Green Gardens
Lindsey Hirschfeld to Ryan Lamchick
September 9, 2006 - Hollywood Golf Club, Deal

By Molly Tully

For Ryan Lamchick, an undergraduate student at Syracuse University, it was love at first sight when he saw Lindsey Hirschfeld. “I was drawn to her beauty, her mystery, her smile, and then eventually her world,” he said. But it wasn’t until the following school year that Lindsey took notice of the man with whom she’ll spend the rest of her life. After a courtship that took them to London, Paris, New York City, and Miami over the next three years, the college sweethearts finally became engaged while they were both in law school at the University of Miami.

To create the perfect beginning to their life as newlyweds, Lindsey, who grew up down the shore in Ocean Township, envisioned an outdoor wedding with a fairytale garden theme, and entrusted all the details to her mother, Susan, and wedding planner Samantha Goldberg of Gold Planning in Chester. “We love the outdoors,” says Lindsey. The couple’s traditional Jewish ceremony and reception was held at Lindsey’s parents’ club, the Hollywood Golf Club in Deal. Outside, candle lanterns and rose petals lined the path to the huppah, which was beautifully constructed using a wooden structure and boxwoods with white roses on top. “The vision I’ve had forever,” says Lindsey, “was as if a big bush were there and someone like Edward Scissorhands came and cut it to look like a perfectly groomed huppah.” After the ceremony, guests were led to the party under the tent. Two-different sized centerpieces of white hydrangeas and white and khaki-colored roses filled glass vases that were accented with pin spot lighting, while round wheels covered in roses hung from the tent’s ceiling. Leaves were scattered on the ground and tree branches were also incorporated into the tent ceiling to give it a finished magical feel. “Everyone who walked into our wedding tent said that it looked like a fairytale,” says Lindsey.

But perhaps the biggest hit—and the most heart-warming—was when Lindsey’s dad, Ilan, surprised the newlyweds with a song that he wrote, “That’s Just The Way It Is.” “It was really incredible and special for me,” says Lindsey. “It was a fairytale and the best night of our lives.”

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamie Watts, Gruber Photography, 800-459-6575; www.gruberphotographers.com
WEDDING PLANNER: Samantha Goldberg, Chester, 908-450-9766; www.goldeventsplanning.com
FLOWERS: Craig Kiely, Floral Studio, Red Bank, 732-741-3350
BRIDE’S GOWN: Vera Wang, NYC; 212-628-3400; www.verawang.com
BRIDE’S SHOES: Stuart Weitzman, NYC; www.stuartweitzman.com
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Vera Wang, from Bride’s Best Friends, Englewood, 201-541-1333
BRIDE’S HAIR: Tammy, 732-922-6997; tammy4hair@aol.com
BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Joanne Vaccarro, 732-531-7742
BRIDESMAIDS’ HAIR AND MAKEUP: Bridal by Michele, 908-309-5523; www.bridalbymichele.com
TUXEDOS: Hugo Boss; www.hugoboss.com
CAKE: Carlo’s Bakery, Hoboken, 201-659-3671; www.carlosbakery.com
BOBBLEHEADS: www.theuniqueboutique.com
BAND: Soul Street, Total Entertainment, NYC, 212-684-0060; www.totalentertainment.com
VIDEOGRAPHER: Halmarc Photographers and Video, Manalapan, 732-972-8008; www.hallmarc.com
INVITATIONS: Invitations by Sylvia, Deal, 732-531-3433
PHOTOBOOTH: Classic Photobooth, 800-671-8806; www.classicphotobooth.net
TENT RENTAL: Paul David Partywares, Shrewsbury, 732-741-1671
LIGHTING: Zeo Brothers Productions, Philadelphia, 215-956-0328; www.zeobrothers.com
REHEARSAL DINNER, BRUNCH, AND GUESTS’ HOTEL: Ocean Place Resort & Spa, 800-411-6493; www.oceanplaceresort.com

A Crown Jewel
Andrea Lessner to Todd Christie
September 9, 2006 - Mendham

By Mary Scholz Austin

Andrea Lessner and Todd Christie’s wedding, held at the groom’s home in Mendham, was akin to opening an elegantly wrapped gift, only to find a more elaborate and beautifully decorated gift box inside. The couple treated their 275 guests to this experience on a grand scale: each part of the day was a feast for the senses, one more surprising than the next.

