Category Archives: New Jersey

Christine + Evan

Christine and Evan are such warm, good-natured people... just a super-sweet couple and such a pleasure with which to work on their wedding, from their first inquiry to their reception!  And their entire wedding day, filled with the love of family and friends, couldn't have been more fantastic!

Christine and Evan met at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children where Christine worked as a clinical pharmacist and Evan was completing his residency in Pediatrics.  A couple of Christine's friends had tried to get the two to meet while Evan was rotating through the NICU unit, but it just never happened.  Later, after he had moved onto another rotation, he was called back to the NICU unit for a consult.  Christine's two friends quickly seized the moment and called Evan over to meet her, despite Christine's initial objections (she thinks OR scrubs aren't the most flattering of outfits!).  They later met up as a group at Barcade in the city, where Christine and Evan had a chance to play games and talk.  After their first official date a week later at an ice skating rink (Evan's choice even though he didn't know how to skate!), the two really hit it off!  Their affection and love continued to grow through life's ups and downs, and even through the challenge of a long distance relationship.

This brings us up to their beautiful wedding day!  Christine and Evan began their special day at the hotel, The Hyatt Place Mt. Laurel, where they each got ready in separate rooms.  Evan and his groomsmen dressed into their traditional black tuxedos in their suite, and had a ton of fun in the process!  Before he was ready to go, Evan read aloud the card that Christine had written for him.  It was so beautiful to see the emotions that he simply couldn't contain.

Meanwhile, Christine also took time out during her preparations for the big day to read Evan's love note to her.  In it, he repeated his love and admiration for her and promised Christine that he would work everyday to make her proud.  We were so glad to be there to hear her read her note and capture it for their film.

Christine then put on her fabulous wedding gown with help from her mother.  Her fit and flare design wedding dress was covered in lovely lace appliqués and delicate sparkling beadwork and featured a beautiful v-neck bodice, also in lace.  For the ceremony, she wore a lovely waltz length, gauzy veil with a beaded edge which coordinated perfectly with her dazzling hairband.  She was such a stunning bride!  So beautiful!  Christine and her bridesmaids completed their look with gorgeous floral arrangements in burgundy, pink and white from Leigh Florist.

It was then time to head to St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill.  Their beautiful ceremony was filled with wonderful Greek traditions, including having Christian sponsors who were responsible for placing the rings on the bride and groom’s right hand and exchanging the crowns for the traditional Crowning ceremony.  The Crowning ritual is performed with blessings bestowed and represents the beginning of a marriage with the husband and wife as the king and queen of their family.  It also signifies that the couple receives the grace of the Holy Spirit who blesses their marriage, as the crowns, or Stefana, are swapped three times.  In addition, the ribbons attached also symbolize Christine and Evan's unity.

They participated in the Ceremonial Walk (Circling the Table) which symbolized their first steps as a married couple, their oath to honor their marriage commitment and their expression of joy for the blessings of God.  After they were officially pronounced 'husband and wife' and Evan was given permission to kiss his bride, they exited the church to a fantastic bubble salute!  Some family photos were taken there at the church before an additional photo shoot for the bridal party and family continued at their reception venue.  It was such a pleasure to work alongside Ashley Gerrity all throughout the day at this wonderful wedding!

Christine and Evan's reception was held at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees.  The couple was introduced and danced their first wonderfully choreographed first dance, complete with dips and all!   Wonderful speeches commenced from Christine's brother, Evan's parents, Christine's maid of honor and Evan's best man.  And we were also treated to very emotional toasts from Evan's brothers who said that they looked up to their older brother, Evan, more than anyone else.  It was simply an incredible night.  And the entire event went without a hitch thanks to the careful planning of Courtney Space Events.  Beautiful parent dances followed before the dance floor opened to everyone.  And Best of Both Worlds totally rocked the house that night!  Everyone had so much fun all night long!

We were so delighted to share in this special day.  Congratulations and best wishes to Christine and Evan!

