Happy Wedding Wednesday! Today we have spring on our minds and we can’t help but to think of warm weather after browsing through these photographs from Kelly and Ben’s vibrant summer wedding submitted to us by RSVP to Me. We just love how Kelly and Ben chose to tie the knot close to July 4th, which gave their families the opportunity to have an extended vacation/reunion following their nuptials. Since their family was traveling from all over the U.S. and even outside the country, the couple was able to enjoy time with their loved ones once the reception ended. After all, weddings are about love and the uniting of two families joining together.

Kelly’s Pour La Victoire wedding shoes were not only a comfortable choice for the ceremony, but the blue soles represented her “something blue”!

For a nontraditional engagement ring, Ben worked with the jeweler to design a ring that married Kelly’s favorite color of green and her fiance’s birthstone of amethyst. A custom made wedding band with five gemstones coordinates perfectly with her engagement ring.

Kelly from RSVP is friendly, professional and very easy to work with. Ben and I knew we wanted custom invitations that reflected us and the experience with Kelly is just that!  There are no books to choose from- you literally pick out every details from paper samples, to fonts and graphics. We were even able to word our invitations exactly the way we wanted. We had Kelly design our invitations, programs, favor cards and escort cards.  They were beautiful!

With the help of Jenn and Laura of Pretty Little Details, the couple was able to enjoy their wedding day from beginning to end. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Pretty Little Details! They anticipated every need Ben, myself, our wedding party and my mom had on the day of our wedding. They were organized, made sure we ate lunch, set everything up and took the time to really understand our vision and make suggestions. I never felt any stress on our wedding day because I trusted Jenn and Laura. I even had an issue where a pleat of my dress had been steamed incorrectly. Laura discreetly sewed the seam while I was wearing my dress so everything would be perfect.”

The bride and groom wore custom Converse sneakers for their reception. Kelly’s were turquoise with orange accents, while Ben opted for grey, white and black plaid.

Kelly’s maid of honor wore a turquoise, floor-length gown in her style choice.

“Our ceremony was held at the Olde Mill Inn. It was over 100 degrees that day and very humid! Ben and I both love The Beatles and Rev. Phil incorporated their music into our ceremony with Here Come the Sun, Blackbird and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. We also had a sand ceremony.”

Simple bunches of hydrangea tied with orange ribbon lined the ceremony aisle, while large floral arrangements were displayed at the altar.

Designed by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, the bride’s bouquet was made up of mango roses, hot pink peonies, and lime green hydrangea.

David and Amy Lau caught the special moments in a photojournalistic style. “I absolutely hate getting my picture taken, but David and Amy made me feel relaxed and comfortable. They really captured natural moments throughout the ceremony and reception.”

Guests found their seats with custom escort cards designed by Kelly of RSVP to me. Rather than traditional table numbers, Kelly and Benjamin opted to name each table after their favorite songs by The Beatles.

After spending Valentine’s Day at the Olde Mill Inn several years prior, Kelly and Ben were impressed by the facility. They liked the warm and welcoming feel of the Olde Mill Inn, as well as the maintained courtyard, and large ballroom. Additionally, the couple liked how the facility hosts only one wedding at a time and offers Eco-friendly over-night accommodations. Set on sage green linens were alternating pillar candles along with three brightly colored floral arrangements at the base.

Guests had a variety of options to choose from during cocktail hour, including assorted cheeses, crudités, chaffing dishes of calamari, and twelve passed hors d’oeuvres. Rather than a traditional sit down dinner, the couple opted for a buffet-style dinner, which allowed guests to eat in a more casual setting. “We were able to customize our menu with the Olde Mill Inn to pick and choose what we wanted from several different menus. We had everything from pastas to carving stations to hibachi to All-American.” Throughout the evening, the couple’s signature drink of white sangria was also available.

A venetian table and chocolate fountain with fruits and mashmallows were served for dessert, in addition to the wedding cake designed by Palermo’s Bakery.

Tell us about your wedding proposal: Ben proposed on Christmas morning before my family came over. In typical Kelly fashion, I said, “Is this really happening?”  Ben just started to laugh. We had talked about marriage in the past, but I never felt liked we had to be married to have a life-long committed relationship. I would say my views on marriage changed after my mom had surgery and Ben and I moved in with her for a short period to help until she was well enough to be on her own. Ben was so patient, took her to doctor appointments and made sure she took her medication.  I felt that was the turning point that took our relationship from high school/college love to adult love.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: There is no specific memory that stands out greater then the next. Marrying my best friend made the day perfect.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: Walking into the reception room with Kelly was my favorite memory of the night.
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Ben and I chose to spend time with our families that had traveled from all over. We plan to go to London this year.
What are you currently looking forward to as a couple? Even more laughter and fun! Ben and I love to attend concerts, go on impromptu adventures, travel to breweries/wineries and go to Yankee games. I just want to make more great memories.
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? Make decisions that make you and your partner happy and not everyone else. Also remember that it is about your love for each other and sharing that with you family and friends. Pick vendors that understand your vision and meet your standards. I expected my vendors to respond quickly to questions, address concerns, listen to us and give us their expert advice. I received this and much more from each of them.