Custom-built tents created four different “rooms” for each portion of the festivities: ceremony, cocktails, reception, and after-party. Magnificent floral displays, fine linens and rich fabrics, one-of-a-kind furniture, and upholstery, as well as specialized lighting set the stage for a lavish event.

The couple, who combined elements of both a Jewish and Christian ceremony, were married by the groom’s brother, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Chris Christie, under a huppah of blush-colored flowers. Post-ceremony, guests were invited into a stylish space done up in hues of lime green and deep fuchsia, which showcased a purple acrylic dance floor suspended over the home’s pool. A vast and exotic array of drinks and hors d’oeuvres such as pomegranate cosmos and smoked mozzarella and fig cones with basil marscapone were offered. “The food displays during the cocktail hour were magical,” says caterer Larry Craig, who also created chic, elegant five-star restaurant menus to complement each segment of the event. A Latin jazz quartet entertained the crowd as they chatted and noshed.

Towering trees, dripping crystal and floral chandeliers, and organic patterns of light gave the reception area the look of a mythical twilight garden, made even more special with a surprise performance by Frankie Valli, arranged by the groom for his bride, with the help of event planner Jennifer Kraft.

Ties were loosened and hair let down in the sultry smooth after-party room, done up in deep reds and shades of crimson, lit with soft lighting and groupings of red glass votive candles. A deejay kept the dance floor moving, and Craig once again provided original and delicious treats like miniature omelets and chocolate covered pretzels with baby “finger” bananas for guests to nibble. “It was a stellar event,” says Craig.

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHY: André Maier Photography, New York, 212-388-2272; www.andremaier.com
CATERING AND FOOD DESIGN: Laurence Craig Catering, Maplewood, 973-761-0190; www.laurencecraigcatering.com
EVENT PLANNING: Jennifer Kraft Event Management, 908-221-0448; www.kraftevents.com
EVENT AND FLORAL DESIGN: Ed Libby & Company, 201-666-7776; www.edlibby.com

Enchanted Evening
Dana Caragine to John Lohn
January 6, 2007 - Nassau Inn, Princeton

By Molly Tully

For John Lohn, the one thing he was sure of was Dana. Since the first night he met her, he had a feeling. “I remember looking across the room and thinking, ‘Wow,’ ” says John. So almost eight months after their initial meeting, John was inevitably down on one knee proposing. “I’m glad I got the right answer. She has made me the happiest guy in the world,” adds John.

And for Dana Caragine, the one place she wanted to get married was at the chapel of her alma mater, Princeton University. “Once you spend four years there, you never really get it out of your blood,” she says. “It’s always a place that feels exquisitely special.” Princeton also served as a convenient midpoint, since John’s family is from the Philadelphia area and Dana’s is from Boonton.

Originally envisioning a summer wedding, the couple realized they wouldn’t be able to pull it off in an eight-month timeframe. So they decided on a winter wedding in early 2007. “We gambled on the first weekend in January, and lo and behold, the day dawned 71 degrees and sunny,” says Dana. “Who could have imagined? My mother threw open the blinds that morning and turned to me and said, ‘Only you!’” For her balmy winter wedding, Dana wore a light-ivory Christian Michaud gown with lace and Swarovski beading and a chapel-length veil, and carried a bouquet of white roses, stephanotis, and winterberries dipped in diamond-dust sparkle. Her bridesmaids wore black Jim Hjelm dresses with bouquets of roses and stephanotis accented with crystals and pearls.

After the Catholic ceremony in the awe-inspiring architecture of the chapel and an incredible rendition of “Ave Maria,” the wedding party took advantage of the beautiful campus for photo ops, then headed across the street to the Nassau Inn.

