We’re so excited to be sharing part 2 of Tanya and James’ romantic wedding at Nanina’s In The Park. When we asked them to describe their special day, the couple said it was “perfect and the day went off without a hitch.” Not only was the weather perfect, their vendors all worked well together to make their wedding better than the couple ever imagined. Tanya and James’ wedding reception looked like so much fun, their photos make us want to get up and dance! Thank you to Daniel J Photography who caught all the fun in a photojournalistic style.
Choosing a reception location was an easy decision for Tanya and James. Upon visiting Nanina’s In The Park for the first time, the couple was impressed by the pristine grounds, stellar ballroom, reputable service, and the delectable cuisine, which was an important factor for the bride’s large Italian family. “After meeting with Tom Casella, we knew all of our wishes and dreams would be taken care of,” noted the bride. The staff went above and beyond the couple’s expectations. “They promised we wouldn’t have to worry about a thing, and they were absolutely correct,” James mentioned.
The couple admitted they are not very good dancers, but through their dance lessons with Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Greenbrook, they were able to learn a basic routine right before their big day. “We didn’t look like professions but we knew the steps that worked with our song, and we had a great time performing it!” exclaimed Tanya. “It was a great experience and the lessons proved to be a nice break [from wedding planning], ” added James.
Following their first dance to “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, Groove Place got the party started with live entertainment. Their band played music for all generations, including classic rock to today’s hits.
Working with Le Petit Gateau was so much fun! The cake tasting was delicious and because my grandmother wasn’t able to attend, they actually gave us an additional tasting to bring home to her. Our wedding cake was four tiers, consisting of red velvet with cream cheese, vanilla cake with chocolate ganache and strawberries, and vanilla cake with cannoli filling.
Tanya tossed her bouquet to “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: My favorite memory of the day was standing up at the altar and professing my vows to James.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: I really enjoyed our first dance together but my favorite memory of the day had to be seeing Tanya walk in to the church for the first time.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? We decided on Hawaii because we wanted to go to an island that was different from all the Caribbean. We went to Maui first and stayed at The Fairmont Kea Lani and then Oahu for one night at The Royal Hawaiian. To break up the trip home we stayed at The Carneros Inn in Napa California, which was the most luxurious place I have ever stayed at! In Hawaii we did a lot of excursions and activities and in Napa is when we really just relaxed as though we didn’t have a worry in the world.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Don’t get too caught up in all the details of planning a wedding. Be sure to not lose site of the overall picture and remember that it will be one of the most amazing days of your entire life regardless of what color table clothes you choose.
Tanya & James
August 24, 2013
Nanina’s In The Park • Belleville, NJ
In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: St. Teresa of Avila Parish / Celebrant: Monsignor Raymond J. Kupke / Reception Location: Nanina’s In The Park / Photographer: Daniel J Photography / Videographer: Joe Minnella Cinematography / Entertainment: Groove Place / Florist: Floral Designs by Cindy / Limousine Service: Asher’s Limo / Cake Designer: Le Petit Gateau / Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld / Veil: I Do, I Do / Shoes: Kate Spade / Formal Attire: Cozy Formalwear / Invitations: Invitations by Danielle / Favors: Nanina’s In The Park / Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: My Cinderella’s Dream / Jeweler: George Press Jewelers / Dance Lessons: Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Greenbrook / Photo Booth: Elite Sound Entertainment / Honeymoon Locations: Hawaii and Napa, CA
Leslie and Randy
May 28, 2011
Season’s Catering • Washington Township, NJ
Leslie had just moved to New Jersey from the Philippines when a girlfriend introduced her to Randy. Leslie recalls, “We definitely liked each other right away but obviously there were some cultural differences.” The two dated for six years before Randy popped the question. Leslie was getting ready to go out to dinner one Saturday night in October when Randy came into the bedroom and got down on his knees, pulling the jewelry box from his pocket. Leslie recalls, “I was in tears when I said Yes.”