Kelly & Benjamin
June 30, 2012
Olde Mill Inn • Basking Ridge, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony & Reception Location: Olde Mill Inn
officiant: Reverend Phil Passantino
Wedding Coordinator: Pretty Little Details
Photographer: David and Amy Lau Photography
Entertainment: Paul Anthony Entertainment
Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Bakery
Bridal Salon: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique
Headpiece: Etsy.com • Shoes: Pour La Victoire
Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: RSVP to Me
Favors: Donation to The Valerie Fund
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Pin It Up Bridal
Jeweler: Henry’s Fine Jewelry & Dicken’s Lane
Candy Buffet: Lisa Blackler

Although it took Dimitri a month to call Lauren after their initial meeting at a friend’s party, the two went on their first date to a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. “We were both nervous, yet excited,” reminisced Lauren. After spending hours getting to know each other, the two hit it off and dated for a little over three years before taking their relationship to the next level. “I wanted the proposal to be unique and a surprise,” shared Dimitri. The two traveled to Florida for what Lauren thought was to celebrate Dimitri’s 30th birthday. After spending the day in Disney, Dimitri surprised Lauren with a magical evening on a private yacht. As the fireworks lit the sky behind Cinderella’s castle, Dimitri proposed. When Lauren and Dimitri began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to give their out-of-town guests time to spend a few days in the area. Choosing December 30, 2011 gave them the opportunity to enjoy time with family during the holidays. Guests were invited to the marriage celebration with custom invitations designed by Kelly of RSVP to Me. With a beautiful iridescent design, the invitations set the tone for Lauren and Dimitri’s winter wonderland wedding.

Image Above by Anna Hurt Photography for RSVP to Me

Lauren walked down the aisle at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church wearing a sweetheart strapless, dropped-waist gown adorned with intricate beading. A Reem Acra cathedral-length veil and silver Manolo Blahnik shoes completed her look flawlessly. Dimitri sported a Calvin Klein pinstriped tuxedo with a Gucci tie.

Following a beautiful ceremony officiated by Father James Moulketis and Father Damaskinos Ganas, the newlyweds and their guests headed to The Grove for an extravagant reception. Upon visiting The Grove for the first time, Lauren and Dimitri were warmly welcomed into the facility and were taken care of by a professional staff. “When we chose The Grove it was just being built. The staff walked us through the entire project and helped us understand what the facility would be like. We were confident that The Grove would be first class and stellar,” mentioned Lauren.

From passed hors d’oeuvres to carving stations and a fresh seafood bar, guests were served a variety of selections to satisfy everyone’s palate. Dinner began with a cold salad with crab meat, followed by a main entrée choice of sea bass or filet mignon accompanied with fresh vegetables. In addition to the vanilla wedding cake designed by Palermo’s Bakery, individual plates of crème bûlée, raspberry chocolate, ice cream, and baklava were served for dessert.

Joy Glenn Photography captured the day’s events in a photojournalistic style. Lauren and Dimitri were impressed by Joy’s previous work, their engagement session, and wedding day execution. The couple also enjoyed working with Peter Ziffer Studios, who caught the special moments on film.

High centerpieces in one of two designs featuring various white blooms of hydrangeas and calla lilies were set on white table linens, along with candles for a romantic glow.

Guests danced the night away with the help of Bounce Music and Entertainment featuring East Side Mix. The group played a variety of songs from ‘50s to today’s top hits, and Greek music to accommodate the couple’s heritage. For their first dance as husband and wife, Lauren and Dimitri held the spotlight to “Original of the Species” by U2. Lauren’s sister also arranged to have the bride’s childhood friend sing “Marry Me” while her sister-in-law played the piano, making this one of Lauren’s favorite memories of the wedding day.

Lauren and Dimitri thanked their guests for being a part of their special day with Verdi champagne. Tied to each bottle was a small bag containing five almonds and a tag stating a donation had been made to the American Cancer Society. Following the reception, the newlyweds escaped to the Viceroy Hotels and Resorts in Anguilla for the honeymoon.