With the help of wedding planner Kristin Rockhill of Details of I Do in Princeton Junction, guests were greeted with a white tree shimmering with gold accents and adorned with tiny buds of dendrobium orchids; surrounding the tree were guest seating arrangements set on gold paper, lit with candlelight. Rockhill decorated the candlelit ballroom in the theme of An Affair to Remember, with everything in tones of ivory and gold. Tables were adorned in ivory satin linens and gold-beaded overlays, and gold-beaded glass chargers held menu and donation cards tucked neatly into an ivory pocket, while ivory silk napkins were fastened with gold beaded rope. White Chiavari chairs with ivory silk cushions surrounded the tables, and tall centerpieces of winter white branches and dendrobium orchids were lit with pin-spot lighting. Capiz shells, which lined the dance-floor ceiling and window alcoves, shimmered in the candlelight, and the couples’ monogram shone subtly behind the head table.

As the bride and groom entered the room, they were followed by the Princeton Tiger Tones, who serenaded them on the dance floor just before their first dance.

After a dinner of filet mignon and chicken française and a simple four-tiered buttercream cake decorated with fresh orchids and a crystal topper designed by one of the bridesmaids, the evening ended with a decadent white candy bar featuring the couple’s names on white M&Ms. “It was a breathtaking setting that was both timeless and unforgettable,” says Dana.

After a sailing honeymoon in the Caribbean, Dana and John are now at home in Cranbury.

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marie Labbancz, Robbinsville, 800-826-0420; www.artoflove.com
FLORAL AND EVENT PLANNER: Kristin Rockhill, Details of I Do, Princeton Junction, 609-799-7168; www.detailsofido.com
BRIDE’S GOWN: Christian Michaud, from Group USA, Secaucus, 201-867-4455; www.groupusa.com
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Jim Hjelm, from Here Comes the Bridesmaid, NYC, 212-647-9686; www.bridesmaids.com
GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Tommy Hilfiger, from After Hours, www.afterhours.com
RECEPTION: Nassau Inn, Princeton, 609-921-7500; www.nassauinn.com
BRIDESMAID BOUQUETS: Rose Petals and Lace, East Brunswick, 732-613-0053; www.rosepetalsandlace.com
DEEJAY: Jason Khan, AfterDark360, New Brunswick, 732-991-5830; www.afterdark360.com
HAIR: Erica Oddo, Sayreville, 732-407-3510
MAKEUP: Anthony Allen, Somerset, 908-705-1368
INVITATIONS: Danielle Rowe Sullivan, Fort Pierce, FL, 772-359-7999
RINGS: Sydney Rosen Company, Philadelphia, PA, 888-859-5265; www.sydneyrosen.com
CAKE: Chez Alice, Princeton, 609-921-6760; www.chezalice.com

Kristy Federico to Darren Bloch
January 13, 2007 - The Venetian, Garfield

When couple Kristy Federico and Darren Bloch came to wedding planner Christy Stoehr of Oh So Fabulous late in their planning process, all they had booked was a venue and a band. Upon recommendation of Robin Kornett of Robin K Design, Kristy contacted Oh So Fab, and in seven weeks they got every last detail together. For the inspiration of the wedding, Kristy really wanted something elegant and reminiscent of winter, but she didn’t want the traditional icy blues with frosted branches. “Kristy wanted all the attributes of winter while trying to maintain warmth and style,” says Stoehr. Oh So Fab decided to build a design around the hot fashion colors of black and white, with the only “pop” color being a sleek silver. Romance was also very important to the couple, so candles we given to each guest and lit upon Kristy and Darren’s first dance. “The room was awash in a candlelit glow, it was gorgeous,” said Kristy. Another fun aspect of the wedding was a New York City lounge. Fun furniture like ottomans and couches were brought in to create a separate "room inside a room" feel where guests could kick back and relax.

Every element of the wedding was branded for Kristy and Darren, from the crystal-encrusted hanging drink charms attached to all the specialty drinks in the lounge area, to the gobo on the dance floor; to the custom monogrammed pillows for the lounge, matches, napkins, mints, and even bathroom towels.

