Keally and Dan’s  July 31, 2010 wedding boasted a vibrant affair full of DIY details. In honor of their two-year wedding anniversary, we thought we would reminisce of their wedding that was featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 edition of Contemporary Bride. Happy Anniversary Keally and Dan! We wish you many more years of happiness and love!

While life may be short, one thing for certain is that Keally and Dan’s love falls nothing short of sweet and grows stronger every day. The two began dating in high school and were even lucky enough to continue their education together at Rutgers University. A year after graduating in 2008, Dan decided to pop the question early one morning at Avon Beach, New Jersey. When the newly engaged couple began planning their July 31, 2010 wedding, they both knew they wanted it to be a fun, casual, and a personalized affair. Keally was a do-it-yourself bride and along with Dan, they created the table numbers, guest table cards, guest book, and wooden letters that read, “K & D” and “I Do”. They knew exactly what they wanted and the precise attention to detail allowed guests to catch a glimpse of who they are as a couple. “Our do it yourself projects made our wedding bright, lively, and energetic. It took a lot of work to make everything perfect, and although we wouldn’t admit it at the time, it was certainly worth it,” said Dan.

Following a wonderful ceremony, guests made their way to the historic Cranbury Inn for the reception. An intimate colonial estate with natural wood, antique clocks, oil paintings, and a unique cathedral-like addition with many windows allowing for natural light to shine through, this banquet facility was the perfect choice for a night of celebrating Keally and Dan’s rustic wedding. “We were blown away by how beautiful and historic the Cranbury Inn was, especially the newly finished area. The owner, Tom, also sounded like he knew exactly what he was talking about when it came to running a wedding,” noted Dan.

Elegant Ensembles kept the party going all night long after the newlyweds held the spotlight to “What you Love, you Must Love Now” by The Six Parts Seven. They then participated in a combined parent dance to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Guests were up out of their seats the rest of the night dancing to a variety of music from the 80s to Contemporary. “We let our DJ have free range and he knew exactly what to play at the appropriate times. He did an awesome job,” remarked Keally.

From the bride and groom preparations to the ceremony and throughout the reception, Amy Diamond from Adia Photography LLC captured the special moments flawlessly in a photojournalistic style. The couple was happy that Amy was open to their ideas and allowed them to use the props from pinwheels, mustaches on sticks, and a banner that spelled out “Love”, all of which Keally made. The couple is very happy with how their pictures came out. The bride also mentioned that her makeup looked beautiful in the pictures thanks to Lauren Iavarone of Expert Makeup Artistry. Following their beautiful summer wedding, the couple escaped to the Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba for eight days and seven nights. When asked what their most exciting part of planning their wedding was, Keally enjoyed spending time planning the most important day with her husband and watching everyone’s hard work come together in the end.

Keally and Dan
July 31, 2010
The Cranbury Inn • Cranbury, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Celebrant: Father Kevin Kelly
Reception Location: Cranbury Inn
Photographer: Adia Photography • Videographer: C&G Productions
Entertainment: Elegant Ensembles
Limousine Service: Cranbury Limo
Florist: Monday Morning Flowers
Cake Designer: Mendoker’s Bakery
Bridal Salon: Exquisite Bride • Veil: Exquisite Bride
Headpiece: J. Crew • Shoes: Anne Klein
Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Etsy.com • Favors: Candy Buffet
Hair Salon & Makeup Studio: Expert Makeup Artistry
Jeweler: Jigs Designs
Honeymoon Location: Bucuti Beach Resort, Aruba

Set amid a pristine locale boasting miles of sugar-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush gardens on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. Offering the most luxurious accommodations paired with impeccable service, and adventurous activities, your honeymoon or romantic getaway will surely be one to remember at this tranquil haven.

Enjoy the royal experience during your stay in one of 373 spacious guest rooms and suites reflecting modern, Caribbean-infused decor. Each room includes 24-hour room service, an exterior Jacuzzi on the furnished balcony or terrace, nightly turn down service, among many more lavish amenities.

There are many featured restaurants to indulge in during your stay offering a variety of menu options from fresh seafood to Pan-Asian cuisine. For an especially intimate evening, request a private meal served by the sea, available for an extra fee.

Float around in free-form swimming pool, relax on a chaise lounge, or listen to glistening clear water with your toes in the sand while taking in the Caribbean sun on the beach. For those seeking adventure, participate in land or water activities including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Enjoy nightly entertainment, try your luck at the on-site casino, and take part in the weekly theme nights by the pool or beach. There are also many nearby excursions from horseback riding and fishing to golf.

Rejuvenate your senses at Secrets Spa by Pevonia. From massages to body treatments and more, the expert staff will provide you with an elite level of service. The spa includes 18 treatment rooms, a relaxation room offering guests a calming ambiance, a full-service hair salon, and Swedish sauna and mixed steam room. Do it all or nothing at all while retreating to this Caribbean oasis at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana. For more information visit http://www.secretsresorts.com.

