Little did the couple know that winning wasn’t going to be as easy as putting your name on an entry form. After being one of 20 couples that made it through the first round, Angela and Joe learned their assignment: to develop and carry out a philanthropic plan for a local charity. “Roman Jewelers has been involved in many charities, and we wanted to create a contest that would help several organizations simultaneously,” explains Sophie Shor, co-owner of Roman Jewelers.

During the next six weeks, ten couples implemented their plans in an effort to raise as much money as possible for their charities, with Angela and Joe working for Special Olympics New Jersey. Their hard work paid off, raising more than $33,000—and helping them to win the contest. “What really made them stand out is that they didn’t simply focus on raising money, they also built a relationship with the Olympians,” says Shor.

While the couple was thrilled to win, there was little time to celebrate with their February 13, 2010, wedding fast approaching. Roman Jewelers had secured vendors who donated their services for the day, but there were still plenty of decisions to be made. “I was blown away by how wonderful and accommodating everyone was,” says Angela.

Although a snowstorm earlier in the week did cause the couple stress, the actual day was picture perfect. The bride walked down the aisle at the Palace at Somerset Park in a Donna Morello of Mariage Couture gown that was custom-made in Paris. She wore Mikimoto pearls, and held an all-white bouquet of vendella roses, freesia, lisianthus, and mini calla lilies. After the couple exchanged traditional vows, 175 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour that included a metropolitan potato bar, ice luge, and a special martini that tasted like cake batter. Angela and Joe shared their first dance to Brad Paisley’s “Then,” and spent most of the night dancing up a storm.

Guests also enjoyed a sit-down dinner, as well as a five-tier wedding cake. After the wedding, the couple honeymooned in Florida and the Caribbean. “Working for the charity has brought us closer together as a couple, and our wedding day was simply a dream come true,” says Angela.—Linda DiProperzio. Casting for the Roman Jewelers Wedding 2010 will take place this July. Go to newjerseybride.com for more details.