 

Photographer:  Ashley Gerrity Photography - Conshohocken, PA

Floral Design:  Leigh Florist - Audubon, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Top Knots by Aimee - Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist:  Meghan Jester Makeup - Mt. Laurel, NJ

Wedding Dress:  Casablanca Bridal

Wedding Shoes:  Rachel Simpson

Entertainment:  Best of Both Worlds - Princeton, NJ

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA   

Wedding Coordinator:  Courtney Space Events - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Father Christoforos Oikonomidis - Cherry Hill, NJ

Church:  St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church - Cherry Hill, NJ

Venue:  The Mansion on Main Street - Voorhees, NJ

Accommodations:  The Hyatt Place Mt. Laurel - Mt. Laurel, NJ

Amanda + Thomas

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

 

Angelica + Chris

Angelica and Chris met at a birthday party when they were just teenagers!  Although they were just friends in the beginning, they've always felt a deep connection.  They both let us know that everything felt natural and effortless all along, and they've been close since day one.

Chris thought of the most special way to propose to Angelica!  They went to Ocean City over Memorial Day weekend, walked on the boardwalk, bought pizza and strolled along the beach... all of their favorites.  As they walked along in the sand, Chris kept looking for rocks.  Puzzling perhaps?  But finally when Angelica's back was turned, he asked, 'How about this rock?'.  When Angelica turned around, Chris was on one knee with the engagement ring, asking her to be his wife!  Angelica said 'yes' and they celebrated back on the boardwalk with their favorite ice cream!

Angelica and Chris got ready on the morning of their wedding in separate houses just minutes away from each other.  Chris and his groomsmen dressed in matching black tuxedos with contrasting neckties - the groomsmen's ties matching the bridesmaids' dresses and Chris standing out in a white vest and tie.  At Angelica's parents' home, she and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup expertly done by Dollface by Monica, then her attendants dressed into lovely matching blush gowns.  Their beautiful bouquets from Always Beautiful Floral Design by Stella were so romantic in shades of blush, deeper rose and white.

Angelica looked like a beautiful princess!  She wore a gorgeous strapless dress with a graceful trumpet silhouette, all covered in delicate lace.  She completed her look with elegant pearl earrings and a long lace-edged cathedral veil.  And those Badgley Mischka shoes were amazing!  Her bridal party, which included her three sisters, was so excited to see her once she was all dressed and ready to go!

Once all the preparations were done, we headed to Brigalias in Sicklerville, NJ where Angelica and Chris' ceremony and reception would both be held.  The double doors swung open and Angelica entered on the arm of her proud father.  Chris was simply beaming at the sight of Angelica!  Pastor Donnie Davis delivered a very wonderful, personal message for the couple, then the two recited their vows and made it official!  Afterwards, they enjoyed a bubble salute as they made their exit from the ceremony.

Throughout the day, fantastic photos were taken by Magdelena Studios.  The bridal party had fun in their shoots, as well as of course Angelica and Chris who were even invited to share in a romantic dance for photos!

Then, their reception celebration kicked off at Brigalias! As a nod to one of their favorite locations and the place in which they were engaged, their reception décor was themed to reflect the seaside.  Even their delectable cake from Potito's Bakery was adorned with seashells and sparkling starfish.

Angelica and Chris were introduced as the new Mr. & Mrs., descended the grand staircase to the cheers of their friends and family, then danced a wonderful choreographed first dance together.  After such sweet toasts and touching parent dances, their terrific DJ from SEK Productions turned up the music and totally rocked the house!  That dance floor was certainly packed all night!  And to the surprise of everyone (aside from Angelica and her mother), the mummers arrived to dance and celebrate too!

What a fantastic wedding celebration this was!  To echo the words of their officiant, "Your future is awaiting adventure..." Our heartfelt congratulations to Angelica and Chris!

