Every wedding has its unforgettable moments, but when the one and only Donald Trump crashes your reception? That’s a story with bragging rights for life. Starting with an elegant celebration featuring invites by A&P Design, and ending with a guest appearance by said party crasher, this wedding captured by Kay English and Willow Tree Films is the definition of Best. Day. Ever.
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From The Bride… The day was August 17, 2009. I had just moved to Miami from New Jersey to attend law school and it was the first day of classes. Not knowing a single person and nervous for the new adventure ahead, I took a seat towards the back of the lecture room. Though I didn’t know it at the time, the man I would share all of my smiles and tears with for the rest of my life with would soon fill the empty seat next to me. That was the beginning of our journey. Zach and I were inseparable from that point forward. We dated for almost 5 years before he proposed in front of both of our families (and hundreds of NYC commuters) in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station.
A planner by nature, I hit the ground running soon after I said “yes.” I knew I wanted our wedding to be a romantic and intimate affair with boho touches. The first checkmark on my list was to secure a venue. The first venue we visited was Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ. We knew almost immediately upon entering the grounds that this would be the place where we would say “I do’.” We were so confident in our decision that we didn’t even bother looking at any other venues! The grounds are simply breathtaking and the service is first-class. The rolling hills and greenery created the most picturesque backdrop for our outdoor ceremony and the ballroom in the main clubhouse, with its enchanting floor to ceiling windows and elegant crystal chandeliers, was the perfect mix of romantic and classy for our intimate reception. Donald Trump knows what he’s doing.
Since we had a year and a half engagement, I was fortunate to have the time to plan the wedding details myself and secure the most amazing vendors to help make our wedding dreams a reality. After securing the venue, finding a photographer and videographer was next on the list. We were very conscious that photographs and video are two of the only tangible memories you walk away with from your wedding day so finding a photographer and videographer that aligned with our style was very important to us. Hiring Kay of Kay English Photography and Greg of Willow Tree Films to capture the precious memories from our special day was a no-brainer. Not only are they exceptionally nice people but they are extremely talented at their craft. Their work speaks for itself. They captured every moment of our day so beautifully and for that we are forever grateful. Anna Rose Floral and Event Design provided all the flowers and far exceeded our expectations. I still have dreams about the boho birchwood chuppah from our ceremony that overflowed with flowers and the gold mercury glass reception centerpieces stuffed with the most beautiful garden roses and dahlias.
I wore an amazing Mark Zunino gown from Kleinfeld Bridal that was as comfortable as it was beautiful. The hand-sewn flower details, illusion back and dramatic train were a perfect unique mix of the romantic/garden/boho look I was going for. My mom sewed some of the extra flower details from my dress onto my cathedral-length tulle veil to really tie the whole look together. The groomsmen wore navy blue Ike Behar slim-fit tuxedos and the bridesmaids wore J.Crew dresses in dusty rose. Our adorable dog, Tucker, wore a navy blue bow tie to match the groom.
The emotional intimacy of the day was also very important to us. We wanted each guest to truly feel the love that we have for one another and also know how grateful we were that they chose to be there to witness us make the most important covenant to one other. We customized the ceremony script with this goal in mind and also to reflect our personalities. We said traditional vows and followed them with vows that we wrote to one another. The bridal party walked down the aisle to an acoustic guitarist and violinist playing the Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and I walked down the aisle to Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.” I will always remember the overwhelming feeling of happiness as I walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with my dad to Zach in front of all of our family and closest friends. I had never felt more content with where I was in life and all the adventures that lay ahead than in that moment.
This feeling extended into the cocktail hour, reception and pizza truck after party. Did I mention that Donald Trump crashed the reception?! It truly was one of the best days.
Photography: Kay English Photography | Cinematography: Willow Tree Films | Floral Design: Anna Rose Floral And Event Design | Wedding Dress: Mark Zunino | Cake: The Hudson Cakery | Invitations: A&P Designs | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Van Cott Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup: Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs | Hair: La Sorella Bridal | Officiant: John Graf | Ceremony Music: Sweet Harmony | Venue: Trump National Golf Club | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Cake Topper: Enamor Weddings | Food Truck: Fired Up Flatbread | Photo Booth: Poser Photobooth Co | Rentals: Dovetail Vintage Rentals