The bride also wanted lots of take-away favors for her guests, so Oh So Fab came up with mini champagne bottles complete with tiny ice buckets filled with acrylic crystals and black and white pashminas tied to the backs of the bar stools in the lounge for guests to snuggle up with. Saving the best for last, guests received a surprise in their cars at the end of the night: a beautiful pair of crotcheted mittens stuffed with gourmet white chocolate, hot cocoa, and marshmallows. It was the perfect ending to a cold winter night.

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHY: Danny Weiss, New York, 646-957-7306; www.dannyweissphoto.com
LOCATION: The Venetian, Garfield, 973-546-2250; www.thevenetiancatering.com
WEDDING PLANNERS AND DESIGN: Christy Stoehr & Tina LaMorte of Oh So Fabulous, Maywood, 210-981-7280; www.ohsofab.com
Floral Event Design, Table Number Vases, Lounge, and Lighting: Stem & Co., Upper Montclair, 973-746-1000; www.stemandcompany.com
BAND: The Infernos, Bobby Wells; www.theinfernosband.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND STATIONERY: Robin Kornett of Robin K Design, 609-689-9199; www.robinkdesign.com

Meghan Woodruff to Chris MacNeil
September 22, 2006 - The English Manor, Ocean Township

By April Kabbash

When Lisa Truesdale sat down to plan Meghan Woodruff and Chris MacNeil’s September 22, 2006, wedding, she knew she wanted it to be a day focused on family and love. As a wedding event specialist at The English Manor in Ocean Township, she planned to make use of the facility’s gorgeous gardens and ballroom, and there had to be plenty of dancing. But this wasn’t going to be the typical wedding she’s planned hundreds of times; this one was extra special. Meghan, 29, lost her mother to breast cancer years ago, and has been a surrogate daughter and cherished Truesdale family member ever since. “I promised Meghan’s mom I would take care of her and love her like a daughter, and it’s been my privilege to do that,” Lisa says. “She’s an important member of our family through love, not birth.”

One thing that Lisa realized would be important during the wedding planning process was setting boundaries. She wanted to make sure that the day was really Meghan’s. “I made sure that Meghan made all of the decisions—I was just lucky enough to be able to put her in touch with the right people to make things go smoothly. It was definitely her day.”

The day was beautiful, and after a ceremony at Meghan’s childhood church, the wedding party and almost 200 guests headed to The English Manor for photos and an outdoor cocktail hour, complete with “MacTinis” created especially for the wedding. A delicious dinner in the ballroom, decorated in the bride’s colors of black and ivory, was followed by lots of dancing, and the evening ended with a cigar bar and miniature ice cream cones.

“It’s not always easy for a banqueter to become a guest,” Lisa says, “but everything went flawlessly. I was able to see how wonderful a wedding here can be, from the position of mother of the bride. It was a wonderful experience and a perfect day for all of us.”

“I really enjoyed being the recipient of all the hard work I know our team puts into every wedding,” Lisa says, “and it gave me a new understanding of what the brides and mothers I work with everyday are really going through. And it was wonderful to see Meghan and Chris begin their life together surrounded by family, friends, and enormous amounts of love.”

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHY: Contemporary Image Photography and Video; www.contemporaryimage.com
CATERER: The English Manor, Ocean Township, 732-776-8558; www.theenglishmanor.com
BRIDAL GOWN: Demetrios; www.demetriosbride.com
MENSWEAR: Tuxedo Junction, Brick, 800-724-1800; www.tuxedojunction.com
FLOWERS: Marquis Photography &Florist, Ocean Township, 732-517-0500
MUSIC: Be Our Guest DJ Entertainment, 888-435-7773 or 800-275-3279; www.beourguestdjs.com
TRANSPORTATION: VEI Limo, Aberdeen, 732-441-9400; www.veilimo.com

June 28, 2006 - Yikcia Morales to Danny Milanes

By Mary Scholz Austin

When Yikcia Morales celebrated her quinceañera by embarking on a cruise from Florida with her family and friends more than eight years ago, she had no clue that on that same trip she would meet her future husband, Danny Milanes. The quinceañera, a traditional commemoration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday in the Latino culture, also signals a transition to womanhood and a readiness for more mature activities, like dating. Yikcia didn’t have to wait long. Her first suitor and future husband was on the same cruise, celebrating his cousin’s quinceañera. Although both are from Elizabeth, they met for the first time more than 1,200 miles away.

