Catherine and Joseph met through mutual friends while attending Monmouth University. After they began dating, Catherine knew Joe was someone she could always trust. On December 11, 2010, the couple was driving to a holiday dinner when Joseph turned down a street en route for the beach in Long Branch, New Jersey. He told Catherine he made a wrong turn but continued to park the car. They walked to where they shared their first kiss and Joseph proposed with a modified brilliant cut engagement ring. The newly engaged couple celebrated later that evening with their family at Sirena Ristorante.

The bride walked down the aisle of Saint Michael’s Church wearing an ivory, mermaid-style Casablanca gown with beaded lace appliqués and a champagne beaded sash. Prior to the ceremony, Father Jim Burke asked the couple to write letters explaining why they wanted to marry each other and told them not to share their response. During his sermon he shared parts of each letter which made Catherine and Joseph’s ceremony intimate and touching.

Pictures were taken at Saint Michael’s Church, Casino Pier in Asbury Park, and at The English Manor by Emil from Contemporary Image. The bride commented, “Emil was friendly and artistic which we really loved. He also takes pride in his work and makes each picture unique in its own way.”

Chosen for its privacy and exclusivity of one wedding at a time, the reception was held at The English Manor. Catherine and Joseph also liked the idea of having an outdoor cocktail hour amid the gardens, as well as the quaint and welcoming feel of the facility. “The staff was wonderful to work with and continued to follow up with me. They were very professional and made me feel like our wedding was important,” noted Catherine.

Guests were offered a variety of selections including an Asian station, eggplant rollatini, and a cheese and fruit station, in addition to hors d’oeuvres of miniature rubens, barbeque pulled pork biscuits, and potato pancakes. Two signature drinks called Captain Joe (Captain Morgan and ginger) and Love Martinis (peach Schnapps, coconut rum, cranberry juice, and a strawberry heart) were also available to guests. Dinner began with a salatizer (a salad and appetizer combined) followed by lemon intermezzo and an entrée choice of chicken royale, filet of sole, or prime rib au Jus.

SCE Event Group provided the entertainment that had guests danced the night away to a variety of music. Their emcee for the evening, CJ, played everything from top 40s, 80s to current hits. For their first dance as newlyweds, Catherine and Joseph held the spotlight to “From This Moment” by Shania Twain.

Catherine and Joseph opted for SCE Event Group’s multi-media package that included a photo montage, uplighting, and custom monogram projection on the dance floor.

In between dancing and mingling, miniature ice cream cones were served on a bed of sprinkles for dessert, in addition to their chocolate and white wedding cake. “The staff at The English Manor was great. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and on top of each detail,” raved Catherine.

Following the reception, the newlyweds escaped to St. Lucia on their honeymoon, where they stayed at Sandals La Toc Golf Resort and Spa. For Joseph, watching all of their hard work come together was the most exciting part of wedding planning. They are currently enjoying married life and look forward to purchasing a house and starting a family in the future.

Catherine and Joseph
August 5, 2011
The English Manor • Ocean Township, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Saint Michael’s Church
Celebrants: Reverend Andy Topp & Father Marc Bolsvert
Reception Location: The English Manor
Photographer: Contemporary Image
Videographer: Videos by Trish
Entertainment: SCE Event Group
Florist: Einhorns Florist
Limousine Service: D&G Limousines
Cake Designer: The English Manor
Bridal Salon, Veil & Formal Attire: Russell’s Bridal & Tuxedo
Shoes: Nina Shoes
Invitations: Carlson Craft • Favors: Donna & Company
Hair Salon: Salon Montage
Jeweler: Martin Jewelers • Photo Booth: Snapshot Photobooths
Honeymoon Location: Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, St. Lucia

Jon wanted to ask Nicole out from the minute he saw her bartending at a local bar. They became friends and soon after went on their first date. Seven years later Jon told Nicole they were going to New York City for dinner and to see the musical “Jersey Boys.” After walking a few blocks in the wind and snow, they finally approached the middle of Times Square where Jon got down on one knee and asked Nicole to be his wife. The wedding date was set for September 1, 2011― a memorable date and “a great way to kick off one of the best party weekends of the summer,” commented Jon. Chosen for its manicured landscape with beautiful gardens and fountains, outstanding service, and delectable food, the ceremony and reception were held at The Estate at Florentine Gardens. “As soon as we walked into the facility, I got the chills and could instantly picture our wedding there,” shared Nicole. Additionally, the couple liked how Florentine Gardens hosts only one event at a time and they were able to have their entire ceremony on location making it much easier for their guests.

