“The Grove Experience…Beyond Extraordinary. A commitment to the Highest Level of Service and Culinary Excellence.” The Grove is a newly constructed event venue located in the heart of Cedar Grove, which opened its doors in March 2011. Built by a family with over 45 years in the food service industry, their aim was to create a space and an experience that would not simply meet, but exceed the most discerning expectations of the social and corporate public. The decor of this upscale venue may best be described as “contemporary transitional.” The Grove experience is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail. The color-lit fountain at the entrance, magnificent Italian light fixtures, decorative marble lobby flooring, luxurious bathrooms and dressing suites, and impeccably designed ballrooms are just a few of the functional and visual amenities that set The Grove apart. See for yourself what The Grove Experience truly is…starting with the very first phone call.

Every bride dreams of a storybook wedding envisioning romance, elegance, beauty and charm. The Grove experience is all of that and more. This luxurious venue features high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, palladium windows, a descending staircase, and impeccable architecture that will provide the backdrop for this once in a lifetime occasion. Your special day will be transformed into a unique wedding celebration that is both modern and timeless.

The Grove’s highly acclaimed chefs have created an eclectic menu of flavorful dishes and will happily customize your event’s culinary experience. Additionally, the professional party planners will work intimately with you each step of the way to ensure an unforgettable experience. The entire staff at The Grove is committed to making your special day everything you dreamed it would be.

The Grove produces a world class culinary experience that is beyond extraordinary. Their highly acclaimed Executive Chef, Anthony Garruto has created an eclectic menu of creative, flavorful dishes and will happily customize your event’s culinary experience. In addition, menus are seasonally adjusted and feature a large variety of ethnic dishes, including the finest kosher cuisine. Cuisine is an integral part of The Grove Experience, and represents our ongoing commitment to the original aim of The Grove’s creators…to create an experience that not simply meets, but surpasses the most discerning expectations of the social and corporate public.

Click HERE for more information on The Grove

The Grove
691 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ
973-239-0270

If you and your to-be have been living on your own for some time now, registering for the typical cookie cutter items may not be ideal. While there might be some household items you might potentially use, setting off into the sunset with your new spouse might be just what you need to begin your future together. Allow your family and friends to help send you on a romantic honeymoon to a destination where you’ve always dreamed of traveling, but can’t necessarily afford. Couples sign up for free at http://www.honeymoonwishes.com and post pictures and descriptions from lists. Family and friends will be told about your registry (via social media and announcement cards) who can then contribute to part of your honeymoon by conveniently using a credit card. “A gift to be cherished for a lifetime.”

Bride Tips to help you through the wedding planning process from Contemporary Bride.

Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is a sanctuary of natural luxury. Set high atop the California Coast, the inn offers an unforgettable escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, romantic getaway or relaxing vacation. With endless views of the Pacific Ocean in one direction and mountains in the other, the rest of the world seems blissfully far away. Here, romance and connection thrive.

Post Ranch Inn is a serene retreat where romance and connection thrive. Organic architecture embraces the dramatic beauty of the California coastline, while accommodations blend rustic elegance with luxury and comfort. The inn offers 39 guest rooms and two private houses; each featuring a unique design with either ocean or mountain views.

Sierra Mar restaurant prides itself on using seasonal, local and garden ingredients for all menu options. The restaurant also provides beautiful ocean views.

Post Ranch’s temptations are irresistible from rejuvenating spa treatments and aactivities amid the natural surroundings that invite relaxation. There’s also morning yoga, guided hikes or saunters, stargazing with our celestial telescope, and nearby activities, among much more. For more information visit http://www.postranchinn.com.

Melissa and Anthony met while working at Lincoln Annex Kindergarten Center. Three years later after their initial meeting on a beautiful sunny day, Anthony took Melissa to Central Park to celebrate her birthday. While on a romantic gondola ride around the lake, Anthony got down on one knee and proposed. “It was the best birthday I ever had,” reminisced Melissa. After about two years of planning, the big day finally arrived. Guests received custom invitations created by Jaynee’s Party, which set the tone of the event with gold trimming, silk ribbon, and a beautiful tulle flower with a crystal in the middle. Melissa noted, “Jaynee was our wedding angel.”

The ceremony took place at First Presbyterian Church, where the bride walked down the aisle donning an ivory Enzoani gown with a mermaid silhouette, lace straps, a cathedral length train, and embellished with Swarovski crystals. A cathedral length veil scalloped with sequins and Swarovski crystals and Swarovski crystal Christian Louboutin shoes completed Melissa’s stunning look. Anthony waited at the altar sporting a black tuxedo, white shirt, and ivory bowtie. Once announced as husband and wife, the newlyweds rang the tower’s bells at the end of the ceremony- an old tradition said to bring good luck.

