Your wedding cake will bare it all during your wedding reception! Hand-crafted and classically elegant, Sarah’s Stands wood cake stand from the Natural Beauty Collection, will provide a beautiful rustic way to display your wedding cake. Available in round and square in natural wood variations, this cake stand (made in the USA) is a versatile design to match all types of decor. For more information and to view more colors, visit http://www.sarahsstands.com.


Don’t forget Erica Weiner’s bi-annual sample sale begins tomorrow, September 28, 2012 from 4-8pm. During the three-day sale, the boutique will feature one-of-a-kind merchandise from product samples, limited-edition collections, and one-off experimental designs! This is a must-visit sample sale for brides, fashionista’s, and even the bargain-seeker. The bow rings below from the 1909 collection, is just one design you may find during the sample sale at 173 Elizabeth Street in New York City. For more information and to see more timeless pieces, visit http://www.ericaweiner.com.

We are excited to share that designer, Sareh Nouri Bridal is going international with the first location in Hong Kong. Her gorgeous wedding gowns will soon be available at Miss Bride Wedding Shop, which is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Queen Victoria Street. Congratulations to Sareh Nouri and best of luck in your endeavors!

Kenneth Pool’s gorgeous wedding gowns achieve their volume with petticoats! For more exclusive behind the scenes photos, follow their Facebook fan page and be sure to check out the latest gown designs at http://www.kennethpool.com.

Image via Kenneth Pool

Tara and Chris met at work on July 7, 2007. They had an instant connection, and although Tara was hesitant, their attraction was inevitable. “Chris had a gorgeous smile that was contagious. He has the best personality and made me laugh constantly,” Tara shared. After the two began dating, they enjoyed spending time together, especially while on several ski vacations. Chris had planned the proposal about three months prior, and as Tara and Chris reached the top of the mountain for a day of skiing, Chris asked to take a picture. As Tara stood there posing for the camera, Chris got down on one knee and proposed. “I was beyond shocked. We have so many great memories, and our proposal location has meaning behind it,” Tara reminisced

When the couple began planning their wedding, Tara and Chris knew they wanted to tie the knot during the fall, as they both love the weather during this time of year. Additionally in choosing October 9, 2011, Columbus Day weekend provided guests the best availability for travel arrangements.

The ceremony was held at the groom’s parish, Our Lady of Sorrows. Seeing each other for the first time as the doors opened to the church was Tara and Chris’ favorite memory of the day. “It was an unbelievable rush of emotions and a level of happiness I hadn’t experienced before,” Chris mentioned. “I was filled with anticipation as I waited to see my future wife.”

Tara walked down the aisle wearing an ivory silk taffeta Essence wedding gown, embellished with lace appliqués and beadwork. A fingertip blusher veil and Manolo Blahnik shoes completed her look flawlessly. Chris sported a Joseph Abboud tuxedo, Tiffany’s cuff links, and a Breitling watch.

Located on private woodlands and set for secluded and exclusive events, along with the facility’s storybook ambiance, renowned cuisine, and impeccable service, the Pleasantdale Château was the perfect locale to host Tara and Chris’ reception. “Every room was different from the next and even more breathtaking,” commented the bride. The architecture, pristine grounds, estate style, and one-wedding-at-a-time service factored into the couple’s decision.

Cocktail hour provided a lavish presentation, including coconut chicken, duck and cranberry salad, lobster cream puff, potato and camembert cheese croquettes, along with various stations and displays. For dinner, guests had a choice of tilapia meuniere or roasted filet of dry-aged Black Angus beef with roasted shallot and béarnaise sauce. Each entrée was served with risotto or whipped potatoes and vegetables. “We couldn’t have asked for better service. The Pleasantdale Château staff were there assisting before we could even ask,” noted Chris. In addition to the five-tiered octagonal hazelnut wedding cake, guests were treated to warm chocolate molten cake, French and Italian pastries, and petit fours.

