Category Archives: New Jersey

Nicole + Christopher

Nicole and Chris were married on a lovely fall day at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.  Everything took place at this gorgeous historic venue, from the early morning preparations to the very last dance at their reception.  And we were so overjoyed to be able to share in their celebration and film their wonderful wedding event! 

Nicole and Chris’s wedding at the Park Savoy was just as special as Chris’s proposal.  He decided to pop the question to Nicole on a grand trip to Italy!  One evening, after a romantic dinner on the rooftop of their hotel, they walked out onto the private balcony which overlooked a bustling city square in Rome.  And with that magical piazza serving as their beautiful backdrop, Chris asked Nicole to be his wife.  She said “yes”!  And they continued their tour of Italy, visiting Florence and ending their excursion in a gorgeous villa in Tuscany.  That will certainly be a trip that both will remember and treasure forever.

We return now to their beautiful wedding day… In the early morning hours, Nicole, Chris and their families and wedding party got ready for the exciting day’s events in the suites at the Park Savoy.  Nicole’s bridesmaids wore long burgundy gowns in keeping with the burgundy and gold wedding theme colors, while Chris and his groomsmen dressed into their matching, classic black tuxedos.  

Nicole then put on her amazing wedding gown.  Her dress had a beautiful lace illusion bodice and a full skirt with an equally lovely overlay.  She wore her long hair down in full, loose waves fastened with a dazzling brooch that perfectly matched her earrings and a dramatic, long veil for the ceremony.  She was such a breathtakingly beautiful bride!

Nicole and Chris shared an exciting first look in the courtyard that morning before their ceremony was set to begin.  We always love capturing this moment for our couples for their wedding films!  There’s so much energy in the air, sweet anticipation for the events ahead and pure and simple joy!  

Then, their photo shoot took place outside on the always perfectly manicured grounds at the Park Savoy.  And we couldn’t have been happier to film Nicole, Chris and their wedding party as an amazing photographer and our good friend, Paul, and his talented team at Paul Francis Photography took professional photos!  

After the photo shoot had wrapped up, we gathered our things and got ready for the big moment, as their wedding ceremony was about to begin.  The Park Savoy recently unveiled their new onsite chapel, and it was everything we expect from this venue: beautiful, romantic and simply perfect.  And the gorgeous white floral arrangements from Flowers by Connie Riemer were the icing on the cake.  A very talented violin quartet played for the processional and Nicole entered the chapel on the arm of her father.  Nicole’s brother was their officiant as they recited their vows and said their “I do’s”, making it official!  Then, the newest ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ kissed for the first time!

Nicole and Chris’s reception kicked off in early afternoon, as the happy couple entered the grand ballroom and danced a wonderfully choreographed first dance together.  We also heard such wonderful, heartfelt toasts from Nicole’s brother and man of honor and from Chris’s brothers.  And the rest of their reception was filled with music and dancing!  They even had an Elvis impersonator, Jim Barone, entertain guests with "the King’s" biggest rock n’ roll hits!  And PAE Event Group provided DJ services and music, a fantastic saxophonist, and a ton of energy, to keep everyone enjoying themselves all afternoon long!

This special wedding day was so unique and personalized, and truly, so much fun!  We'd love to thank Nicole and Chris once again for allowing us to capture their wedding day on film so they can relive their wonderful memories for years to come.  And congratulations again to Nicole and Chris!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ  

Floral Design:  Flowers by Connie Riemer - West Orange, NJ 

Hair Stylist:  the Bride

Makeup Artist:  Amanda Sarracino; Lindsay Jenkins

Entertainment:  PAE Event Group - Paul Anthony Centamore - Flemington, NJ; Consonance Music Ensembles - Violin Quartet - Palisades Park, NJ; Jim Barone - Elvis Impersonator   

Cake:  Calandra's Bakery - Caldwell, NJ 

Officiant:  Michael Spagnolo 

Venue:  The Park Savoy Estate - Florham Park, NJ 

 

Mel + Jon

Maryellen, or Mel as most call her, and Jon met at a Super Bowl party hosted by Jon's football teammate back when they were in high school.  Neither knew, of course, that fateful evening that this night would change the course of their lives.  Eleven years later and the two would be, in the words of our couple, "officially signing on to forever together"!