“Detangle your locks and give to a cause with Macadamia’s limited edition PINK No Tangle Brush Set.” Purchase the set (available August 10th at fine salons, spas, beauty supply stores and macadamiahair.com) and ten percent of net proceeds will be donated to Cancer and Careers with Macadamia Natural Oil’s Breast Cancer Awareness promotion. Along with the No Tangle Pre-Styler Brush comes a 1 oz. Healing Oil Treatment and .5 oz. Deep Repair Mask. “Cancer and Careers is a nonprofit arm of Cosmetic Executive Women, dedicated to assisting 80-plus percent of people who return to work after undergoing cancer treatment by offering free support groups, educational seminars, and more.” Visit http://www.macadamiahair.com to view the entire product line or call 800-807-3950 for more information.

New York’s premier bridal accessory showroom, Bridal Styles Boutique, is proud and very excited to announce their new online jewelry store. From bracelets, earrings, and necklaces made from the highest quality of materials, you can now shop for jewelry in the comfort of your own home. For a limited time, Bridal Styles Boutique is offering free shipping for orders over $200. All pieces are also available at their Brooklyn showroom. Visit http://www.bridalstylesboutique.com for more information and to shop for “your perfect bling.”

Kristina and Rafal first met in May of 2007 when they both were in a mutual friend’s bridal party. Following their initial meeting, they crossed paths again two years later at the same social gathering. “I wasn’t in the mood to flirt so I left,” commented Kristina. “A bit upset I had a few drinks and spilled my heart out to a friend of mine and a girl I met for the first time. About a half an hour later I was told the girl whom I tortured with my feelings of being rejected was Kristina’s sister,” added Rafal. After finding out what happened, Kristina finally agreed to join Rafal for dinner and the two began dating. When Rafal began planning the proposal, he wanted to ask Kristina to marry him when she least expected it. When she walked into their home on a Monday evening expecting to go grocery shopping, Kristina was surprised to see flowers and candles that spelled out “I Love You” with Rafal on one knee holding a ring. “I was completely shocked!” Kristina reminisced. The wedding date was set for September 10, 2011.

When Kristina and Rafal found the Berkeley Plaza, they loved everything it had to offer. From an outside gazebo and décor throughout the facility to the professional and accommodating staff, the couple knew this was the perfect location to host their ceremony and reception.

The bride walked down the aisle wearing an A-line gown with sweetheart neckline, corset-style back and asymmetrical ruching. She held a bouquet of purple calla lilies, asters, lisianthus, and roses. To honor her father, Kristina tied one of her father’s rings around the stems of the bouquet so he could be with her as she walked down the aisle. Rafal sported a classic black tuxedo with an off-white shirt and a purple boutonniere. During their ceremony performed by their best friend Alana, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows and also honored her parents by including them in Alana’s speech.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests headed downstairs where they enjoyed an array of food from filet mignon tips, mashed potato station, carving station to cavatelli and broccoli, in addition to 12 passed hors d’oeuvres. For dinner guests had a choice between herb roasted chicken, sole oreganata, or Chateaubriand bordelaise. “The food was great and the staff was always quick to provide us with whatever we needed,” noted Kristina.

Paul Knox of DTM Entertainment played a variety of music including classic songs and dance hits that had guests on the dance floor all evening. Kristina and Rafal shared their first dance as newlyweds to “Marry Me” by Train.

Bananas foster, an assortment of cakes, and a chocolate fountain were served during dessert, in addition to a vanilla and chocolate wedding cake with chocolate mousse filling.

Throughout the ceremony and reception JF Photography captured the special moments in still photography. Having worked at Berkeley Plaza previously, Bob was familiar with the facility and knew where the couple would get the best photographs. After the celebration, Kristina and Rafal escaped to St. Lucia for their honeymoon. They are currently enjoying married life and look forward to purchasing their new home together.

Kristina and Rafal
September 10, 2011
The Berkeley Plaza • Berkeley Heights, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Berkeley Plaza
Officiant: Alana Costantino
Photographer: JF Photography • Entertainment: DTM Productions
Florist:  Flowers by Addalia’s
Limousine Service: All Star Limousine Service Ltd.
Cake Designer:  Blue Sheep Bake Shop
Bridal Salon & Veil: Villa’s Bridal Gallery
Shoes: Touch Ups • Formal Attire: Dante Zeller Tuxedo & Menswear
Invitations: MyRSVPList.com
Favors: Dontations to the American Heart & Lung Foundation
Hair Stylist: Karin Gomez • Makeup Studio: Heavenly Touch Cosmetics
Jeweler: Macy’s & Zales
Honeymoon Location:
The Landings St. Lucia and Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia

Contemporary Bride’s latest Fall/Winter 2012 editions were recently printed and will be hitting newsstands soon. You can look forward to reading new real wedding stories shared by newlyweds, feature stories, and become inspired by new style pages. To get the full list, click on New Jersey Edition or New York Edition at http://www.ContemporaryBride.com. Tell us what you’re looking forward to reading in this issue by leaving a comment below. We would love to hear your feedback!

