New Jersey Weddings

A Simply Sweet Addison Park Wedding

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From the Bride… Frank and I first met online sometime in early 2015. I had just moved to New Jersey from Chicago. My sister-in-law actually created and wrote an online dating profile for me, and I kind of forgot about it until a cold day in March when I was snowed in with my new puppy. I logged on, and this guy had messaged me. We ended up texting back and forth for about six weeks until he asked if he could meet me. We made plans to meet on the train to spend time in a nearby town. Frank got on one stop before me, I found him, slid into the seat next to him, and we’ve been together ever since. That was April of 2015.

In January 2016, we decided to move in together. I was living with my dad, and Frank’s lease was almost up. We decided to buy a house together and ended up picking out this 14-acre farm in Hopewell Township. The house closing was going to be in April, and as the date got closer, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to get married before the house closed, so we decided to get married. I recognize that’s not very romantic, but I don’t really care much for traditional romance. I’m very practical, and a grand romantic gesture would have embarrassed me. Having a reasonable conversation with the person I love about our future together is more romantic to me than anything else I could imagine.

The only downside to getting married, to me, was having to be a bride. I was not a girl who dreamed about my wedding – I was more like, “I want to marry this man, but I don’t want everyone to be looking at me.” However, I have a really big family and Frank has a lot of friends, so I knew we needed a proper fête. That’s why we decided to do a small elopement ceremony on Saint Patrick’s Day, which is Frank’s favorite day, and then have our big wedding six months after on September 17.

We had the best time at both our weddings! Doing our ceremony beforehand in a smaller venue was just what I needed – I was relaxed and happy. When our wedding in September rolled around, we incorporated some Saint Patrick’s Day themes from our previous event. Because I did not have a vision for my wedding, I hired someone with really great taste, gave her very broad idea of what we wanted, and she really created something more awesome than we ever could have imagined. She also happened to be really cool. We focused a lot on guest experience and wanted to showcase the property. It was beautiful, and I had so much fun since the pressure of “getting married” didn’t exist.

Frank still asks me if we can do it again. I totally get where he’s coming from, but I think two weddings is enough for one marriage.

From Cassandre Snyder Events and Design… In planning and designing this wedding, I got to spend time really getting to know them. They aren’t “wedding” people, but Frank loves a great party. They both love music, and food was very important. Kelly stressed the fact that while she wasn’t a wedding person, she did love flowers. I hand selected every vendor for their wedding day knowing that they would “get it” – from photography to ice, every vendor fit their style perfectly.

Once Kelly and Frank decided to have the wedding at home, my wheels started spinning. Having a wedding on a farm could have gone rustic, but Kelly and Frank’s casual, organic style really shined through in every detail of their wedding. Friends and family thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and I couldn’t be more happy about the turnout.They hired me in January but wouldn’t be closing on their house until April. We started planning right away, but not seeing the space was a challenge. Once we were finally able to get in to see it, a lot of things had to change. Hills and slopes were a challenge for load-in/load-out, but hiring the best people made it all possible.

One of Kelly’s favorite stores is Anthroplogie, so I infused a lot of that anthro style in the flowers and design of things. Because the menu was created to be a fun, family-style lobster bake, we couldn’t place flowers on the table. Instead we opted for gorgeous glassware and hung the florals from the ceiling of the tent. Wild Stems perfectly captured my vision in the floral department – one meeting, no floral sample, yet she totally got what we wanted.

Kelly and Frank are also very fun people, so we wanted to add fun elements wherever we could. By adding balloons to the ceremony and balls to the pool, we let people know if they wanted to jump into the pool at any point, that would be totally fine. The chickens and cows also added to the fun! I can’t stress enough how much I love spending time getting to know my clients. It’s so important to me to get to know them to create a wedding that is authentically them.

Silly, simple, and sweet – these are the words this couple uses to describe their relationship. After reading their engagement story (it involves silly dancing – read about it below!) and seeing their classic nuptials photographed by Amy Rizzuto, we have to agree! This is one pretty gallery you won’t be able to get enough of.

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Classic Fall Lakeside Wedding

From Amy Rizzuto Photography… After meeting through mutual friends on a night when neither were originally planning on going out, Amanda and Steve quickly began to discover how much they had in common. Amanda shares, “Steve graduated and was friendly with my older brother, and I graduated and was friendly with his younger sister. We still laugh about that night because of Steve’s corny pick up lines. It’s like we both just knew instantly that something good was going to come out of us meeting. We went out on two formal dates the following week, and the rest is history!”

Steve proposed to Amanda on the first evening of a trip to Punta Cana. They were out on the balcony in their pajamas watching the hotel entertainment from above. Steve was trying to copy the Latin dance moves as Amanda watched, laughing hysterically. Before going inside, Steve pulled the ring down from a corner of the balcony where he had hidden it earlier and said, “Marry me, baby.” Amanda agreed, and that was it!

When Amanda and Steve tied the knot, I couldn’t have be happier for them! This sweet couple was married at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church before heading to Addison Park for an incredible evening of delicious food, dancing, and the type of laughter that makes your cheeks hurt in the best way. Besides the ombre cake, surprise guest book canvas that included their dog, and the cascading flowers around the sweetheart table, my favorite part of the evening was watching how their two families melded into one.