And the proposal that led to this day was so special too!  Mel was a little suspicious when Jon planned a trip for them to visit the Outer Banks in North Carolina since she's the one who usually plans their trips!  On the evening that they arrived, they visited Jockey's Ridge State Park and watched the beautiful sunset.  Mel was sure to eye Jon's pockets for the telltale outline of a ring box, but she didn't see one.  And just as the sun set on the horizon, Jon got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.  He had made sure to order a special, extra small ring box so as not to spoil the surprise!

Mel got ready on the morning of their wedding at her parents' home while Jon and his groomsmen, which included his two brothers as his best men, prepared at their reception venue.  There, the guys dressed into classic black tuxedos, Jon standing apart from the guys in their charcoal neckties looking ever so handsome in a black bow tie, after they all enjoyed a nice cigar break!

The couple also took a little break from getting ready to read cards that they had exchanged.  We loved that they chose the same card with the cute red string detail and when Mel read Jon's words, "I love you to the moon and back".  Mel's card for Jon echoed his sentiments and added "I love you and I like you", as they both would also say to each other later during their beautiful ceremony.

Mel's sisters (her maid of honor and bridesmaids) helped her dress into her beautiful wedding gown.  Her dress from Provonias was absolutely wonderful, with an A-line silhouette, a sweetheart illusion neckline and a lovely floral lace overlay with beautiful beadwork.  She wore her lovely blond hair up and in a loose, wavy hairstyle and fastened a long veil edged in lace to the back.  Mel was simply stunning!

Mel and Jon decided not to have a first look before the wedding and instead traveled straight to Saint Luke's Roman Catholic Church in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey for their ceremony.  Mel's bridesmaids were so beautiful in their charcoal colored gowns and the flower girls and ring bearer, all the beautiful children of Mel's sister and Jon's brother, were so darling all dressed up for the ceremony.  They celebrated a Catholic Mass and were led in reciting their vows by Reverend James Manos.  After they exchanged rings, the two were soon pronounced 'husband and wife'!

We were over the moon to be filming alongside Paul Francis Photography for Mel and Jon's wedding event.  Paul is a good friend of ours and he and his team have such amazing talent!  Photo shoots were held at the church and by the lake at their reception venue, where their precious pup, Luna (as their 'dog of honor'), was in on the action too!

We were all ready then to enjoy Mel and Jon's fantastic reception at Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes.  Gorgeous tall floral centerpieces in white and watercolor peach and periwinkle adorned the guest tables and lush, green garland draped along Mel and Jon's sweetheart table, all from Flowers by Joan.  And A Little Cake bakery created the fantastic four-tiered white wedding cake embellished with beautiful blooms, including those delicate white anemones.  Everything looked amazing!

The couple of honor entered the ballroom of the Lake House, with its amazing water views, rustic stone fireplace and its bright and sunny interior, and danced a beautiful first dance together.  Then touching parent dances followed and wonderful toasts were given by Mel's maid of honor and by Jon's best men.  DJ Jared West at Premier Entertainment rocked the house with the all the tunes the guests loved to dance to all evening and the party continued well into the night!

This spectacular wedding event was so much fun and it was also so wonderful to visit Indian Trail Club for the very first time.  Mel and Jon are such a sweet couple and we loved every minute working with them!  Congratulations to Mel and Jon!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ

Floral Design:  Flowers by Joan - Waldwick, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Michelle Elise Artistry - Montclair, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Michelle Elise Artistry - Montclair, NJ       

Wedding Dress:  Pronovias

Bridal Shoes:  Bella Belle

Bridesmaids Gowns:  Sorella Vita

Entertainment:  Premier Entertainment - DJ Jared West - Elmwood Park, NJ      

Cake:  A Little Cake - Park Ridge, NJ

Stationery:   The Write Occasion - Wyckoff, NJ

Officiant:  Reverend James Manos - Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ    

Church:   Saint Luke's Roman Catholic Church - Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ   

Venue:  Indian Trail Club - Franklin Lakes, NJ

 

Marybeth + Ryan

Marybeth and Ryan's families had known each other and were good friends for many years before Ryan's sister and mother playfully convinced Marybeth that she should go on a date with him.  Marybeth agreed and said their first date was "amazing'!  The two instantly clicked and she knew right away that Ryan was the one for her.  After that first date, the two were always together.

