New Jersey, it turns out, is a microcosm of the bridal world offering everything from budget-friendly low-cost options to blinged-out over-the-top luxury products and locations. It’s a dream environment for brides who live in the state and are familiar with its riches and for celebrity planners with their own hit television shows.

But in today’s Jersey Shore world of reality television, there’s an authenticity about Tutera that can’t be replicated. He actually cares about planning weddings, and more importantly, he cares about the brides. “It’s the most rewarding experience I’ve had in my entire career,” Tutera says. “These girls need someone to help them with great ideas, and they can’t get there without me.”

Tutera, who started out at the age of 19 creating balloon bouquets for bar mitzvahs, has certainly come a long way. This celebrity A-list planner has created events for Jennifer Lopez, Barbara Walters, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, the Grammy Awards, and Vice President Al Gore. But weddings are closest to his heart.

“Weddings are so emotional, so once in a lifetime, so special,” he says. “Doing weddings is the one consistent thing that I love to do. The girls, the brides, the fans are so adorable. And weddings have breathed a whole new life into me personally and my career. I love helping them.”

But David is not just choosing the right color palette or the perfect seasonal menu. Instead, he’s getting inside of the bride’s mind and giving her what she didn’t even realize she wanted. “I’m a basic stranger that comes into their lives, and in three weeks we’re best friends,” he says. He listens to their sometimes misguided visions of their dream wedding and transforms them into the perfect event. “I’m a sponge, and they help me understand what they want.”

And he really is as nice as he seems on television. At a recent appearance at the Morris Museum in Morristown spreading his tips and tricks with a large following of brides hanging on his every word, he was genuinely interested in each and every girl. They lined up at the end, with moms and fiancés in tow, to shake his hand, take a picture, and get a quick tip on how to pull off the perfect fall wedding. Or they were just there—not yet engaged—excited to meet their favorite reality television star. Tutera took time with every girl, making each feel like she was the only one in the room. One by one, he offered advice until there was no one left.