Lauren & Dimitri
December 30, 2011
The Grove • Cedar Grove, NJ

In The Spotlight:
Ceremony Location: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Celebrants: Father James Moulketis and Father Damaskinos Ganas
Reception Location: The Grove
Photographer: Joy Glenn Photography
Videographer: Peter Ziffer Studios
Entertainment:
Bounce Music and Entertainment featuring East Side Mix
Florist: Crest Florist
Limousine Service: Danaro Limousines
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery
Bridal Salon: Priscilla of Boston
Veil: Reem Acra • Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: RSVP to Me
Favors: Donations to The American Cancer Society
Hair Salon: A Cut Above
Makeup Artist: Jillian Emma
Honeymoon Location: Viceroy Hotels and Resorts― Anguilla

Vita and Jason were at his beach house on Long Beach Island to celebrate Fourth of July, but little did Vita know they would be soon celebrating another occasion. Jason asked Vita to take a ride with him on the boat, but when his brother wanted to tag along with them, Jason quickly pulled away leaving his brother behind. On the way back to the house, he asked Vita to steer the boat, and when she looked over at him, Jason was down on one knee. “I was confused at first and thought Jason was looking for something on the boat’s floor. When I realized what was happening I was shocked and excited,” Vita reminisced. The wedding date was set for August 13, 2010.

While some people fear that the number 13 brings bad fortune, the couple’s wedding was perfect, from the gorgeous weather to all of the finest details. The ceremony took place at Immaculate Heart of Mary, the parish in which Vita made all of her sacraments. The bride walked down the aisle in a stunning Enzoani mermaid-style gown. It was all lace, had a long train, and was embellished with a flowered belt. She held a bouquet of cream hydrangea, white lizianthus, Eskimo and vendela roses, and white Majolica spray roses. “Vita took my breath away when I first saw her,” recollected Jason. The groom looked sharp in a black Tony Conte tuxedo with a white shirt, ivory vest, and tie.

Dave and PJ from The Studio Photographers captured the day’s events flawlessly. Having seen their work at a previous wedding Vita attended, she immediately fell in love with their unique style. The couple liked how Dave and PJ were laid back, organized, made them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and how they were able to get their large bridal party to cooperate.

Chosen for the gorgeous grounds, pristine landscaping, and a beautiful ballroom with high ceilings, a scene of a blue sky and clouds, and crystal chandeliers, as well as a notable reputation for superior service and exquisite food, the reception was held at Nanina’s in the Park. In addition, the couple was impressed with the warm and welcoming staff and how helpful they were from beginning to end. “The staff was very accommodating, was there with anything we needed, and were willing to go the extra mile for us,” noted Jason.

Throughout the reception, The Infernos entertained guests by playing a variety of live music that accommodated every age from the five-year-old flower girls to their grandparents. Vita and Jason shared their first dance to “Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi and also participated in the parent dances to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland and “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.

For dinner, guests were served a double entrée of swordfish with a rock shrimp sauce baked into a pastry shell and chateau briand with the option to switch either of them out for eggplant rollatini or chicken sorrentino. “The food was out of this world, and guests are still talking about how much food there was,” commented Vita. For dessert, the guests of honor opted for a full Venetian hour where guests indulged in zeppolis stuffed with Oreo cookies, a crepe station, an ice cream bar, a chocolate fountain with various dippings, a Belgium waffle station, a gelato bar, and chocolate martinis. The four-tiered wedding cake, designed by Palermo’s Bakery, had a dot pattern on two layers, while the other two layers were adorned with a fondant ribbon and antique brooch.

Vita and Jason
August 13, 2010
Nanina’s In The Park • Belleville, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Celebrant: Father Kevin
Reception Location: Nanina’s In The Park
Photographer: The Studio Photographers
Videographer: Videoccasions • Entertainment: The Infernos
Limousine Service: Call Me A Limo
Florists: Pierpont’s Blossom Farm & Sag Harbor Florist
Cake Designer: Palermo’s Bakery
Bridal Salon: Bijou Bridal & Special Occasion • Veil: Wedding Shoppe, Inc
Headpiece: Model Bride • Formal Attire: Tony Conte
Invitations: Strawberri Graphix • Favors: Homemade Wine
Hair Salon & Makeup Studio: Public Image Limited
Jeweler: Tejani

Tom Cruise recently received an Entertainment Icon Award from the Friars Club. To help culminate the event and to celebrate his 50th birthday, a cake designed by Palermo’s Custom Cakes & Bakery was presented to him, which highlighted his acting talent. The elements of the cake includes elements reminiscent of popular scenes from Cruises’ films. Take a look at more pictures of the cake being made and to read more about the event by visiting http://www.palermobakery.com!