Designed by Alfred Angelo, this organza wedding gown (style 2329) features a sweetheart strapless neckline, chapel train, and modesty floral piece. The embellishments of rhinestones and crystal beading complete the gown design beautifully. For more information and to find a retailer near you visit http://www.alfredangelo.com.

“A special view for your special day.” Located in Hudson County, Waterside Restaurant and Catering brings New York to New Jersey with spectacular views showcasing the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.

With two rooms overlooking the sklyline, Waterside Restaurant and Catering offers an ideal setting on the outdoor patio providing a picture perfect backdrop during your wedding ceremony.

Whether you’re planning an exclusive party for as small as 50 guests or an extravagant celebration for 210, there are rooms available to accommodate any type of celebration.

Allow their expert catering consultants to work closely with you to plan and customize your special event. They will handle all details to ensure a flawless event with superb service and delectable cuisine.

Click HERE for more information on Waterside Restaurant & Catering.

Waterside Restaurant and Catering
7800 B River Road, North Bergen, NJ
201-861-7767

When Christine and Ronnie began planning their wedding, there was no question as to where they wanted to tie the knot ─ with their feet in the sand on the breathtaking island of Aruba. Christine and Ronnie immediately fell in love with the island when they traveled there in 2007 for vacation. The couple wanted a very intimate affair, making a destination wedding an ideal fit, with pristine beaches, turquoise blue water, friendly staff, and an overall positive atmosphere. All of the festivities were held at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino. “The customer service at the Hyatt is phenomenal,” noted Christine. “A staff member had a glass of champagne and cold rags ready for our guests upon their arrival to the resort. The people are hospitable, knew us by name, and made sure we were always taken care of.”

The wedding was planned for a long weekend, which allowed a lot of time for their guests to explore the island and participate in the many activities that Aruba has to offer. Guests always had something to do, from welcoming cocktails to water sports, relaxing on the beach, swimming, working on their fitness at the fully equipped gym, or getting pampered at the spa. There was something for everyone of all ages.

The ceremony first took place at the Civil Town House, due to Aruba’s new law to legally wed. Later that evening, Christine and Ronnie had a second beachfront ceremony as they had always dreamed. The bride donned a Nicole Miller silk chiffon gown, while her bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm green strapless dresses. The groom and his groomsmen sported light beige suits with ivory shirts, ties, and flip-flops.

After exchanging beautiful vows, the newlyweds and their 32 guests celebrated at the reception. The outdoor oasis was decorated beautifully with low centerpieces consisting of white hydrangeas and dendrobium orchids. Coffee beans were scattered at the base of the glass vase.

From cocktail hour to dinner, guests enjoyed an abundance of food. The cocktail hour enjoyed many served passed hors d’oeuvres including: coconut shrimp, vegetarian spring rolls, seared tuna, crab cakes, a raw bar, and a “welcome to the family” pasta station. For dinner, guests had a choice of filet mignon or Chilean sea bass. “The food was fresh and was cooked to the right temperature. Everything was delicious,” Christine commented.

The disc jockey for the evening was provided by the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino. He played a mix from all eras, which had their guests moving on the dance floor. All eyes were on the newlyweds as they danced in the spotlight to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted for a cupcake tower. Also served for dessert were chocolate chip cookies and Italian pastries.

From all of the events leading up to and throughout the wedding day, David and Tami from The Studio Photographers captured every moment flawlessly. They were able to get many great shots of the couple all over Aruba, including on the beach, in front of the California Lighthouse, next to a magnificent divi-divi tree, and even in the ocean. “David and Tami made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. They were very innovative on places to bring us on the island, and it was like we were hanging out with friends,” remarked Ronnie. Once all of the festivities ended, Christine and Ronnie continued their honeymoon in paradise for one more week. Although all of the planning was done through mail and email, the couple couldn’t have been happier with how their wedding turned out. They continue to thank the staff at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino for making their special day exactly how they imagined.

Christine and Ronnie
October 24, 2009
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Aruba

Ceremony & Reception Location: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Officiant: Reverend Sydney Michael
Photographer: The Studio Photographers
Videographer: George Jacobs
Entertainment: Provided by Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Florist: Provided by Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Cake Designer: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Bridal Salon: Nicole Miller, Inc.
Headpiece & Veil: Fontana Bridal Salon
Shoes: My Glass Slipper
Formal Attire: Ekizian’s Tuxedos
Invitations: Rachel Kurland • Favors: Beau-coup
Hair Salon: Knipoog Hair Studio
Jeweler: Fontana Bridal Salon

Marilyn Monroe puts the “g” in glamour! Dazzle guests on your big day with a wedding look inspired by Marilyn’s sultry and splendid style. Make a statement with crystal bracelets or pair a CZ necklace with gorgeous large-stone CZ dangle earrings to add drama. Bridal Styles Boutique, New York’s premier bridal accessory showroom, offers many headpieces and jewelry items that can help you create a sexy and sophisticated look for your wedding day. For more information, to view a sampling of their collections, and to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.bridalstylesboutique.com.