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Wedding Dresses

Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

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This fall wedding is everything. From the striking, burgundy bridesmaid gowns and styled florals to the to-die-for lakeside venue, this fête defines autumnal beauty. Get your fall fix browsing the images by Amy Rizzuto Photography and Mekina Saylor, right this way…

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5 Bridesmaid Dress Trends Your Besties Will Actually Love

From the Bride… Eric and I met a little over six years ago at Queens College in New York, where we both attended graduate school for teaching. Although we met in early September when Eric kindly offered to set up my television in my dorm room (but was unsuccessful since “I made him nervous!”), it took a few months of exchanging smiles in the elevator until we began dating in March of the following year when the timing was right. In the very beginning of our relationship, Eric would slip his favorite DVDs under my door late at night and stop by after class with some frozen yogurt – not just for me, but for all of my suite-mates, too. It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels for this chivalrous, handsome, fun-loving, and charismatic man. In just a few short months of dating, we realized our strong connection, our shared love of popcorn and adventures, and knew we had found a rare and beautiful love that was meant to last.

Eric proposed on Christmas Eve (which is also my birthday) in front of our closest family, since he knew how important family is to me. Before the proposal, Eric asked me to open my birthday present from him, which was a Polaroid camera – a gift that I had told him I wanted! Eric whispered, “Save this camera for the special moments.” Seconds later, chords from a guitar began to play a song that Eric knew I loved, “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles. Then, in walked a mutual friend from school who began to serenade us. Eric got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes, and the first picture of us taken after the engagement was captured on my new Polaroid camera, since it was truly a special moment! On our wedding day, our engagement song was played during the ceremony, right before I walked down the aisle to become Eric’s wife, to let him know that I choose him too!

Before beginning to plan our wedding, I was under the false impression that all we would have to worry about choosing would be the venue, the vendors, and the food! That definitely was not the case. Never in my life have I had to make so many decisions for one event, and if you ask any of my family or friends, they will tell you that I can’t make a decision even if my life depends on it. Thankfully, our engagement was almost two years long, so I had more than enough time to make the million decisions I needed to make for our wedding, and, although my husband fully trusted me to make any and all decisions, he let me know that whenever or however I needed him, he would help too.

We knew that the first decisions that needed to be made were choosing a wedding style and establishing our budget. We both shared the same vision of a rustic, lakefront wedding with vibrant colors, so that definitely helped to narrow down our venue search. Lucky for us, after visiting only a handful of venues, we chose the venue that perfectly matched our vision. And what better season to incorporate vibrant colors than fall? We decided on an October wedding, and it was a bonus that our venue happened to be a hidden gem that none of our friends or family had ever heard of before and which guests are still raving about! We then sat down and decided what aspect of the wedding was most important to each of us. For me, it was the photography, and for Eric, it was the music. Naturally, these two elements were what we decided to splurge on, and they were absolutely worth every penny. We ended up with a crazy and fun dance party that lasted all night long, which became the best night of our lives, and unbelievably breathtaking, raw, and timeless photos that we will look back on for years to come, if by chance our memory of the details of the night begins to fade. All of the details and fall-themed DIY projects were decided on and created as we got closer to the wedding day. Pumpkins and fall leaves to complement the foliage for our outdoor ceremony and picture-perfect setting, were a must! Therefore, most of the details – including the DIY menus, programs, table signs, and place cards – included fall colors of wine, orange, and yellow. All of the details and decisions, both big and small, helped to create the perfect blend for the most unforgettable day and surpassed all of our expectations and hopes for a dream wedding.

I spent hours upon hours searching online for the perfect wedding dress and finally narrowed it down to my five favorites. Soon after, I went to local bridal shops to try each of the dresses on. I fell in love with the very first dress, but I decided to keep looking, just in case. Other dresses were beautiful but I found myself comparing all others to the first David Tutera by Mon Cheri dress. Finally, I realized that there was no need to keep looking for different dresses because I had already found the perfect one for me. It had everything I pictured in my wedding dress: embroidered lace beautifully beaded throughout, a sweetheart neckline, and a gorgeous chapel-length train with scalloped edges. I chose a simple but elegant veil with beading on the trim to compliment the beading on my wedding dress.

Although we loved nearly every single detail and memory from our wedding day, Eric and I both agree that our favorite part of our wedding day was when we exchanged our personal vows to each other. Among other things, Eric promised to always show me love, to display kindness and compassion, and to never let me face any obstacle alone. I vowed to cherish and honor him, to be his life-long confidant and number one supporter, and to keep my love as pure as it was in that moment. While we were exchanging our vows, it felt like time had stood still, and for those few minutes, all we could see was each other.

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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

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Martin Thornburg for Mon Cheri

Best Sellers 2014

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David's Bridal Spring 2018

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WHITE by Vera Wang Spring 2018

Truly Zac Posen Spring 2018

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When it comes to choosing the perfect bridesmaids dresses, keeping your besties happy is priority number one. Which means finding gowns that are chic, show off all of their best features AND bring the bride’s vision to life. That’s where Brideside and their lineup of designer dresses comes in to play. From romantic Jenny Yoo frocks to glam Sorella Vita numbers, they’ve got you sooo covered. Scroll for five trends we’re all about in 2017.

HUES OF BLUES

Remember when mixing and matching bridesmaid gowns meant your bridal party had to wear the exact same dress, but each chose a different neckline? Yep, those days are gone. Now you can mix it up with color to add dimension to your ladies, all while keeping the look completely cohesive. We love playing with the many blue options available from Brideside, from seaglass to sapphire to that gorgeous hue of navy that is everything you’ve ever wanted.

