officiant: Tony Zecca
Photographer: Steven Tackeff Photography
Entertainment: Up All Night DJs • Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers
Cake Designer: Shadowbrook • Bridal Salon: Nicole’s Boutique
Hair Pins: ArtFire.com • Formal Attire: Barry’s Formalwear
Hair Salon: La Sorella • Makeup Artist: Jeanine Mangan Make-up Designs
Jeweler: West Essex Jewelers • Invitations: Karen Kutzman
Calligrapher: Belles Lettres Calligraphy • Favors: Homemade Strawberry Jelly & Measuring Spoons
Designed by Rene Caovilla, the Floral-Strap Sandal features Swarovski crystal embellishments from the straps to the flower appliques on the center strap. For more information visit http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com.
Located off Thailand’s east coast is the third-largest Thai island, Koh Samui. Just a 45-minute flight from Bangkok, the island’s white sand, swaying coconut palms and calm waters help maintains its away-from-it-all charm. Four Seasons nestles on Koh Samui’s northwestern tip on peaceful Laem Yai Bay – 30 minutes from the airport and just five minutes from the capital of Nathon.
Experience island perfection in your private hillside villa offering luxurious accommodations featuring a living space with an infinity pool giving way to pristine panoramic views of Laem Yai Bay, Koh Phangan and the Gulf of Siam.
Experience a gourmet paradise where sophisticated culinary traditions meet fresh ingredients and superb service for world-class gastronomy in Thailand. From the island’s local fare to Italian and specialty seafood selections, dining at the Four Seasons will satisfy your palette.
Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are just a few of the activities you can participate in during your stay. Koh Samui is the perfect location to experience the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Siam, seek adventure, or get pampered at the spa. For more information visit http://www.FourSeasons.com/KohSamui.
Bride Tips to help you through the wedding planning process from Contemporary Bride.
Designed by Amsale Blue Label Bridal, Sierra is made of silk organza and features a sweetheart strapless neckline, ruched bodice, pleated organza skirt and embellished with wrapped floral detail. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit http://www.Amsale.com. Would you wear this gorgeous wedding gown for your special day?
This style is all about glamour, elegance and sophistication. Recapture the magic of this bygone era with these classic details. Will you be incorporating rhinestone embellishments throughout your wedding day? What details will include that extra sparkle to make your special day stand out?
Exquisite diamond drop Stevenson Earrings – http://www.adorn.com • Lo-Ve-La Timeless Liz Fields gown (Style #9608) – http://www.lizfields.com • Diamante Encrusted Headpiece – http://www.portobellojewelry.com • Moliere Nugget Cuff Links – http://www.swarovski.com • DIY Chartreuse Peacock Invitation – http://www.invitationsbyalecia.com • Brianna Leigh “Karina” peep-toe shoe – http://www.colorfulcreations.com • Off-white lace garter (Style #355) – http://www.thegartergirl.com • Crystal Monogram Cake Toppers – http://www.topperswithglitz.com
Meghan and John grew up on the same block, but it wasn’t until June of 2005 that they got to know each other at the Portuguese Festival, and began to officially date two months later. On November 16, 2009, John went to Meghan’s house for a casual date night with a movie and a bag of Cracker Jacks, into which he had slipped a gorgeous white gold princess-cut ring. “When she finally found it I was already on my knee asking her to marry me,” John recalled. Meghan said yes, and the couple began planning their modern couture wedding. On August 13, 2011, Meghan woke up early at her parents’ house and began prepping with her bridesmaids, mother, and flower girls. Melissa and Nicole of Melissa D’Aloia & Co. pampered the girls to perfection with hair and makeup applications. “Melissa was amazing to work with and made us feel glamorous,” said Meghan.
The ceremony took place at the bride’s parish, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. Meghan looked stunning in her ivory Kenneth Pool gown made of royal duchess satin with a sweetheart neckline, asymmetrical ruched bodice, and trumpet-style skirt. The rhinestone accents on the dress flawlessly complemented her rhinestone-embellished hair comb and fingertip-length veil with rhinestone and beaded edging. John wore a classic black two-button Calvin Klein tuxedo with an ivory shirt, vest, and tie. During their traditional full mass ceremony, the two exchanged vows and participated in a unity candle service, and as part of a family tradition, a bag piper played as guests entered and exited the church.
The Studio Photographers and Fiore Films documented the day’s special moments. The couple loved both vendors’ work from the start, and knew that they were the right choice for their big day. “The Studio Photographers’ photojournalistic style never ceased to impress me. Frank and PJ were professional, organized, and created a relaxed environment,” said Meghan. They were equally pleased with Fiore Films: “Sharrone and her two assistants did not disappoint. They blended in and most of the time we didn’t even realize they were filming us. They were a pleasure to work with,” the bride commented.
When Meghan and John first visited South Gate Manor, they were immediately impressed by the facility’s overall look, from the marble flooring and grand staircase to the well-maintained grounds and cocktail hour room. “We liked how there was enough seating for every guest, and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking their garden area with additional lounge furniture, gazebo, and fountain,” noted John. The knowledgeable, accommodating staff at South Gate Manor also factored into the couple’s decision. Bobby, the maitre d’, was especially helpful during their reception. “Bobby was outside waiting for us when the limousine pulled up to South Gate and took care of us throughout the night,” said Meghan. The groom also noted that the staff treated the couple like royalty, and that all of their special requests were fulfilled.
Jeff from SCE Event Group provided the music for the evening, playing everything from Frank Sinatra to current club hits. Meghan and John shared their first dance to Josh Groban’s “When You Say You Love Me,” and participated in the traditional parent dances. Additionally, Sound Connection provided LED uplighting, dancing under the stars, and intelligent lighting, creating a club-like atmosphere. When asked what their favorite memory of the day was, the newlyweds agreed it was seeing each other for the first time. Meghan and John continue to thank their vendors and parents for all their hard work. “Without them we never would have been able to have the wedding we envisioned.”
Meghan and John
August 13, 2011
South Gate Manor • Freehold, NJ
Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
Officiant: Reverend James W. McGuffey • Reception Location: South Gate Manor
Photographer: The Studio Photographers • Cinematographer: Fiore Films
Ceremony Music: Thomas Juno • Entertainment: SCE Event Group
Limousine Service: First Class Limousine Service • Florist: Rosie Posies
Cake Designer: South Gate Manor • Bridal Salon and Veil: Exquisite Bride
Headpiece: Castle Couture • Shoes: Love by Enzoani • Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Melissa D’Aloia & Co.
Jeweler: Cantor Jewelry Co., Inc., Swarovski, & Lauren B.
Invitations: Riley Creative
Favors: Donations to Northeastern Boxer Rescue & Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Co.
Card Box: Etsy.com/JamieKimDesigns • Cake Stand: Sarah’s Stands
To read more about Meghan and John’s big day, pick up the latest New Jersey edition of Contemporary Bride Magazine!