Their wedding celebration brought their chance meeting full circle, as once again the couple, along with family and friends, boarded a cruise ship, but this time it was headed to Grand Cayman Island to exchange vows. To show appreciation to their guests for making this special trip, Danny and Yikcia sent each a goody box filled with personalized luggage tags, shells, instructions, and itineraries, and even stashed a customized beach bag in each stateroom, packed with a commemorative tee-shirt and beach towel, a disposable camera, a photo album, and other treats.

Yikcia relied heavily on wedding planner Tina LaMorte to carry out her vision of a unique event with a tropical feel. “I put my trust in Tina,” says Yikcia. “There is no way I could have pulled this off without her.” Luckily, the setting itself was beyond Yikcia’s wildest dreams. “I didn’t get to see everything until I walked down the aisle with my father. It took my breath away.”

Awaiting her was a tropical paradise made more beautiful by a harpist’s melodies and a profusion of lilies and orchids. Yikcia’s bouquet, as well as her maid of honor and sister Yaxy’s flowers, were enhanced by crystals and shells. Colorful parasols shielded guests from the sun, and a covered patio was transformed into an intimate seaside hideaway with billowing sheer white panels, paper lanterns, and water-filled glass bubble jars with submerged orchids and floating candles. Shades of turquoise and white as well as the couple’s logo—palm trees silhouetted against azure blue, pure white, and sunset orange—provided a unifying visual element throughout. Choices of fresh seafood, Angus beef, and herb pan-seared chicken breast were offered, as well as generous sips of “Amour Azul” (“Blue Love”), a signature cocktail made with blue curaçao in large martini glasses.

Tables were named for each of the stops on the cruise, such as Cozumel and Grand Cayman, and stacks of mini three-tiered wedding cakes were decked with the couple’s monogram in dazzling Swarovski crystals. Guests continued to be offered treats throughout the day: aqua and white flip-flops for dancing, paper fans to cool themselves, and ocean-scented candles with monogrammed match cases for mementos. As departure time drew near, Yikcia and Danny, in wedding attire and sunglasses, were whisked away by horse and carriage and returned to the cruise ship amid honks and cheers by Grand Cayman tourists and locals alike. The merriment lasted into the night, as they ate dinner on the ship in their wedding attire, and were greeted by their fellow shipmates with claps and cheers. As Yikcia recalls, “It was just right. It was just perfect.”

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Wolfe Photography, Cayman Islands, 345-916-4146; www.davidwolfephotography.com
BRIDAL GOWN AND HEADPIECE: Frannie’s Veils and Tiaras, Rahway, 732-382-6973; www.franniesveilsandtiaras.com
WEDDING PLANNER: Tina LaMorte, Oh So Fabulous, Maywood, 201-981-7280; www.ohsofab.com
LOCATION: The Grand Old House, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 345-949-9333; www.grandoldhouse.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND STATIONERY: Robin Kornett of Robin K Design, 609-689-9199; www.robinkdesign.com
FLOWERS: Celebrations, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 345-949-2044; www.celebrationsltd.com
CUSTOM RUNNER: The Original Runner Company, New York City, 212-246-6600; www.originalrunners.com
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Judy Young, Renaissance Salon and Spa, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
CRUISE LINE: Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, www.royalcaribbean.com

July 8, 2006 - Marci Bogdan to Jeff Thomas

By Antoinette DeNise

When planning their wedding, Marci and Jeff Thomas were warned by friends that their big day would have a few kinks. “Once I accepted that fact, I was able to relax and really enjoy the evening,” says Marci. But little did they know what mishaps would actually take place. It started in the bridal suite, as Marci’s oyster-colored silk wedding gown got stuck in the zipper. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but after 45 minutes, any bride would begin to panic. Thanks to the maid of honor and a pair of tweezers, they were finally off to Saint James Church in Pennington. Then the Rolls Royce broke down. Although Marci was already late, Jeff stood patiently at the altar, fielding updates on her location from friends. After some magic from the driver and a jiggle of keys, the car started and the ladies were off, again.