 

Photographer:  Magdalena Studios - Magdalena Kernan -  Ocean City, NJ

Floral Design:  Always Beautiful Floral Design by Stella - Berlin, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Dollface by Monica - Melissa/Philomena - Williamstown, NJ  http://dollfacebymonica.com

Makeup Artist:  Dollface by Monica - Monica Burton - Williamstown, NJ

Entertainment:  SEK Productions - Cherry Hill, NJ

Cake:  Potito's Bakery - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Pastor Donnie Davis - Franklinville, NJ

Venue:   Brigalias - Sicklerville, NJ

 

Alex + Frank

Alexandra and Frank are such a sweet couple and it was such a delight to film their wedding day!  It was also so exciting to be filming at the newly renovated (and gorgeous!) Park Chateau Estate & Gardens, as well as having the opportunity to work once again with one of our favorite photographers, Drew Noel!

Alex and Frank prepared for their wedding day at Alex's parents' house in Staten Island, with Frank getting ready in the apartment onsite.  We knew we were in the right place when we saw the front door to the home so appropriately decorated for the occasion!  We also loved the black and white theme throughout this wedding event, the groom and groomsmen wearing matching classic black tuxedos and the bridesmaids in long, black off-the-shoulder gowns.  Heather's Salon 72 provided expert hair and makeup services, then Alex's mother helped her with her final touches before she put on her wedding gown.  And it was so touching to see Alex' father's first look at his beautiful daughter in her gown on her wedding day.

And what a gorgeous gown it was!  Alex was a stunning bride in her dress, which featured soft ruching throughout, a lace up detail the back and was accessorized with a sparkling rhinestone belt.  She wore her long hair down and fastened it with a dazzling hairpiece.  This was a perfect occasion for those sublime Badgley Mischka shoes if ever there was one!  And for the ceremony, she wore a long, flowing cathedral veil with edging that sparkled in the light.  She was such a beautiful bride!  She and her bridal party all carried such pretty all-white calla lily bouquets from Eltingville Florist.

Alex and Frank's ceremony was held at Saint Patrick's Church, a wonderfully intimate church in Staten Island, NY that dates back to the time of the Civil War.  Father Victor Arenas performed a beautiful marriage homily, then after they spoke their traditional vows, Alexandra and Frank were pronounced 'the new Mr. and Mrs.'!

As mentioned earlier, we love working with the incomparable Drew Noel and enjoyed filming along side him during the photo shoots with Alex and Frank and their bridal party.  Everyone had such a blast posing and hamming it up during their photo sessions!

Afterwards, it was on to The Park Chateau Estate & Gardens for the grand wedding reception!  It truly felt like 'April in Paris' as this amazing venue just completed renovations under new ownership and virtually transports guests to the French countryside and an opulent French manor!  Everything was impeccable, from the grounds to the amazing ballroom where this evening's celebration would take place.

Alex and Frank received a rousing welcome, introduced as newlyweds to their reception, then danced a lovely first dance together.  Touching dances with their parents followed before we were all treated to such well written, heartfelt toasts from their parents, the best man and maid of honor.  After dinner concluded, the dance floor opened to everyone and remained totally packed all night, helped by the high energy, versatile sounds of Paris-New York!

Alex and Frank's wedding day was absolutely beautiful and we were so honored to have been a part of capturing their wedding story on film.  Congratulations to Alexandra and Frank!

 

Photographer:  Drew Noel Photography - Columbus, NJ

Floral Design:  Eltingville Florist - Staten Island, NY

Hair Stylist:  Heather's Salon 72 - Alexandra Campus - Staten Island, NY

Makeup Artist:  Heather's Salon 72 - Alexandra Campus - Staten Island, NY

Entertainment:  Paris-New York - New York, NY

Cake:  A Little Cake - Park Ridge, NJ

Officiant: Rev. J. Victor Arenas - Staten Island, NY

Church:  Saint Patrick's Church - Staten Island, NY

Venue:  The Park Chateau Estate & Gardens - East Brunswick, NJ