Photo Credit: (Top to Bottom): Joanna August + Wtoo

BOHEMIAN FLAIR

You and your love are definitely more Coachella than ballroom, so your wedding day look should totally reflect that. And that includes your bridal party. With Brideside, you can peruse their lineup of dreamy gowns that are so, so perfect for your one-of-a-kind besties, whether that’s an ulta-boho look with flowy chiffon overlays or an off-the-shoulder number that is the epitome of romance with a dash of bohemian flair.

Photo Credit: Joanna August

FLORAL TAKEOVER

Beautiful blooms aren’t just for those centerpieces and bouquets… they’re also an awesome way to make your besties stand out. Think drop-dead gorgeous floral prints in amazing textures like chiffon and embroidered tulle and you are sooo on the right track. Jump right in and have all of your besties rock stunning floral numbers from Brideside… or mix it up with a few florals and a few solid prints. It’s also a perfect way to have your Maid of Honor stand out. All in all, it’s beautiful, my friends.

Photo Credit: Jenny Yoo

ROSE GOLD ROMANCE

You know we never say “no” to a metallic anything. But rose gold? We love it a little extra special. This beautiful hue is the perfect way to add a little modern romance to your festivities and we’re totally on board with the glitzy and glamorous sequin options available at Brideside. Want to add just a touch of shine, but not go overboard with the bling? Mix and match the sparkle with solid blush hues for a subtler look that is just as special.

Photo Credit: Watters

SLEEK AND SEXY

Your ladies aren’t your average besties, so shouldn’t their dresses match their crazy cool personalities? With Brideside, you can dive head first into looks that are sleek, sexy AND sophisticated… just like your loves. Which means saying “goodbye” to full skirts and “hello” to slim silhouettes and flat-front shapes that are flattering and hip-hugging and so, so easy to re-wear. It’s ultra-modern and completely versatile and, well… we love.

Photo Credit: Watters

Ready to find those gowns of your besties’ dreams? Visit Brideside today and talk to a complimentary style consultant about their amazing designer assortment of gowns, new showrooms opening this spring and their Try at Home program, which makes your life beyond easy. Oh, and if you sign up with Brideside by April 30, 2017, every member of your bridal party will receive $25 off their bridesmaid dresses. Just another reason to love them, you guys. Happy shopping!

Bridesmaid Gowns: Joanna August | Bridesmaid Gowns: Watters | Bridesmaid Gowns: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaid Gowns: Wtoo

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Pinks + Purples Make This Summer Celebration a True Treat for the Eyes

When one of Love and Light Photographs’ weddings come across my desk, I settle in with a fresh cup of coffee and get comfy – because there is no doubt I’m in for a treat. And sure enough, we’ve got quite the gem right here. Full of beyond beautiful shades of lavender and pinks, this summer wedding is everything you could want – and more. NST Pictures joined in capturing the live action and their film and all the pics can be found in our Vault right this way!

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The Bride Wore Oscar de la Renta and Took Everyone’s Breath Away!

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Romantic

From the Bride… As avid lovers of the outdoors, Gregg and I knew from the moment we got engaged that we wanted to get married outside. We had our hearts set on finding a place that brought us peace and happiness; a place that was just as beautiful as it was welcoming. After searching high and low in the Tri-State area, we were fortunate enough to select a venue where we had already created special memories. Fiddler’s Elbow was elegant and romantic while also making our guests feel right at home. Drawing inspiration from the outdoors, we incorporated stone escort cards, votive candles, café lights, metallics, soft florals, tall branches, and lemon leaves throughout the ballroom and patio space to evoke an ethereal, garden chic party. As a talented interior decorator and now wedding DYI’er, my mom created our home-made moss table numbers and grey linen table runners to complete the look. The soft colored bridesmaids’ dresses and dark blue groomsmen’s suits tied in our floral arrangements seamlessly. Since Gregg and I met and started our lives together in NYC, we also wove in New York inspired details; including our specialty cocktails named after the Brooklyn Bridge (where we got engaged) and a New York Knick. Our guests danced the night away to a nine-piece band, posed for hilarious photos in our photo booth, and enjoyed delicious summer-inspired food such as Maine lobster tail, s’mores, and Funfetti wedding cake.

My dad passed away when I was in my mid-20’s, and I would have given anything for him to have been there. We honored him in a number of special ways throughout the day: I wore his gold wedding band, Gregg carried his handkerchief, and I danced with his childhood best friend/ my godfather during my “father-daughter” dance. I also walked down the aisle to Sting’s “Fields of Gold”, as this was a song close to my heart that both my dad and Gregg would sing to me. It had rained the week leading up to our wedding; and yet the morning of our wedding day we were greeted with blue skies and a summer breeze. It was as if my dad was looking down on us smiling.

Everything about our special day far exceeded our expectations, which we can thank our loving friends and family and incredible vendors for.

My two pieces of advice to a bride-to-be would be: One, select vendors who you can really connect with. Communication is key for everything to run smoothly. We worked with some of the best, most supportive people, and it made the wedding planning process that much more enjoyable. Two, take a moment for yourselves. When you and your spouse are in the midst of dancing, catching up with a relative, or trying to make time to eat; simply stop whatever you’re doing, take a few steps back, and breathe it all in. After months and months of planning, it’s easy to forget this one important step, but I promise you… when you see everyone smiling, laughing, and celebrating your happiness; it will all be worth it.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Wedding Dresses

Jenny Packham

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Jenny Yoo

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This wedding is proof that when you hire the right people, really pretty things happen. Especially when you’ve got people like Trent Bailey Studio, Michelle Elaine Weddings, Face Time Beauty Concierge, Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design and Around Town Entertainment on your vendor list. Scroll on for the entire lovefest, including a beaming bride in Oscar de la Renta who completely stole the show.