When Marci finally reached the aisle with her pink Livia rose bouquet in hand, Jeff met her halfway, escorting his bride to the altar, since Marci’s father, who was battling a terminal illness, was unable to attend the wedding.  

Then the celebration began. With Jeff being such a golf enthusiast, the reception was held at the Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, with an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the course. “It was just a little way to put Jeff’s stamp on the wedding,” says Marci, who also named each table after a famous golf course.

And with the party, came a new set of mishaps. The newlyweds, who first met at a friend’s wedding, knew they wanted their guests to dance and enjoy the evening. So when their deejay cancelled and sent a replacement with no knowledge of the couple’s music taste, they were concerned. “We spent over four hours picking our original playlist and didn’t want any of the typical wedding songs,” says Jeff. “We wanted an elegant wedding, with soft dance music and no conga lines or crazy dances.” But crazy was what they got. With loud, funky dance music playing, the deejay personally went to each table to rally the guests onto the dance floor. And when he asked everyone to form a conga line, the entire party got on their feet and happily danced around the tables. The couple admitted they were a bit annoyed, but that shortly gave way to laughter. “Even though it wasn’t what we wanted, it turned out great,” says Marci. After the wedding, the couple flew to Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea for two weeks—a trip Jeff admitted his bride had planned for 17 years. They are now settled in Hamilton.

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Monika Broz, Titusville, 609-818-0363; www.monikabroz.com
BRIDAL GOWN: 2 Be, from Anne Bailey’s, Fountainville, PA; 215-345-8133
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Mori Lee, from Cove Bridal, Pennsauken, 856-663-4255; www.covebridal.com
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Gianni Formal Wear, Hamilton, 609-584-7736
RECEPTION: Cherry Valley Country Club, Skillman, 609-466-4244
FLOWERS: Dahlia Floral Concepts, Pennington, 609-737-0556
DEEJAY: Dash of Class, Freehold, 888-912-9211
VIDEOGRAPHER: Makes a Nice Wedding, Whippany, 973-887-8000
HAIR AND MAKEUP: SV Concepts, Lawrenceville, 609-771-4008
INVITATIONS: The Front Porch, Pennington, 609-737-0071
RINGS: Vecere Jewelers, Lawrenceville, 609-883-7974
TRANSPORTATION: Fancy Limos.com , Freehold, 732-409-9961
CAKE: Annie B’s Confections, Newtown, PA; 215-860-2444

July 12, 2006 - Catherine O’Neal to Bill Mountford

By Patricia Koch

For Catherine and Bill, getting married involved a triad of celebrations: a March ceremony in the Maldives, a July wedding in Catherine’s Manhattan apartment, and an August reception at Bill’s family farm in Hunterdon County. “A big church wedding just wasn’t right for us,” says Catherine. We wanted a low-key party where friends and family could have fun and celebrate our future.” 

Their romance began when a friend of Bill’s introduced him to his landlord, Catherine, a corporate event planner. Three years later in Paris, Bill, a former tennis pro and USTA executive, proposed. They planned a private wedding in the exotic Maldives, but because it is a Muslim country, their marriage would not be legal. So Bill arranged for long-time friend and former New York City mayor David Dinkins to marry them at their apartment, with Bill’s parents as witnesses—and it was official this time. Meanwhile, Catherine and Bill cooked up plans for a lavish country reception at Bill’s family home, the 100-acre colonial-era Amity Farm. “Everyone was amazed by the beautiful countryside and history here,” Catherine says. “Amity Farm, with its big old farmhouse and extensive grounds, is pure magic.” 

For three celebrations, Catherine of course needed three dresses. She packed a lace dress for the Maldives, wore a hot-pink kimono for the City wedding, and selected a couture gown in luscious periwinkle, the party’s signature color, for the country reception.

