We can't think of a wedding that had more personalization, a wedding where it seemed that every little detail had a special meaning or was designed and created by the bride and her family, than Amanda and Tom's fantastic wedding event.
Amanda and Tom met at Seton Hall University when they both had the same mandatory class together... Amanda in the front row and Tom in the far back! One day when they were preparing for the final exam, Tom noticed all the post-it notes on Amanda's textbook and teased her about them. (Naturally since it was going to be an open-book final, she wanted to have all the most important information right at hand!) The following semester, they unfortunately didn't have any classes together, but made sure to talk with each other in the hall before their classes. They decided that for the next semester, they would purposely take a class together!
They began dating and as their relationship grew, Tom began to plan more of their dates and to surprise Amanda with the activity, only giving her a hint by telling her what kind of shoes to wear. Amanda loved having Tom plan their dates, which included activities such as hiking, biking, ice skating, going to the beach and taking in a drive-in movie. She knew Tom was 'the one' when on their sixth-month anniversary, Tom called Amanda's sister to find out which Broadway show Amanda would like to see. Once they got into the city, Tom told her to look up at the Aladdin marquee. Amanda was so happy she was in tears! Later, they would both admit to each other that they each wanted to say 'I love you' for the first time that night, but were too nervous to say it!
Let's fast-forward about three years later to their magical, romantic wedding day! Amanda and Tom both got ready in separate rooms at the venue where their reception would later be held, the elegant Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, NJ. We loved that they took time out to read their love notes for us while they were getting ready. Their words beautifully expressed their love for each other and their excitement for the day and for their new lives together. And Amanda's gift for Tom, Lego cufflinks, was so awesome!
Tom finished dressing into his navy blue suit with a navy tie as his groomsmen dressed into matching suits with gray neckties, coordinating this color with the groom's vest. Once hair and makeup were completed by Mon Sheri Beauty, Amanda's bridesmaids dressed into matching navy blue dresses, Amanda's favorite color, with her sister and maid of honor standing apart in a long blue gown. Amanda also had pops of bright blue sprinkled throughout her beautiful lush, white bridal bouquet from Hall's Florist as well. Attached to the bouquet's handle were photos of her mother in a loving tribute to her.
Amanda then dressed into her gorgeous wedding gown. It was a classic A-line gown with beautiful ruching, a graceful, flowing skirt and a fabulous sparkling, beaded back design that continued onto the bodice! She wore her hair up and fastened a long cathedral veil to the back. Amanda was so beautiful... she looked like a fairy tale princess!
Amanda and Tom shared a first look before their ceremony outside near the Grain House there at the Olde Mill Inn. They were both simply overcome with joy at the sight of each other! We were so glad that we were there to capture the sweet moment.
It was now time to travel to Immaculate Conception Chapel at Seton Hall University, their alma mater, for their ceremony. Their family and friends were provided with lovely wedding programs personally designed by Amanda's sister. Amanda was also sure to have a beautiful memorial for her mother there by the statue of Mary at the church, another wonderful way to honor her mother's memory. They had a Catholic ceremony and recited their traditional vows, officially becoming husband and wife. Then, the couple was saluted with bubbles by their friends and family as they exited the church!
We truly enjoyed the couple and bridal party's photo shoot with the team at Amanda Dolly Photography before and after their ceremony and could see that they did too! Be sure to check out some of the fantastic photos from the day on her blog!
Back at the Olde Mill Inn for their reception, there were lots of additional personalized items made or designed by Amanda. She made all the signs, the labels for the favors, the guest book and the table numbers, which were actually representations of places and major events in their lives together. It was so terrific to see all of the amazing DIY items! And look at that scrumptious work of art, their wedding cake from Palermo's Bakery!
Amanda and Tom entered the ballroom at the Olde Mill Inn and then led into their first dance together. Their speeches by their best man and maid of honor were so sweet (Amanda and Tom having the opportunity to toast with special champagne flutes gifted by Amanda's sister!), filled with both lighthearted and sincere, loving sentiments.
The celebration continued into the night with their ballroom floor filled with their guests having fun and dancing the night away! Their DJ, Bryan from Elegant Music Group, was excellent... creative and energetic (and was so wonderful to work with as well)! It was such a fun evening and a beautiful celebration of the love shared by Amanda and Tom. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds!
Photographer: Amanda Dolly Photography - Hazlet, NJ
Floral Design: Hall's Florist - Berkeley Heights, NJ
Hair Stylist: Mon Sheri Beauty - Heather - Wayne, NJ
Makeup Artist: Mon Sheri Beauty - Liz - Wayne, NJ
Entertainment: Elegant Music Group - DJ Bryan Festa - Montclair, NJ
Cake: Palermo's Bakery - Ridgefield Park, NJ
Officiant: Msgr. John E. Hart - Morristown, NJ
Church: Immaculate Conception Chapel at Seton Hall University - South Orange, NJ
Venue: Olde Mill Inn - Basking Ridge, NJ