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A Wildly Chic Waterfront Restaurant Wedding

From the planner, Michelle Elaine… I absolutely loved working with Lauren! We planned together for about 14 months so time was on our side to get every last detail perfectly nailed down. Her natural style carried over into her wedding design displaying that same class and elegance. The vision created was timeless, with antique silver candelabras, lush white florals, gorgeous table garlands and slight touches of deep navy, courtesy of our talented calligrapher, Tara Jones. Lauren’s wedding dress, a stunning Oscar de la Renta, completely took everyone’s breath away as she walked down the aisle; I couldn’t even keep it together as I prepared her to walk!

Following the ceremony, the couple had portraits done as my team ensured no detail was missed at the venue. Lauren wanted to create the reception in a way that guests would enjoy a very formal, seated dinner and then be entertained on the pool deck by an incredible band to dance the night away, which they did!

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From the bride, Lauren… Dan and I both went to the University of Southern California and were introduced by mutual friends. The first 2 years of our relationship were long-distance, trading weekends up and down the coast between LA and San Francisco, before ending up in Venice Beach. But while our life together is very much rooted in California, I knew immediately after we got engaged that I wanted our wedding to take place in my home state.

My parents both have homes near the Jersey Shore, so when we visit during the summer that has become our home base. It was important for us to have a Catholic ceremony, and as soon as we saw Saint Catharine’s, a stunning historic church, in Spring Lake, the most charming Victorian beach town, we knew it was meant to be.

After choosing the location, we set out to find the right vendors. I actually discovered both Michelle Elaine Weddings and Trent Bailey in the same Style Me Pretty post, and after exhaustive research, I’m so glad I went with my gut and hired them both! Trent’s editorial style was exactly what we were looking for in a photographer; and Michelle not only kept track of every detail leading up to the wedding, making long-distance planning a breeze but also perfectly executed our vision on the day.

We wanted everything to feel very elegant, classic and timeless. Dan and I both tend to favor neutral colors, so we chose that palette for the wedding as well. Almost everything was white or ivory, with accents of gray and antique silver, and a very dark navy for the calligraphy. I’m obsessed with all things paper and calligraphy and immediately fell in love with Tara Jones’ work, which really set the tone for the rest of the details.

The day of the wedding was a dream. My bridesmaids, who all wore different gray dresses of their choosing, came over to my dad’s house, and my mom brought over “Father of the Bride” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding” to play while we got ready. Dan and I gave each other gifts (pearl earrings for me, vintage cufflinks for him), and notes that we had written earlier. It rained that morning, and I think I was the only one who actually wasn’t worried about it… My trusty weather app told me the sun would come out at 2, just in time for the wedding, and sure enough, as we pulled up to the church in the trolley, singing “Going to the Chapel,” the clouds parted and the sun started shining.

I didn’t want anything to distract from my dress, so I carried a simple bouquet of white tulips and lily of the valley… and a huge smile, which I could not keep off my face! My father walked me down the aisle and we had a full mass, with readings by my godmother and Dan’s sister, and a solo of “Amazing Grace” performed by one of my bridesmaids.

Before the reception, the bridal party took the trolley back to my dad’s house, which is one of my favorite places in the world, for portraits. The photographs Trent captured there are so special to us. When we got to the reception, Dan and I snuck into the ballroom before heading out to cocktail hour to see the set-up and have a moment (and some food) to ourselves. It was so thrilling to see every detail we’d spent so much time planning brought to life and to spend a few moments alone as a married couple reflecting on everything before heading out to take it all in together.

While I had always dreamed of a traditional black-tie wedding, it was really important to us that our guests (many of whom flew across the country to be there) could still feel comfortable and have fun. The Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club was the perfect venue to accommodate that, with its old-school East Coast charm and oceanfront setting being just the right amount of formal, without feeling stuffy. After the cocktail hour on the oceanfront pavilion (with signature Dirty Martini and Old Fashioned cocktails), we moved inside to the ballroom for a candlelit seated dinner. After 3 brilliant toasts and a delicious meal, the party moved back outside under the stars (actually, a tent filled with twinkly lights). I changed into a custom-made strapless ivory column dress and white Adidas, and we cut the cake with a champagne saber my mom’s boyfriend gave us as an engagement gift. The Around Town Band did not disappoint, and the dance floor was packed the whole night. Actually, I think the only time we were sad the whole day is when they played their last song!

The best piece of advice I received (and, thankfully, actually listened to!) is to be present – enjoy yourself, and be yourself. It really does go by so fast, so don’t miss a moment by worrying about something silly. Spend the whole day having fun with your new husband, your families, and all the people who are there to celebrate you! Thanks to Michelle and her team, we were able to feel like guests at our own wedding, which is how everyone should experience it.

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Cinematography

Kiss The Bride Films

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If you ask me, this wedding is the perfect intersection of contemporary and classic. With a design concept of pure white, fresh greenery and accents of black and gold, the groundwork was laid for a gorgeous day and it’s all thanks to Wile Events. They translated the couple’s personal style to a wedding worth obsessing over, and we’ve got it all from the lens of Christina Lilly Photography.

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In search of your dream dress? Don’t miss these four trunk shows.