Prior to the ceremony, the staff at the Florentine Gardens, along with the photographers and videographers, set up the couple’s “first sighting”, which was the bride’s favorite memory of the day. Nicole donned a satin, Alita Graham fit-to-flare, mermaid style dress with a sweetheart neckline, ruching, and embellished with crystals and beading. Her ballet-length veil lined with Swarovski crystals and crystal peep-toe Benjamin Adams shoes completed her look. “Nikki looked absolutely stunning! It was at that point my nerves settled and I was ready to marry the love of my life,” noted the groom. It was a beautiful sunny day for the couple’s outdoor ceremony. Officiated by Reverend Andy Topp and Nicole’s uncle, Father Marc Bolsvert, the couple exchanged vows, wedding bands, and participated in a unity sand ceremony.

Dean from Dean Michaels Studio captured the day in photography. “The second I met Dean I was comfortable. He is such a fun loving guy and it’s very easy to get wrapped up in a conversation with him,” noted Nicole.

Following the “I do’s”, guests enjoyed cocktail hour with a variety of food from carving stations including lamb rolled skirt steak to sushi, pasta, and hors d’oeuvres. A mojito bar was also available during cocktail hour which served as the couple’s signature drink. For dinner, guests had a choice of potato crusted Chilean sea bass or filet mignon with shallot merlot sauce for the main entrée. Guests were treated to a four-tiered wedding cake designed by Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery and a Viennese hour for dessert. From the custom invitations to the reception décor, Nicole and Jon’s wedding showcased their upscale Manhattan nightlife themed celebration. Set on white linens with fuchsia overlays were square glass vases in three different heights filled with water, orchids, and a floating candle, while crystals, orchid heads, and candles were scattered at the base. Silver beaded charger plates, crystal napkin rings, and silver chairs completed the tablescape designs.

Sal Travis had guests dancing the night away to music ranging from LMFAO, Pitbull, Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi. For their first dance as newlyweds, Nicole and Jon danced to “Two is Better Than One” by Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift. Sal Travis also provided the lighting and video throughout the evening.

After the celebration, Nicole and Jon honeymooned in Italy. They are looking for their first home and look forward to their first holiday season together as newlyweds.

Nicole and Jon
September 1, 2011
The Estate at Florentine Gardens • Rivervale, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Estate at Florentine Gardens
Officiants: Reverend Andy Topp & Father Marc Bolsvert
Photographer: Dean Michaels Studio
Videographer & Entertainment: Sal Travis
Florist: Carbone Creative
Limousine Service: NJ Limo Bus & Limousine
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery
Bridal Salon & Veil: Kleinfeld • Shoes: Benjamin Adams
Formal Attire: Biltmore Tuxedos • Invitations: Carbone Creative
Favors: Donations to Free the Kids and IHAF
Hair Salon & Makeup Studio: V Capelli Salon
Jeweler: Jared the Galleria of Jewelry & Tejani
Honeymoon Locations:
Hotel Berchielli- Florence, InterContinental de la Ville- Rome, & Regent Seven Seas Cruises

“Your Once in a Lifetime Party deserves an individual magic touch.” Let Season’s experienced and caring staff custom design your special event. Their talented team of award-winning chefs, sushi chefs, professional ice carvers and outstanding pastry chefs will combine their culinary expertise to provide a wedding worthy of “Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous” at a reasonable price.

Every detail of your reception is uniquely you. With a reputation for excellence, Season’s trained staff of banquet coordinators will assist you with creative suggestions to make your reception a success. With a beautiful grand ballroom and exquisite landscaping throughout, there are many picturesque areas throughout the grounds to capture special moments in photography. Seasons is also equipped to meet all of your off premises catering needs including fine cuisine, ice carvings, china, flatware, glassware, and more.

Click HERE for more information on Seasons

Seasons
644 Pascack Road, Washington Township, NJ
201-664-6141

“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

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

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!