We’re overwhelmed with excitement and elated to announce that our latest Spring/Summer 2013 is now available for purchase! In this issue, 19 newlyweds share their wedding stories, become inspired by new style pages, and view designer spotlights, the newest addition to our magazine. Still searching for the perfect locale to escape after your reception? We feature more than 70 island getaways for a romantic honeymoon in paradise. To get the full list of what you can find inside our latest edition, click on New Jersey Edition or New York Edition at http://www.ContemporaryBride.com.

We recently had our photo shoot for our upcoming Spring/Summer 2013 edition of Contemporary Bride. Thank you to all of the amazing vendors that participated and helped make the shoot a success! Below are some of the behind the scenes footage (captured by Bridal Styles Boutique and Sareh Nouri Bridal) and stay tuned for more sneak peeks of what you can expect to see in the next issue!

Bridal Gowns: Sareh Nouri Bridal & Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridal Accessories: Bridal Styles Boutique
Photography: The Studio Photographers
Flowers: Lotus Petals Floral Design
Hair Stylists: Mandy Liento and Kristen of La Sorella Bridal
Makeup Artist: Tim Alan

Have your guests wave ribbon wands as you and your groom make your grand exit from the wedding ceremony. While most locations no longer allow bird seed, rice, or sparklers, ribbon wands are a unique alternative that will provide a wonderful photo opp.

Photo by The Studio Photographers

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

When Christine and Ronnie began planning their wedding, there was no question as to where they wanted to tie the knot ─ with their feet in the sand on the breathtaking island of Aruba. Christine and Ronnie immediately fell in love with the island when they traveled there in 2007 for vacation. The couple wanted a very intimate affair, making a destination wedding an ideal fit, with pristine beaches, turquoise blue water, friendly staff, and an overall positive atmosphere. All of the festivities were held at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino. “The customer service at the Hyatt is phenomenal,” noted Christine. “A staff member had a glass of champagne and cold rags ready for our guests upon their arrival to the resort. The people are hospitable, knew us by name, and made sure we were always taken care of.”

The wedding was planned for a long weekend, which allowed a lot of time for their guests to explore the island and participate in the many activities that Aruba has to offer. Guests always had something to do, from welcoming cocktails to water sports, relaxing on the beach, swimming, working on their fitness at the fully equipped gym, or getting pampered at the spa. There was something for everyone of all ages.

The ceremony first took place at the Civil Town House, due to Aruba’s new law to legally wed. Later that evening, Christine and Ronnie had a second beachfront ceremony as they had always dreamed. The bride donned a Nicole Miller silk chiffon gown, while her bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm green strapless dresses. The groom and his groomsmen sported light beige suits with ivory shirts, ties, and flip-flops.

After exchanging beautiful vows, the newlyweds and their 32 guests celebrated at the reception. The outdoor oasis was decorated beautifully with low centerpieces consisting of white hydrangeas and dendrobium orchids. Coffee beans were scattered at the base of the glass vase.

From cocktail hour to dinner, guests enjoyed an abundance of food. The cocktail hour enjoyed many served passed hors d’oeuvres including: coconut shrimp, vegetarian spring rolls, seared tuna, crab cakes, a raw bar, and a “welcome to the family” pasta station. For dinner, guests had a choice of filet mignon or Chilean sea bass. “The food was fresh and was cooked to the right temperature. Everything was delicious,” Christine commented.

The disc jockey for the evening was provided by the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino. He played a mix from all eras, which had their guests moving on the dance floor. All eyes were on the newlyweds as they danced in the spotlight to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted for a cupcake tower. Also served for dessert were chocolate chip cookies and Italian pastries.

From all of the events leading up to and throughout the wedding day, David and Tami from The Studio Photographers captured every moment flawlessly. They were able to get many great shots of the couple all over Aruba, including on the beach, in front of the California Lighthouse, next to a magnificent divi-divi tree, and even in the ocean. “David and Tami made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. They were very innovative on places to bring us on the island, and it was like we were hanging out with friends,” remarked Ronnie. Once all of the festivities ended, Christine and Ronnie continued their honeymoon in paradise for one more week. Although all of the planning was done through mail and email, the couple couldn’t have been happier with how their wedding turned out. They continue to thank the staff at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino for making their special day exactly how they imagined.

Christine and Ronnie
October 24, 2009
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Aruba

Ceremony & Reception Location: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Officiant: Reverend Sydney Michael
Photographer: The Studio Photographers
Videographer: George Jacobs
Entertainment: Provided by Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Florist: Provided by Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Cake Designer: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
Bridal Salon: Nicole Miller, Inc.
Headpiece & Veil: Fontana Bridal Salon
Shoes: My Glass Slipper
Formal Attire: Ekizian’s Tuxedos
Invitations: Rachel Kurland • Favors: Beau-coup
Hair Salon: Knipoog Hair Studio
Jeweler: Fontana Bridal Salon

White wedding flowers evoke a traditional style and are perfect for any type of bride, setting, and theme. For the bride who wants to add a a modern day flare, add an accent color throughout to coordinate with your color scheme and add embellishments, such as bouquet jewelry. Remember a loved one by wrapping the stems with a piece of their fabric (i.e tie or blouse) or add a locket with their photograph inside. Will you be walking down the aisle holding a white bouquet? How are you planning on personalizing your flower designs? Tell us by leaving a comment below!