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From Wile Events… New Jersey natives Marisa and Marc met in Hoboken where they both reside, Marisa a professional in the fashion industry and Marc the owner of a popular neighborhood restaurant. When Marc proposed on the same street corner where Marisa first said “I love you” and considering the life they shared was here in Hoboken, they knew they wanted to commemorate their marriage in close proximity, choosing to marry at St Ann’s – a stone’s throw from Marc’s restaurant and to celebrate in neighboring Jersey City.

This classic couple shares a personal aesthetic that leans towards a neutral palette and clean lines – from the way they dress to the way they decorate their home and work spaces. It was this same understated elegance that inspired their event design concept of pure white, fresh greenery and accents of black and gold. Sharing an Italian heritage, it was important to both the bride and groom to celebrate their background with subtle accents throughout their event.

Invitations designed by Wile Events arrived in ecru envelopes with custom matte black liners. A simple “M” monogram adorned the letter pressed invitations, as both bride and groom share the same double M initials.

The ceremony was held at St Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, a traditional, beautiful space requiring only a few lush garlands of greenery to accent the pews. The bride wore a Carolina Herrera gown in a classic silhouette and a simple floral cuff in place of a traditional bouquet, and the groom a Giorgio Armani Collection tuxedo.

Battelo, a chic waterfront restaurant and event space in Jersey City, was the perfect backdrop for their cocktail hour and reception, with white walls, exposed beams and brickwork, a massive reclaimed wood bar and breathtaking views of Manhattan. Greeting guests at cocktail hour was an eight-foot custom designed escort board in matte black adorned with a grand garland of greenery and white blooms, accented with classic white pillar candles. Guests sipped on Aperol spritzes and white negronis while enjoying antipasti.

Transitioning to the reception space, guests were seated at rounds dressed in white linens with natural bentwood chairs and greeted by hand-lettered table numbers on Lucite and matte black letter pressed menus tucked into white linen napkins with a sprig of greenery. The Wile Events floral design team created several floral vignette variations to create a layered look within the space. Some tables were adorned with glass compotes of seasonal white, high petal count blooms with accents of greenery, some with a trio of petite arrangements of single varietals, and some featured floating candle holders in elegant, footed glass holders and gold julep vases. Italian accents such as the Tuscan-style urns with olive branches atop the bar and traditional favors of five gilded dragées in Lucite boxes – each signifying a wish for the happy couple – were subtle reminders of the couple’s ancestry.

The bride’s one piece of advice for brides-to-be? “Enjoy it and trust the people you hire. You hired them for a reason so let them work their magic while you enjoy the excitement of it all!”

We hold a very special place in our hearts for bridal fashion, and when it comes to a boutique that never fails to deliver on gorgeous gowns and accessories, Designer Loft is IT. From their talented + totally knowledgeable staff to their never-ending lineup of amazing Trunk Shows (hello, 10% discount), they’ve been wowing us from day one. Find out about their upcoming events below.

Located in Midtown Manhattan (226 West 37th Street, Second Floor Loft) and known for their relaxed approach and intimate space, Designer Loft is all about making your dreams come true with their top-notch service and well-curated selection of awe-inspiring gowns. Think awesome April Trunk Shows with talented designers like Matthew Christopher (April 1-3), Eddy K of Italy (April 7-9 + April 14-16), Pronovias (April 21-23) and Rosa Clara (April 28- May 1)…you are sooo on the right track. Which means that dream gown you’ve been searching for? You’ll most definitely find it. We promise.

From the traditional with a twist gowns of Matthew Christopher to the stunning new Milano Collection from Eddy K to the trademark lace and romantic details of Pronovias and Rosa Clara, don’t miss your chance to experience some of the most beautiful gowns you will ever lay your eyes upon by booking your appointment using Designer Loft’s online reservation system or contacting them at 212.944.9013 or Designerloftnyc@yahoo.com. And don’t forget that you’ll receive 10% off the featured designer’s collection on the weekend of the trunk show, plus Designer Loft even offers amazing on-site alterations and are extremely flexible with customization and tailoring. It just doesn’t get any better.

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Fashion

Designer Loft

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We’ve Found the Perfect Locale for Your Wedding in Montauk

Sole East Resort is the type of locale where wedding day dreams just happen. Maybe that’s because this gorgeous boutique is one part total sophistication and one part laid-back elegance… or maybe it’s the breathtaking gardens or fabulous service. Our guess? It’s a sweet combo of all of the above. Scroll for a lesson in seaside pretty from one of our fave resorts in Montauk and be sure to ask about available discounts for remaining 2017 dates (hint: June 3rd is totally open).

Spring has officially sprung, and if you are planning on the tying the knot during the season of beautiful blooms, it doesn’t get much better than Sole East Resort. (Or anytime of year, really.) Located in the heart of the sleepy-beachy seaside capitol of the world, Sole East Resort is that understated, yet seriously luxurious locale that will take your nuptials to the next level with great service, breathtaking backdrops and fabulous food. Think yummy offerings at their Backyard Restaurant, close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean beaches and manicured gardens that will leave you in awe. In other words? It’s a full-service property will make that fairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of an absolute reality. We promise.

Whether you are planning a small, intimate ceremony with just your nearest and dearest or want to celebrate with all of your friends and family, Sole East Resort can make it happen. Contact them today to schedule a tour of their spectacular grounds and start planning your sure-to-be gorgeous celebration. And don’t forget to ask them about available discounts for remaining October 2017 and May 2018 wedding dates. You’re going to love every moment of working with them.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Reception Venue: Sole East Resort

All that Glitters is this Gold Infused Celebration

Gold, Glitter, Sequins and Confetti…just about every sparkling accoutrement can be found in this New Jersey celebration. And that is 100% ok in our sparkle loving book. Held at the Stone House At Stirling Ridge , it’s a day that marries classic with modern, celebratory details and a whole lot of pretty peonies by Gems & Stems too. Flip through the full day shot by Something Blue by Susan Elizabeth right here.