Throughout the day’s events, Milton Gil Photographers captured the special moments in photography and on video. Tara and Chris liked Milton and Lou’s photojournalistic approach, as well as their creative eye, professionalism, and how wedding stories unfolded while looking at album samples. They were equally pleased working with their videographers, who blended in with their guests.


The décor of the ballroom beautifully set the tone for the reception. High centerpieces included curly willow branches decorated with magenta orchids with suspended glass votives holding tea light candles, while orchids submerged in three cylinder vases at varying heights topped with a floating candle completed the low centerpiece design.

Following Tara and Chris’ first dance to “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band, guests danced the night away with the help of Barry Herman Entertainment. The emcee and disc jockey for the evening played a variety of songs from many genres.

At the end of the reception, the newlyweds escaped to Hawaii for their honeymoon, where they stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Tara and Chris look forward to starting a family and buying their first home together.

Tara & Chris
October 9, 2011
Pleasantdale Château • West Orange, NJ
In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: Our Lady of Sorrows
Celebrant: Father Richard Pfannenstiel
Reception Location: Pleasantdale Château
Photographer & Videographer: Milton Gil Photographers
Entertainment: Barry Herman Entertainment
Florist: Flower Elegance
Limousine Service: D&G Limousines
Cake Designer: Pleasantdale Château
Bridal Salon & Veil: Ally’s Bridal • Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Formal Attire: Joseph Abboud
Invitations: Birchcraft Studios
Favors: Photo Booth Pictures & Frames
Hair Salon: Brushez • Makeup Studio: Facez
Jeweler: West Orange Jewelers
Photo Booth: Photo Illusions, LLC
Honeymoon Location:
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa―Kauai and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea―Maui, Hawaii
Ohh La La! Lovely in lace and swooning over today’s wedding gown of the day, designed by Alvina Valenta. From the Fall 2012 collection style AV9258 features ivory French corded lace over rum pink silk with bateau neckline and low v-style back. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit http://www.jlmcouture.com/alvina-valenta.

Designer, Aruna Seth recently introduced their new bridal Pochettes and we just had to share! Whether used as a cosmetic bag, clutch, or shoulder bag, this can be a perfect accessory for brides and her maids. Available in a variety of colors with a delicate crystal butterfly. For more information visit http://www.arunaseth.com.





If you’re engaged and planning a wedding, there are several upcoming bridal shows that you don’t want to miss out on! Meet with some of the area’s top wedding professionals, and view beautiful bridal fashions, among much more. For more information and to view other upcoming bridal shows in New Jersey, visit Contemporary Bride’s event calendar!
The Skylands at Randolph
Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 1:00 PM
792 State Route 10 • Randolph, NJ 07869
888-427-4339
http://www.elegantbridal.com
Seasons of Love Bridal Show
Sea Oaks Country Club
Sunday, September 23, 2012 • 1:00 PM
99 Golf View Drive • Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08087
866-306-3592
http://www.rocktheaislebridal.com
Rutherfurd Hall
Monday, September 24, 2012 • 6:00 PM
1685 Route 517 • Allamuchy, NJ 07820
888-427-4339
http://www.elegantbridal.com
Fall is in the air and we’re loving this seasonal bouquet and boutonniere featuring the perfect blend of colors, texture, and one of our favorite blooms- billy balls!

Photography by The Studio Photographers
With fall right around the corner there’s no better time to swap out your most loved summer scent with a new fall favorite. Celebrate the season and fall in love with Bath and Body Work’s Fall Traditions from the signature collection. Nourish your skin with the exclusive Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (combining fresh pumpkin, crisp apple, and spiced vanilla), Dreamy Vanilla Woods (a warm combo of creamy vanilla, white orchid, and saffron woods), and Honey Autumn Apple (blending crisp red apple, sparkling nectarine, and a touch of honey). All of these fall favorites are now in season at http://www.bathandbodyworks.com available in shower gel, body lotion & cream, body scrub, and fine fragrance mist. What’s your favorite scent? Tell us by leaving a comment below!