Photography by The Studio Photographers

Made with a romantic and timeless vision in mind, Sareh Nouri’s couture wedding gowns consist of luxurious, fine imported French lace and Italian silk. From the Spring 2012 bridal collection, we love Neda’s ballgown design featuring sweetheart strapless pleated bodice and silk organza detailed skirt. If you’re still searching for the perfect wedding gown, don’t forget Sareh Nouri will be hosting a trunk show at Exquisite Bride in Millburn, New Jersey this weekend showcasing her 2012 bridal collection. Book your appointment today (973-376-2770, http://www.exquisite-bride.com) and find the wedding dress of your dreams!

Photography by The Studio Photographers

Dena and Paul recently tied the knot and celebrated their nuptials at Valley Regency. From the preparations and ceremony throughout the reception, David and PJ of The Studio Photographers caught wonderful moments in a photojournalistic style. Check out more of their beautifully captured moments here!

Frank of The Studio Photographers captured beautiful shots from Jeannette and Frank’s engagement session. Check out more of their photographs from Brooklyn Botanical Gardens here!

Meghan and John grew up on the same block, but it wasn’t until June of 2005 that they got to know each other at the Portuguese Festival, and began to officially date two months later. On November 16, 2009, John went to Meghan’s house for a casual date night with a movie and a bag of Cracker Jacks, into which he had slipped a gorgeous white gold princess-cut ring. “When she finally found it I was already on my knee asking her to marry me,” John recalled. Meghan said yes, and the couple began planning their modern couture wedding. On August 13, 2011, Meghan woke up early at her parents’ house and began prepping with her bridesmaids, mother, and flower girls. Melissa and Nicole of Melissa D’Aloia & Co. pampered the girls to perfection with hair and makeup applications. “Melissa was amazing to work with and made us feel glamorous,” said Meghan.

The ceremony took place at the bride’s parish, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. Meghan looked stunning in her ivory Kenneth Pool gown made of royal duchess satin with a sweetheart neckline, asymmetrical ruched bodice, and trumpet-style skirt. The rhinestone accents on the dress flawlessly complemented her rhinestone-embellished hair comb and fingertip-length veil with rhinestone and beaded edging. John wore a classic black two-button Calvin Klein tuxedo with an ivory shirt, vest, and tie. During their traditional full mass ceremony, the two exchanged vows and participated in a unity candle service, and as part of a family tradition, a bag piper played as guests entered and exited the church.

The Studio Photographers and Fiore Films documented the day’s special moments. The couple loved both vendors’ work from the start, and knew that they were the right choice for their big day. “The Studio Photographers’ photojournalistic style never ceased to impress me. Frank and PJ were professional, organized, and created a relaxed environment,” said Meghan. They were equally pleased with Fiore Films: “Sharrone and her two assistants did not disappoint. They blended in and most of the time we didn’t even realize they were filming us. They were a pleasure to work with,” the bride commented.

When Meghan and John first visited South Gate Manor, they were immediately impressed by the facility’s overall look, from the marble flooring and grand staircase to the well-maintained grounds and cocktail hour room. “We liked how there was enough seating for every guest, and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking their garden area with additional lounge furniture, gazebo, and fountain,” noted John. The knowledgeable, accommodating staff at South Gate Manor also factored into the couple’s decision. Bobby, the maitre d’, was especially helpful during their reception. “Bobby was outside waiting for us when the limousine pulled up to South Gate and took care of us throughout the night,” said Meghan. The groom also noted that the staff treated the couple like royalty, and that all of their special requests were fulfilled.

Jeff from SCE Event Group provided the music for the evening, playing everything from Frank Sinatra to current club hits. Meghan and John shared their first dance to Josh Groban’s “When You Say You Love Me,” and participated in the traditional parent dances. Additionally, Sound Connection provided LED uplighting, dancing under the stars, and intelligent lighting, creating a club-like atmosphere. When asked what their favorite memory of the day was, the newlyweds agreed it was seeing each other for the first time. Meghan and John continue to thank their vendors and parents for all their hard work. “Without them we never would have been able to have the wedding we envisioned.”

Meghan and John
August 13, 2011
South Gate Manor • Freehold, NJ

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
Officiant: Reverend James W. McGuffey • Reception Location: South Gate Manor
Photographer: The Studio Photographers • Cinematographer: Fiore Films
Ceremony Music: Thomas Juno • Entertainment: SCE Event Group
Limousine Service: First Class Limousine Service • Florist: Rosie Posies
Cake Designer: South Gate Manor • Bridal Salon and Veil: Exquisite Bride
Headpiece: Castle Couture • Shoes: Love by Enzoani • Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Melissa D’Aloia & Co.
Jeweler: Cantor Jewelry Co., Inc., Swarovski, & Lauren B.
Invitations: Riley Creative
Favors: Donations to Northeastern Boxer Rescue & Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Co.
Card Box: Etsy.com/JamieKimDesigns • Cake Stand: Sarah’s Stands

To read more about Meghan and John’s big day, pick up the latest New Jersey edition of Contemporary Bride Magazine!