The backyard party took place on the prettiest evening of the summer. Arriving guests were offered “blushing brides,” a vodka/lemonade concoction, as pop piano standards spilled out onto the stone terrace. Buffet tables were adorned with periwinkle-monogrammed linens, heirloom serving pieces, and overflowing bouquets of periwinkle hydrangea or hot-pink roses. The dessert bar featured tastes of pecan pie, Mississippi black-bottom pie, and other delights from the bride’s home state of Arkansas. Catherine’s mom cooked zucchini bread and fig jam for each guest to take home.

After sunset, Chinese lanterns and hundreds of candles glowed, as the kids waved giant sparklers. Catherine and Bill invited guests to write wishes for their future—something more lasting than a whispered wish in the ear. And this happy couple is about to become happier: They’re expecting a baby boy any day.

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Nat Clymer, Kingston, 609-279-0200; www.natclymer.com
BRIDAL GOWN: Kim Hicks Designs, New York City, 646-613-0514
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Brooks Brothers, 800-274-1815; www.brooksbrothers.com
CATERING & EVENT PLANNING: Teri Lands, Main Street Fine Catering, Princeton, 609-921-2777; www.mainstreetcatering.com
LIGHTING: Fennelli Design Group, Hamilton, 609-581-7373; www.eventfx.com
FLORIST: Janet’s Wedding & Pretty Parties, Hightstown, 609-443-8032; www.weddingsparties.com
INVITATIONS: Crane & Co., Kate’s Paperie, New York City, 800-809-9880; www.katespaperie.com
MAKEUP: Angel Morales of Frédéric Fekkai, New York City, 212-753-9500; www.fredericfekkai.com
MUSIC: Jerry Kozic, Bob Egan Entertainment, New Hope, PA; 215-794-7716
RINGS: John J. Sampien, New York City, 212-941-6162

May 13, 2006 - Trisha Beardsley to Brett Martin

By Alexis Crisman Kelly

Four years ago, Trisha Beardsley met Brett Martin at the Springfield Inn in Sea Isle City. They were at their high school reunion and hit if off right from the start. It turned out that Brett had been friends with Trisha’s brother-in-law, who had recently passed away. “We had our first lunch date the week after, and we have never looked back,” says Trisha.

Soon the couple, who own a home in Sea Isle City, was planning their future together. They choose to have their wedding at Philadelphia’s Glen Foerd Mansion, which overlooks the Delaware River. “We had complete access to the mansion. We were married outside, had the first dance and toast in the drawing room, had dinner in the dining room, and had great music and dancing in the conservatory,” she says. The music was provided by Slippery, a horn band that they had heard perform at the Shore. “They were just great,” remembers Trisha. “No one sat down when they played. My shoes were definitely off.”

Since the couple has a big family, they decided to include just their youngest nieces and nephews in their bridal party. As for the toasts, Brett’s brother and nephew and Trisha’s three eldest nieces gave those.

The couple looks forward to spending many wonderful years at their home in Sea Isle City with their ever-expanding family. Trisha refers to it as “her happy place.”

SOURCES:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dana Romano Photography, 856-858-9058; www.danaromano.com
BRIDAL GOWN: Galina from David’s Bridal, 877-923-2743; www.davidsbridal.com
BRIDESMAID DRESSESBridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal, 877-923-2743; www.davidsbridal.com; Macy’s, 800-289-6229; www.macys.com
TUXEDOS: After Hours Formalwear, 800-594-8897; www.afterhours.com
LOCATION: Glen Foerd Mansion, Philadelphia, 215-632-5330; www.glenfoerd.org
CATERER: Conroy Catering, Philadelphia, 215-722-8082; www.conroycatering.com
FLOWERS: Garden Parties Bridal Florist, Philadelphia, 215-333-2025; www.gardenparties.net
BRIDE'S HAIR AND MAKEUP: Salon Norman-Dee, Philadelphia, 215-676-0554; www.salonnormandee.com
CELEBRANT: Maria Odilia Romeu of Journeys of the Heart, 877-936-2779; www.journeysoftheheart.org
MUSIC: Slippery, 215-427-2200; www.slipperyband.com