It was truly a chance encounter when Alexis and Michael met in March of 2007 at Dickerman’s Ale House, a favorite spot for Quinnipiac University students. Michael came in with his hockey teammates to celebrate winning their game, while Alexis was at the bar with her girlfriends. Although he teased her for her order—a “girly” Oatmeal Cookie shot—when he first walked over to talk to her, Michael and Alexis hit it off immediately and became inseparable after that night. “I would have never met her if we didn’t win that game,” recalled Michael. In August of 2010, the two were on vacation in the Dominican Republic with Alexis’ family. It was their first night there and Alexis was looking for shoes to wear to dinner. Michael walked up to her with a Christian Louboutin shoe box and when he opened it for Alexis she found a beautiful cushion-cut diamond engagement ring inside. Michael placed the ring on her finger, and even surprised Alexis with the shoes that came in the box. The couple set the date for July 2, 2011 and began planning their romantic wedding.

After two hours of pictures, everyone headed to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, to which Alexis’ family has belonged for two generations. Alexis describes seeing her husband for the first time as she walked down the aisle as a “magical, emotional memory” and was her favorite moment of the day. She wore a strapless silk satin ball gown with illusion neckline, full pleated skirt, and corset bodice. The dress was embellished with Swarovski crystals, which perfectly matched the bride’s crystal satin belt and crystal headpiece. A beaded veil adorned with pearls completed Alexis’ wedding day attire. Michael and his groomsmen sported gray tuxedos with monochromatic gray vests and ties.

Alexis and Michael did not have to look far to find the perfect place to host their reception. “Pines Manor is like a second home for my family and me,” said Alexis, whose mother and brother work at the facility. “As soon as I got engaged my first call was to the Pines Manor to put the wedding on the books!” Throughout the years, Alexis’ family has held many important events at the Pines Manor, so choosing this location was perhaps the easiest decision the couple had to make. Not only did they have the advantage of knowing the caliber of service at the Pines Manor, but they also had Alexis’ mother Marisa Dervech, the facility’s catering director, to help coordinate their wedding. “We owe our dream wedding to her. Her patience and attention to detail is why she is so perfect for this job,” the bride commented.

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds’ family and friends gathered at the Pines Manor for cocktail hour, where they enjoyed Greek and Italian stations in honor of the couple’s heritage, a mash-tini station, a raw bar, a seafood bar, and a sushi bar. For dinner guests received a duet plate of Chilean sea bass and filet mignon with lemon risotto and a mixed greens salad. Greek and Italian pastries and artisan chocolates were served for dessert alongside a crystal-decorated five-tier vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling from Palermo’s Bakery. “They are so creative and have such a passion for what they do,” said the bride of Palermo’s. “They were so helpful and sincere.”

Platinum Entertainment was the couple’s first and only choice when it came time to choose a DJ. “Anthony rocked the dance floor all night,” recalled Alexis. “He played the perfect mix of music for everyone.” The newlyweds shared their first dance to Lionel Richie’s “Penny Lover,” followed by the traditional parent dances. Following their reception, Alexis and Michael went on a two-week honeymoon to Riviera Maya and Cancun. They are currently enjoying living together, spending time as husband and wife and look forward to their future.

Alexis and Michael
July 2, 2011
Pines Manor • Edison, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Officiant: Father Nicholas Pastrikos • Reception Location: Pines Manor
Photographer & Videographer: Rick Helman Photography
Entertainment: Platinum Entertainment
Limousine Service: D&G Limousines • Florist: Crest Florist
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery
Bridal Salon & Veil: Priscilla of Boston • Formal Attire: Zaccarello’s Formal Wear
Hair Salon & Makeup Studio: Cosmo Blu
Jeweler: Hannaugh Jewelers • Invitations & Favors: Favor It Shop
Honeymoon Location: Grand Velas- Riviera Maya & Gran Meliá- Cancun, Mexico

2 comments on “Real Wedding of Alexis & Michael at Pines Manor”

1. Niki on June 5, 2012 at 1:57 pm said:

   This wedding was exceptional!!!!!!! Really set the bar high for their firends who got engaged after this (as one bride just shared). The Pines Manor was transformed into a very elegant night club for the evening. All thanks to Marisa and her amazing talents! The bride and groom truly enjoyed every moment with their guests. Not your usual stuffy formal wedding although the setting was as beautiful and formal as you could possibly have.

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2. stan on June 7, 2012 at 11:56 am said:

   I attended this Wedding and it was truly the most elegant,stunning, and loving Wedding I have ever attended. The Pines Manor and all the providers did a excellent job. I would reccommend the Pines Manor and their terrific staff to anyone planning a Wedding.Kudos to all involed in putting together this spectacular event………

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