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Glamorous

From the photographer…Marissa and Eugene met in a bar in Hoboken where they both lived at the time. A few days after moving in together, they were still moving things in and Eugene set up a scavenger hunt in the house with love notes, roses and candles and got down on one knee to propose! They planned their Summer wedding to be held at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge. I had never been to this venue and have always wanted to shoot there so I was super excited! The bridal party got ready at a nearby hotel and then headed to the venue. Their first look was in the back lounge area, where the fence is lined with the cutest assorted hanging mirrors.. A perfect backdrop for photos! Eugene was all smiles and couldn’t hug Marissa enough when he first saw her, which was no surprise since she looked breathtaking in her Madison James wedding dress! We walked around the property and took lots of photos of the couple before the bridal party joined us. The bridesmaids looked stunning in their gold Sorella Vita sequin gowns! The bouquets were gorgeous (I was a bit obsessed)! They had peonies, roses, hydrangeas, lots of hanging eucalyptus, and were finished off with long satin ribbon (my fav!!!)

The ceremony was held on site in front if a really cool yellow wall, adorned with tons of tea light candles! Once they exchanged vows and rings, Eugene dipped his new bride for their first kiss. The reception was so pretty! There were gold mercury votive candles, gorgeous floral centerpieces, gold chiavari chairs and a the sweetheart table had a cute Mr & Mrs banner hanging from it. The bridal party blasted the newlyweds with confetti during their grand entrance, right before the couple shared their first dance to “From the Ground Up” by country duo Dan & Shay. The night ended with Marissa and Eugene outside by the fire pit for some sparkler photos with their friends. The new husband and wife will honeymoon in Barcelona and Italy!

Bride Surprises Grandmother by Using 50 Year Old Cake Topper!

Summer might be my favorite season for weddings, but I have to admit, there’s nothing quite as pretty as bridal portraits in the fall. Case in point? These two lovebirds with their happy smiles in the crunchy leaves. Their entire day is filled with the very loveliest of details, from the navy bridesmaids to the 50-year-old cake topper the Bride surprised her grandmother with (how sweet?). See more captured by Mekina Saylor Weddings in The Vault!

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From Mekina Saylor… Katie + Alex’s wedding day was something of a fairytale. The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey was the perfect place for these two to tie the knot. After sharing a loving first look they walked hand in hand through the tree-lined sidewalks and fields full of orange and burgundy leaves. They calmed one another while at the same time Katie effortlessly fell into Alex’s arms which quite honestly was so romantic. The chandelier filled Conservatory was drop dead gorgeous for both their ceremony and reception. Guests shared tears of joy and later on joined the newlyweds on the dance floor for an epic night of memories. The best part of the night was when Katie surprised her grandmother with the same cake toppers she had used at her wedding day over 50 years ago! Their day was perfect. It was elegant and beautiful and filled with so much happiness!

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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Hayley Paige

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Fall 2013

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Blush by Hayley Paige

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Fall 2016

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Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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Black Tie Meets Rustic for this Chic Spring Wedding

You know it’s going to be good when you immediately recognize the special couple; how could you forget an engagement as fab as this one? But the wedding? Even better. Once again captured by Love & Light Photographs and per usual, her pics are pure beauty. From the gorgeous Bride in her gown from Gabriella’s Bridal Salon to a reception that’s as chic and personal as can be, it’s an absolute delight. Between Sleep and Awake filmed it all live – see it below and more in our Vault right this way!

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Spring Weddings

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Rustic Weddings

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Classic Weddings Rustic

From the Bride… What was most important to Mike and I was that everyone we loved and cared about was there to celebrate with us so we wanted to keep it local. We aren’t very traditional and knew that we weren’t going to get married in a typical wedding venue. We attended a black tie fundraiser at Stillwell Stables three years prior to our wedding and we both knew immediately we wanted to be married there. Once we got permission from a dear family friend, we started planning. First on that list was hiring a wedding planner. Paige of Gilded Lily Events was a lifesaver. We needed to bring every single thing in to bring our wedding to life and without her I don’t think that would have been possible.

For the overall design choice, we envisioned a soft romantic outdoor theme. We were planning to enjoy the natural beauty of the farm as our backdrop for the ceremony. However, Mother Nature wasn’t on our side and the day before our wedding we decided to tent the entire ceremony space. Ironically, our favorite part of the day was as we said our vows, you could hear the tiniest rain drops hit the sail cloth tent amongst our vows and the string quartet. It was absolutely the most romantic and memorable experience of the day.

Our wedding colors were blush, copper, navy blue and white Carrara marble. For cocktail hour, we wanted to create a lounge yet party like vibe. The sailcloth tent had a large black round bar in the center of it where our signature drinks were served; his & hers mules. Our escort cards doubled as favors and everyone loved their copper Moscow mule cups. The ceiling of the tent was something out of a dream. There was bistro lights intertwined with fabric swags and geometric lighting above the bar. Each part of our wedding day had its own theme/vibe and I wouldn’t have changed one thing!

