June 24, 2011

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Milton Gil Photographers.

Maria Vitamia and Isa Shaaf knew they wanted an elegant wedding, but one that also showcased their personalities. “It had to be fun,” Maria says. And with bright colors, a photo booth and deejay that kept the dance floor packed all night, the couple’s wish came true.

Fun & Festive

Maria, of Lodi, and Isa, of Astoria, Queens, originally met through a mutual friend in 2002, but officially started dating five years later. “Our quirky sense of humor and outgoing personalities brought us closer together,” Maria says. “We brought out the best in each other.” Two years later, they were engaged.

They opted for a simple Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church in Garfield, where Maria walked down the aisle in a Maggie Sottero ballgown on a personalized pink and white aisle runner. She carried a bouquet of white roses, white orchids and crystal-accented stephanotis.

For the reception, they chose the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale. “Everything about it was out of this world,” Maria says. They were offered personalized service right from the get-go: During the cocktail hour, as their 250 guests were sampling items from a lobster station, martini bar and six other stations, Maria and Isa were in the bridal suite, being served a private dinner for two. “It gave us a chance to enjoy the moment together before we partied the night away,” she says. Then it was time for the festivities to begin in the ballroom, which was decorated with pink lights, candles, hanging crystals and flower arrangements in a lively palette of watermelon pink, tangerine and white. They danced to the Bee Gees’ “How Deep is Your Love,” and cut the cake to the Crystals’ “Then He Kissed Me.”

Maria then changed into a second dress—a Christine Anthony mermaid-style gown with a drop waist—and enjoyed the rest of the evening, which included a video recap of the day and a Viennese hour with a cigar bar and sweets including crepes and bananas Foster.

For a touch of fun, Maria and Isa rented a photo booth. Each photo sheet contained six pictures; three went home with guests, and the remaining three were added to the couple’s guestbook. After a honeymoon to Aruba, they are now at home in Lodi.

SOURCES:

PHOTOGRAPHER: Milton Gil Photographers, Nutley,

973-771-9700; miltongil.com

RECEPTION: Estate at Florentine Gardens, River Vale,

201-666-0444; florentinegardens.com

FLORAL DESIGN: Rose Petals and Lace, East Brunswick,

732-613-0053; rosepetalsandlace.com

BRIDE’S GOWNS: By Maggie Sottero and Christine Anthony,

both from Bridal Reflections, New York City, 212-764-3040;

bridalreflections.com

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bill Levkoff from Bijou Bridal, Paramus, 201-262-8889; nj.bijoubridal.com

GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Men’s Wearhouse,