Ryan's proposal couldn't have been any more amazing too!  They both had talked about marriage for a while and had already shopped for the ring together.  But Ryan chose to surprise Marybeth with the time and place, popping the question in front of a crowd at a Dual Sport Motorcycle Race!  He had coordinated earlier with the president of the motorcycle club to use the microphone and propose with Marybeth on stage and in front of their family and friends (and a bunch of strangers!).  Marybeth was so happy that her loved ones were all included and there to witness this special moment.

The weather was absolutely divine on their picture-perfect, late spring wedding day.  Marybeth got ready and had her hair and makeup done wearing a bright and beautiful white floral and avian patterned robe at her family's home, which is just minutes from their ceremony and reception location.  She and her bridal party made sure to take time out to celebrate with confetti and champagne during their early afternoon preparations!

After her bridesmaids dressed out of their matching deep blue floral robes and into their pretty, glittery champagne and rose colored gowns, Marybeth slipped into her gorgeous wedding dress.  Her gown featured an off-the-shoulder design and an amazing lace overlay with delicate beadwork. She wore her long blond hair down in lovely waves and with pearl accents, fastened a mid-length veil, trimmed with a few tiny, sparkly sequins to the back of her hair.  So stunning!  We couldn't wait for Ryan to be seeing his beautiful bride very soon!

The groomsmen got dressed, accessorizing with Max-4 Camo neckties, and Ryan put on his matching camouflage vest.  Then, they all took their spots in anticipation at the ceremony location.  The ladies grabbed their wonderfully romantic bouquets filled with blush and ivory blooms (and a hint of blue in Marybeth's!) surrounded by delicate Baby's Breath, and met them there!

Marybeth and Ryan's ceremony was held outdoors right on a lake at a beautiful private residence in Port Elizabeth, NJ.  With the cabin in the background, all the perfect rustic details and the woodsy, lakeside setting, we don't think there was ever a more romantic, country wedding out there!

The guests all rose, some from their fantastic haystack seats, to watch Marybeth walk down the aisle as Ryan, all smiles, caught his first sight of her from under the lovely arch overflowing with luscious pink, blue and ivory flower arrangements.  As the sun began to set, Millville's mayor, the Honorable Michael Santiago, officiated their ceremony and led the two in reciting their vows to each other, vows even filled with occasional bursts of laughter, before pronouncing them as 'husband and wife'!

We were there to follow along all day with Amanda Erickson Design + Photography's wonderful photo sessions capturing the bridal party, family and the couple of honor, and especially loved the sweet photos of Marybeth and Ryan on the dock.  Be sure to visit Amanda's Facebook page and scroll down to see her post featuring a ton of fantastic photos from the day!

After the ceremony, everyone remained onsite for the gorgeous tented reception.  Marybeth and Ryan danced a terrific first dance together, then shared a sweetheart table while the most down-to-earth, heartfelt toasts were given by Marybeth's matron of honor and Ryan's best man.  Everyone smiled and laughed along to the wonderful stories, and were touched as well, especially as Ryan's best man reassured Marybeth's parents that she was in great hands with Ryan.

After dinner and beautiful parent dances, the party amped-up as DJ Rick Perez from BME Event Group played the hits that kept all their guests on the dance floor!  Everyone had a ton of fun dancing (some literally 'getting down' on the dance floor!) and laughing the night away!