Our vision for the wedding was black tie meets rustic. The barn itself was a stunning active riding arena that we transformed with floor to ceiling draping and hanging florals. Mike’s one suggestion was to have our photo booth in one of the horse stalls inside the barn. We used old white doors, greenery and a laser cut calligraphy sign with our new name and hashtag, “The Oppelts”. We didn’t want any props in the photo booth except extra-large photos of our two fur babies, Pearl and Reese.
Advice for future brides: 1. Enjoy every single moment of the day whether good or bad. There will be imperfections and hiccups that will not go accordingly; just laugh about it and live in the moment. As we cut our cake, the knife broke and sliced Mike’s hand open, all we could do is laugh and make the best of it! 2. Try to take at least five minutes and go somewhere private with your new husband. Whether it be the bridal suite or just stepping away outside. Take this moment to enjoy each other alone without all the excitement. You will thank me later! Your wedding day is about the new life you are creating with your soulmate and everything else doesn’t matter.

From the Planner, Gilded Lily Events… Nicole and Mike were fortunate enough to be able to host their wedding at Stillwell Stables, however it is not your typical wedding venue. In fact, they very rarely host weddings at this venue so it was quite an undertaking. The horses in the stable had to be relocated, the barn needed to be fully floored, luxurious draping suspended, and the crystal chandeliers hung and lit. All of this was orchestrated to transform this riding arena into the black tie elegant affair that it was. Their wedding vision was inspired very much by their own personal style. Being that this was a riding barn, Nicole and Mike wanted to elevate the space using premium flowers, elegant linens, marble and copper accents and a soft, neutral palette. The barn was completed transformed and the guests couldn’t believe their eyes. Although the sight was stunning, guests were entertained the entire night by the incredibly engaging and energetic Hank Lane band. I don’t think I have ever seen a dance floor so packed.

Nicole and Mike had a very intimate tented ceremony with the soft sounds of raindrops falling while they said their vows. Followed by a gorgeous cocktail hour with a 16 ft bar that encircled the tent and Moscow Mule cups for every guest. It was truly a celebration not to be missed.

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Wedding Dresses

Reem Acra

Spring 2015

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Joanna August

Babes of the Nile

Ceremony

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Want to Purchase Your Wedding Gown For Up To 90% Off? This is how.

You know there’s nothing we love more than spending our day wrapped up in some wedding pretty, so when Michelle Roth & Henry Roth told us about their upcoming sample sale, we just HAD to share. Think two of our fave designers, a whole lot of beautiful gowns and prices that are the definition of the term “blowout”. (We’re talking up to 90% off, you guys.) Mark those calendars for Saturday, March 18th, because this is one event you simply can’t miss out on.

When it comes to drop-dead gorgeous wedding gowns, it’s a well-known fact that you can’t go wrong with Michelle Roth & Henry Roth. I’m talking sophisticated fabrics, stunning (+ seriously flattering) silhouettes and wow-inducing details that will leave all of your guests talking. But you know what’s better than walking down the aisle in a Michelle Roth or Henry Roth creation? Walking down the aisle in one that you purchased for up to 90% off. Yep, that’s a stop-you-in-your-tracks design for $150-$450, plus some of the most amazing customer service you’ll ever receive from the team at Hallak, i.e., expert alterations packages, storage options, post-wedding dry cleaning AND preservation. There will even be special promotions throughout the day. You guys, this is awesome.

Ready to find that dream gown at a price that will make your wedding budget sooo happy? Visit Hallak on Saturday, March 18th from 11 am – 3 pm at their 1232 Second Avenue location (between 64th & 65th Streets). You can peruse all of the gorgeous styles (including plus sizes), plus veils, belts and hair jewelry. And don’t forget to mention Style Me Pretty and receive $25 off the price of your dress. Lovely.

A Monique Lhuillier Ballgown Made This Bride a Real Life Princess

If you’ve ever dreamed of channeling Cinderella vibes on your big day, take note from Katie who wore a Monique Lhuillier gown fit for a princess. The fabulous Janelle on Location made sure the hair and makeup were totally on point, and wedding pros NST Pictures and Christy Nicole Photography captured the day from start to finish. Have a look at the film below + the full image gallery for so much more.

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A Passport from New Jersey Straight to the English Countryside

From the photographer… The Hamilton Farms Golf Club was the perfect setting for Katie & Matt’s elegant blush chic inspired wedding. From the English brick estate to the interior charm, it was as if the venue was created just for them. The bridal suite had green and blush tones that beautifully complemented all of Katie’s bridal details. Some of my favorite details included her florals designed by Blue Jasmine, as well as her custom illustrations included in her invitation suite by Design House of Moria. The day began with opening bottles of champagne to celebrate and a little bridesmaid fun, which included dance competitions and jumping on the bed in Pretty Plum Sugar robes. Katie stepped into a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier princess-style ball gown complemented by a beautiful jeweled crown by Nina Shoes. The wedding ceremony and reception incorporated mirror elements to tie in Katie’s mirror proposal. Katie & Matt even danced their first dance to “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake. They ended their wedding day with a fun sparkle send off with their wedding guests which really highlighted the excitement of their wedding celebration.

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From the bride… Matt and I met while working at a job that neither of us particularly liked but really didn’t mind going to every day because we got to see one another. We clicked instantly and Matt made me laugh every single day at work. After only 6 months of working together, we just couldn’t deny the feelings! We started spending time together outside of work – going out to dinner, seeing movies and just making any excuse to see each other (other than at work, that is). After a month of dates, our favorite time of the year was near – Christmas! Matt got us tickets to the Radio City Christmas show. We ventured into the city, saw the show, had dinner at a very romantic restaurant (that Matt had chosen) and went to see the tree. It was the absolute perfect night….. Only to get better when Matt asked me to officially be his girlfriend. We have continued our “Christmas city tradition” each year by going to the city, seeing a Christmas show, having dinner and seeing the tree.

