How did you meet? Mark and I met when we were in 6th grade at Pequannock Valley Middle School in Pompton Plains. We had class together and our ‘squad lines’ spots were right next to each other. As the years through middle school went on, our friendship grew and we started dating as sophomores in high school; January 11, 2008.
How did you get engaged? After 8 years of dating, Mark put together a scavenger hunt around the town we grew up, stopping at various locations with significant meaning in our relationship. All the stops had friends and family with roses. The final destination was at our favorite park in town, where I found Mark on one knee. The next day, we left for a vacation to celebrate our engagement at the most magical place on Earth, Disney World!
Details of the day! Our colors were blush and gold with subtle hints of Beauty & the Beast / Disney throughout! Our cake topper had the Mickey ears and the center pieces replicated the rose from Beauty and the Beast. Walking into the venue was a sign that read “Be Our Guest”. The champagne flutes had Mickey and Minnie ears on them.
Why did you choose your venue? We chose The Estate at Florentine Gardens not only for its beauty, but for the staff as well. From our first visit, we felt comfortable with our event coordinator and felt ‘home’. The gorgeous ballroom and the beautiful gardens were just the classic and romantic setting we were looking for.
What was on your menu? Our wedding menu was a bouquet of baby greens, vine ripened tomatoes, in a basil pesto vinaigrette. For the main course guests could choose from chateaubriand of beef, free range french but chicken breast, or miso glazed chilean sea bass.
All about your gown! My Eve of Milady gown that was purchased through Kleinfeld was the one from the moment I put it on! After trying on tons of dresses, I immediately knew the second the dress was on and zipped. I loved the strapless sweetheart neckline with all the beaded detail in a trumpet style. The stomach area was mesh with lots of lace and beading detail throughout. What I loved most about this dress was how bright and light all the beading was. It didn’t give a dark color and really sparkled all day through the night. I also loved the fluffy cloud like bottom with all the layers and ruffles, truly making me feel like a princess!
What was your favorite moment? My favorite moment from the whole day was seeing Mark when my dad and I walked down the aisle. It was a moment I will never forget.
One detail you couldn’t live without? My favorite detail of our wedding was the entrances! They were super long, we had a big bridal party and have lots of grandparents but it was so magical. After family and bridal party entered, they dropped down a projector screen and played a photo montage of baby photos of Mark and I as well as photos from our relationship from the beginning. It made such a special moment before we entered and went right into our first dance. It really set the mood and showed our relationship blossom right before our guests eyes!
My other favorite detail was how my class got to be part of our special day! I am a kindergarten teacher, and my class got to walk down the aisle, having special seats so they could see, and take pictures with us at the end of the ceremony! They were a big part of me and my life and I am so glad they got to be part of the most important day of my life.
First dance song? Ed Sheeran- Perfect
Any advice for future brides? Enjoy every part of the planning process! The day of goes so fast, and I am so glad besides the beautiful day of, I have tons of memories of the entire process planning all the little details. It is such a magical time in your life, make sure you stop and enjoy every part!
Honeymoon Location We went to Saint Lucia and stayed for 10 days. We stayed at Sandals Grande St. Lucian for the first 7 nights and did tons of excursions. The last 3 nights we spent at Jade Mountain and it was the most relaxing and romantic way to end an incredible honeymoon.