Chosen for its modern design, beautiful grounds, exceptional food, and reputation, the reception was held at Westmount Country Club. “When I first saw the Westmount Country Club, I was pleased with the overall appearance both inside and out from the Continental room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the mountains and garden area with a fountain, stone patio tables and benches with umbrellas,” commented Melissa. Cocktail hour began with an abundance of food including butler passed hors d’oeuvres, a pasta station, carving station, hot seafood grill, sauté station, raw seafood bar, an Asian station, and the couple’s signature drink choice of frozen margaritas. For dinner, guests had a choice of Chateaubriand, roasted French breast of chicken, summer seafood bake, or eggplant parmigiana, served with seasonal vegetables and potato.

Designed by Palermo’s Bakery, the four tiered chocolate and white wedding cake was embellished with crystals on the bottom of each layer, two large bows with a brooch, and an initial cake topper made of Swarovski crystals. Guests danced the night away with the help of Ultimate Entertainment DJ’s. Alex played a variety of music genres from Spanish and Italian to today’s top hits. For their first dance as newlyweds, Melissa and Anthony held the spotlight to “All the Way” by Frank Sinatra, sung by the bride’s father. The couple also participated in the traditional parent dances.

Abbey Photography captured the special moments from the wedding in photography and video. The couple’s photographer, Neal was accommodating, answered their questions, made them feel comfortable, and took both classic and photojournalistic pictures. In lieu of traditional favors, Melissa and Anthony informed guests that donations were made to the American Cancer Society and Diabetes. A truck was also set up outside with good-bye treats for guests to enjoy on their ride home. Following the wedding, the newlyweds escaped on their honeymoon to Hawaii and Las Vegas.

Melissa and Anthony
July 3, 2011
Westmount Country Club • Woodland Park, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: First Presbyterian Church
Officiants: Reverend Richard Hong & Reverend Richard J. Mucowski, OFM, PH.D. Pastor
Reception Location: Westmount Country Club
Photographer & Videographer: Abbey Photographers
Entertainment: Ultimate Entertainment DJ’s
Florist: Atlas Floral Decorators Inc.
Limousine Service: Danaro Limousine
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery
Bridal Salon: RK Bridal Salon • Headpiece: M &  J Trimmings
Headpiece: Made by Bride’s Grandmother • Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Formal Attire: Kleinfeld • Invitations: Jaynee’s Party
Favors: Donations to the American Cancer Society & Diabetes
Hair Salon: Salon 5 • Makeup Studio: Jacqueline Pasquale Beauty
Jeweler: Minas Jewelry
Honeymoon Locations: Four Seasons Resort― Maui at Wailea, Hawaii and Wynn― Las Vegas, NV

Designed by Pronovias and part of the 2013 Glamour Collection, Dorado features a beautiful dropped-waist ball gown silhouette embellished with a ruffled skirt and beaded sash. For more information and to find a retailer near you visit http://www.Pronovias.us.

Have you heard of fibi and clo yet? If not, you should definitely read on.

Founded in Summer 2009, fibi & clo shoes and accessories continue to offer the chicest designs at prices gals can’t resist. They are sold exclusively at in-home shoe parties and now online.

Perfect for any summer wedding, you and your bridesmaids will not only look great, but will be comfortable with fibi and clo sandals on their feet. These sandals are so stylish and yet affordable at the same time – around $45 a pair. Perfect as gifts for your bridesmaids!

So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was asked if I would like to review the Smoke Cascade sandals. I immediately said yes!

When they arrived, I already started to think about what I would wear to accent these stunning and chic shoes. I chose dark skinny jeans with a brown shirt. I wore them all day and the compliments just poured in. People were asking me left and right “where did you get those shoes”. I told them all about fibi and clo and where they can get them. Had to share my excitement!

Here are a few more styles that we just absolutely love….

For more information and to buy, visit http://www.fibiandclo.com

Designed by Badgley Mischka, Swan is a fashionable blush peep-toe shoe featuring a four and three-quarter inch heel, and a beautiful pearl-and-bead-embellished feather detail. For more information and to view more styles, visit http://www.MyGlassSlipper.com.

Bride Tips to help you through the wedding planning process from Contemporary Bride.

We have a new advertiser and we’re so excited to introduce you! If you’re searching for a way to create long and lush eyelashes, check out Lash Concepts LLC! Specializing in professional application of eyelash extensions customized to client specifications, there is something for everyone’s wants or needs from progressive levels of length, thickness, color and curvature. Other services include lash removal and Xtreme Lash cosmetic consultation and product sales. Lash Concepts LLC is on Facebook, so don’t forget to ‘like’ their page and share with your friends. Welcome to the Contemporary Bride advertising family and look for their ad in the upcoming edition!