After moving in together, getting a puppy, COUNTLESS Mets games and enjoying our lives together, 3 years had gone by and we were getting ready for our annual night in NYC. As I was upstairs getting ready, Matt was downstairs setting up a little (MAJOR) surprise for me. I came downstairs to him saying “Look what the dog did…” Trying to find something in pieces, ripped or destroyed, I was clueless. Matt told me to look and points to “Will You Marry Me?” written on our mirror with a ring box sitting on the table below it. I couldn’t believe it. It was the best day ever!

For the wedding, I knew that I wanted an outdoor, white-tent setting in a gorgeous princess-like gown. That vision was basically our exact wedding. I always dreamt it would be the most amazing day of my life and it truly was! Creating a gorgeous wedding was something I did with so much enthusiasm and passion that it encouraged me to start my own event planning business.

Our color palette was blush and gold and my overall style vision was romantic, chic and traditional. All elements came together to create a pastel vibe that is completely me! There was a bit of blush pink in everything at our wedding – from the bridesmaid’s dresses, to a blush underlay in my own gown, to our flowers and our invitations. The pop of metallic gold really brought everything together without taking away from the romantic mood we set. What unique elements or DIY details did you include? When we got engaged, my (now) husband proposed to me at home by writing out “Will You Marry Me?” on a mirror in our living room. I wanted to bring that unique and special element into our wedding and so we had calligraphy mirror signs everywhere – a welcome mirror sign, ceremony and bridal party information mirror sign, signature drinks mirror sign and our table numbers were written out on small mirrors. We also had unique custom stationery all created by Design House of Moira.

Victoria (from Design House of Moira) truly captured our romantic blush daydream in all of the stationary and even included a sketch of our venue and re-created the venue’s crest with mine and my husband’s initials on our invitations…. And let’s not forget about her amazing calligraphy work that was also featured on all of those pieces. It made for a truly customized day dedicated to us as a couple. Another unique element I had to have was florals and greenery everywhere. I just think of flowers when I think of the word romantic and so we did as much floral work as possible. Our florist, Blue Jasmine created the most beautiful, lush floral arch for our ceremony and added floral details to our escort display, mirrors throughout our wedding and our sweetheart table. My bridal bouquet along with the bridesmaid bouquets truly capitalized on the romantic theme. We stuck with the blush and pastel theme – but added a pop of darker color with anemones. Our adorable flower girl wore a baby’s breath flower crown.

I got my gown from Kleinfeld’s and I walked in saying that I wanted something different from what every other bride was getting. I tried on the princess-like Monique Lhuillier gown that had tiers on tiers and a blush underlay. I just knew it was the one! Slipping into my dress on my wedding day, I just didn’t want to take it off! It was so beautiful and I really wish I could wear it every day of my life.

My advice to other brides is to ENJOY YOUR DAY! At the end of the day, it’s all about you and your new husband being happy and starting a life together. This is the day to celebrate you both!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Plum Pretty Sugar

Castelbel & Trumpet

Signature

Lilli Tru

PomPon

Plum Pretty Sugar for BHLDN

PPS Couture

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This wedding will make you forget that you are in New Jersey and instead give you the feeling of the English Countryside. Garden florals, climbing ivy and soft pastel hues all played into a day beautifully crafted by Twisted Willow Flowers along with image after stunning image by Michelle Lange Photography. Take a pretty little garden vacay with even more in the vault.

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Summer Weddings

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Traditional White Wedding Day with a Classic Designer Dress

From the Bride… When planning our wedding, we wanted to keep things simple and keep the focus on our faith, our families coming together, and our relationship. Our venue is so beautiful that I wanted to keep the colors and flowers soft to compliment the beautiful estate. The exterior of Fiddler’s is blooming with flowers and ivy that resemble an English garden, and I was hoping to carry that throughout the wedding.

Joe and I are simple people and we wanted to let our relationship speak for itself when wedding planning. It was also important for us to have everything be truly meaningful: our priest was a former professor of ours from the college where we met, Joe’s uncle was our organist, my very talented friend was our cantor, I did all the calligraphy myself, and my maid of honor put all the little details of the day together. Even though we had over 200 guests, the day felt very intimate and emotional.

My favorite part of planning was dress shopping with my mother and mother-in-law. I kept the dress a secret from everyone else. My favorite “detail” was my “something blue,” an heirloom ring passed down from my mother with my great grandmother’s diamonds. Another favorite detail was the beautiful glass dome centerpiece that my florist created.

While our entire day was perfectly emotional and joyous, the best part of the day for both of us was seeing each other at the church for the first time. Just like we waited until marriage to live together, we waited until my daddy lifted my veil at alter to see each other. It was a feeling of such excitement that cannot be explained! After that, everything felt “right” and our day was relaxed and enjoyable, just as it should be.

Oscar De La Renta wedding dresses and classic style affairs go together like milk and cookies. And when you’ve got Stacie Ford Weddings on your vendor team to fancy you up, you’re bound to be a glowing Bride all day long. From the invites designed by A&P Designs to the all-white reception, Tanya Salazar documented it all so beautifully and you can enjoy the full package of pretty in The Vault.

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