Chosen for its grand ballroom and beautiful outdoor grounds, the ceremony and reception were held at Seasons Catering. Rabbi Geri Zeller performed the solemn ceremony, which included Jewish traditions of Kiddush cups, blessed wine vessels, and a Ketubah, a traditional Jewish marriage agreement. Also included was the veil and cord ceremony, a Filipino tradition. Leslie wore an ivory, satin strapless gown by Priscilla of Boston from Jaehee Bridal Atelier with Swarovski crystals on the bodice and chapel-length veil. She carried a bouquet of stephanotis in various shades of pink and ivory with crystal embellishments. The groom wore a classic tuxedo with an ivory shirt, vest, and tie from Men’s Wearhouse. Randy’s groomsmen wore the same tuxedo with white shirts and charcoal vests and ties, while Leslie’s bridesmaids wore pink Bari Jay dresses.
Every moment of the ceremony and reception was captured in a photojournalistic style by John of John Agnello Photography. The bride commented, “John always knew what to say to get a smile or laugh out of us.” The bride and groom were equally as impressed with their videographer, Alex, from Unique Video Productions. Leslie and Randy surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance to “All My Life” by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville. The couple incorporated rumba and fox trot into their dance, giving their guests a real treat. For the rest of the night, Mike Albanese from Gemini Productions kept guests on the dance floor. Leslie recalled, “Our disc jockey also did a photo montage of pictures of Randy and I growing up and took pictures of our guests that showed on the Plasma televisions all night long.”
The cocktail hour featured a lavish seafood display including lobsters, succulent shrimp, oysters and scallops. Fresh pastrami sandwiches, steak, sliders, sushi, pizza, and a spectacular cheese display were also available to nibble on. For their main entree guests had the choice of Chateaubriand, a Norwegian salmon tower, or French cut chicken. The bride raved, “The food was unbelievably good. Seasons Catering does a truly remarkable job.” The Viennese display featured freshly-made crepes, cotton candy, milkshakes, and chocolate fountains. The vanilla and chocolate wedding cake was a four tier, ivory masterpiece with pink detailing created by Le Petit Gateau.
After the wedding, the newlyweds honeymooned in Oahu and Maui, Hawaii and enjoyed being surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. Leslie and Randy advise, “If you are planning to have both the ceremony and the reception in one place, make sure that you pick a reputable place like Seasons.”
Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Season’s Catering • Officiant: Rabbi Geri Zeller
Photographer: John Agnello Photography • Videographer: Unique Video Productions
Entertainment: Gemini Productions •Limousine Service: NJ Wedding • Florist: Flower Elegance • Cake Designer: Le Petit Gateau • Bridal Salon and Headpiece: Jaehee Bridal Atelier
Shoes: Badgley Mischka • Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse • Invitations: RSVP to Me • Hair Salon: In Style Down the Aisle • Makeup Artist: Donna Massa• Jeweler: Absolute Brilliance
Honeymoon Locations: Hyatt Regency- Oahu and Ritz Carlton- Maui, Hawaii
To read more about Leslie and Randy’s big day, pick up the latest New Jersey edition of Contemporary Bride Magazine!
Designed by A Little Cake, this square four-tiered wedding cake was decorated in a black damask pattern, finished with a light pearl dusting, and topped with a black fondant bow. For more information visit http://www.ALittleCake.com.
Created by A Little Cake, this four-tiered wedding cake features a chocolate brown lace design and sugar peony flowers. Its flavor is red velvet cake with cream cheese filling and iced with buttercream. Visit http://www.ALittleCake.com for more information.
Simple, yet sophisticated, black and white color schemes are eye-catching and versatile, making this style sleek and easy to pair with any accent colors. If you’re searching for the perfect way to incorporate one classic element to your wedding, you can easily do so by adorning your wedding cake with details such as black ribbon, vintage brooch, ruching, damask print, and black and white flowers such as anemone- perfect for a simple and timeless tradition.
Palermo’s Bakery
Le Petit Gateau
The Hudson Cakery