Marybeth and Ryan's wedding day was definitely filled with romance and love, but most of all this wedding was fun, fun, fun!  We were so happy that we were able to share in the celebration too on this absolutely perfect wedding day.  Congratulations to Marybeth and Ryan and best wishes in your new life together!

 

Photographer:  Amanda Erickson Design + Photography - Southern NJ

Floral Design:  Shelly Hall Scarpa

Hair Stylist:  Jessica DeVita

Makeup Artist: Airbrush Makeup by Felicia - Vineland, NJ      

Wedding Dress:  Allure Couture

Entertainment:  BME Event Group - DJ Rick Perez - Vineland, NJ    

Cake:  Century Bakery - Bridgeton, NJ   

Caterer:  Verna's Flight Line Restaurant - Millville, NJ

Officiant:  The Honorable Michael Santiago, Mayor of Millville - Millville, NJ     

Venue:  Private Residence

 

 

Danielle + Bob

Danielle and Bob met at a country club through their sisters who happen to be neighbors.  Their relationship continued to develop and before too long, each knew they had found the one!  Bob decided to propose right after Christmas at one of their all-time favorite restaurants, Dock's Oyster House.  When the time was right, he got down on one knee at the restaurant and everyone there clapped and cheered for them!

Let's fast forward to their wonderful wedding day!  Danielle got ready at her parents' home as Bob prepared for the day at their house.  Her bridesmaids and adorable flower girls were all there with Danielle to get ready and to celebrate with her.  And we loved the matching robes they wore for their photo shoot!  The bridesmaids then dressed into their champagne gowns in mismatched styles, their colors coordinating perfectly with Danielle and Bob's blush, tan and green color scheme.

Before Danielle put on her beautiful gown, she took a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the day to read a love note from Bob.  Then her mother and her bridesmaids all helped her into her gown and fastened her amazing bridal shoes.

Danielle wore a gorgeous lace covered gown with an off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline and a dramatic fit and flare skirt.  Her hair was pulled up but loosely in back with a mid-length veil fastened for the ceremony.  What a beautiful bride!  Her bouquet from Betina's at Parkview, overflowing with blooms in blush and white in between lush greenery, was breathtaking.

The couple did not have a first look before the ceremony, instead choosing to see each other for the first time as Danielle walked through the doors at Sacred Heart Church.  It was so touching to see Bob's anticipation as he waited for Danielle to reach him and stand by his side at the altar.  Their officiant, Reverend Edward Namiotka delivered a beautiful Mass and led the couple in reciting their traditional vows.

Before the reception, professional photos were taken by Intrigue Photography on the lake at Bob's grandmother's house.  And what a beautiful setting this was!  It was a true pleasure also to work alongside Intrigue Photography for this wonderful wedding event.

Then, it was off to their reception at Lucien's Manor!  As always, Lucien's looked so beautiful and elegant and the amazing floral arrangements and candles in votive and hurricane vases added to the romance.

Danielle and Bob descended the staircase, entering the ballroom at Lucien's and after their guests warmed up the dance floor, the newlyweds took center stage for their beautiful first dance.  Then, Danielle's two matrons of honor and Bob's best man delivered perfect, heartfelt toasts to the couple before the blessing and sweet parent dances.

That whole evening, everyone had so much fun dancing to the fantastic music of Central Park!  It truly was a perfect day, and we'd like to echo the words of Danielle's matron of honor in wishing the couple a lifetime of sweet memories.  Congratulations to Danielle and Bob!

 

Photographer:   Intrigue Photography - Sewell, NJ 

Floral Design:  Betina's at Parkview - Galloway, NJ

Hair Stylist:  hair by DeLash - Kelli DeLash - Hammonton, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Kiss n' Makeup Artistry - Geysha Tomassone - Southern NJ

Ceremony:  Sacred Heart Church - Christ the Good Shepherd Parish - Vineland, NJ

Officiant:  Reverend Edward Namiotka - Woodbury, NJ  

Entertainment:  Central Park - Lindenwold, NJ

Venue:  Lucien's Manor - Berlin, NJ