This Bride Skipped the Trends and Chose a Timeless Black-and-White Wedding at Felina

When Julie and Matthew began searching for the perfect New Jersey wedding venue, they knew it the moment they walked into Felina in Ridgewood. With soaring ceilings, a tiled dance floor, a vintage bank vault, and a wraparound mezzanine, the space felt like them — classic, chic, and just a little unexpected. The couple married there on April 19, 2024, celebrating with timeless black-and-white style, lush white floral arrangements by Beers Flowers, and a night of food, dancing, and unforgettable moments beautifully captured by Aislinn Rose Photography.

Their Story

“Matt and I met on Halloween night in 2019 at South Street Social in Morristown,” says Julie. “As a Penn State alum, I couldn’t help but notice Matt’s Penn State jacket and instinctively called out ‘We Are,’ hoping to catch his attention. He looked at me blankly, and I laughed it off, thinking the moment had fallen flat.”

“Matt later tracked me down to explain that his dad and brother are alumni, not him, which is why he had no idea what to say. We spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and getting to know each other, and went on our first date shortly after. As the saying goes, the rest is history.”

The Proposal

“Matt proposed in my happy place at the Jersey Shore,” says Julie. “He got down on one knee on the bay beach in Ocean Beach, where my family has vacationed my entire life. He thoughtfully planned everything with help from my sister and brother-in-law. After the proposal, we celebrated with both of our families at my favorite spot in Morristown, Stirling Tavern.”

Choosing the Venue

“The moment we stepped into Felina, we knew it was the venue for us,” says Julie. “The high ceilings, tiled dance floor, vintage bank vault, and wraparound mezzanine immediately stood out.”

“To me, a wedding venue should match your vibe and truly represent you as a couple. You want your guests to walk in and instantly feel that the space fits who you are. Felina is classic and chic, yet still feels unique compared to the more traditional wedding venues throughout New Jersey.”

“We were excited to treat our guests to incredible food and drinks. On top of that, we instantly connected with Carissa and the rest of the staff, who were warm, professional, and incredibly accommodating.”

More Felina Real Weddings: Kaela & Tom, Halle & Zac, Karla & Colin.

Details of the Day

“Our celebration stayed true to a simple and timeless black-and-white theme,” says Julie. “The bridesmaids wore black Jenny Yoo gowns, while the men looked sharp in classic tuxedos.”

“I carried long-stem white roses, and the girls held matching smaller bouquets. Our floral arrangements were lush and elegant, featuring a mix of white seasonal blooms including roses, hydrangeas, and more. Kay at Beers Flowers in Ridgewood created a beautiful, classic white spring arrangement that exceeded our expectations.”

“Cocktail hour featured an abundance of passed hors d’oeuvres and stations, with the premium bar stealing the spotlight. From signature sips to every classic favorite, there was something for everyone. Dinner included steak, chicken, and vegetarian and vegan options, followed by delicious cake and other sweet treats. The Treasury was softly lit and filled with romantic candlelight, creating the perfect atmosphere for the evening.”

Favorite Moment

“It’s impossible to choose just one favorite moment. Three stand out most,” says Julie. “The first was our first dance to ‘Let Loose’ by our favorite band, Mt. Joy. The song may not have been familiar to many of our guests, but it meant everything to us. Getting lost in that moment with the love of my life felt truly magical.”

“The second was taking a moment to thank my parents and in-laws for giving us such a beautiful wedding and for building the foundation that allowed us to create a life we love together. Not enough people take the time to do that, and it meant so much to us.”

“Finally, I loved watching our friends and family dance the night away. The dance floor wasn’t empty for a single minute.”

Wedding Day Attire

“My gown was the Declan by Justin Alexander with an added organza bow on the back. It was elegant, couture, and timeless—exactly how I wanted to feel. I did not follow trends and instead chose a dress that felt like me. I wanted to be able to look back on it in 50 years and love it just as much. Too many brides choose gowns based on trends. Why not stay authentic on the most important day of your life?”

“The men wore classic tuxedos rented from Prima in Madison and they all looked so handsome. My bridesmaids wore black Jenny Yoo gowns in a variety of styles which felt chic and effortless.”

Advice For Other Couples

“My advice to other couples, especially brides, is to make choices that truly reflect you and your partner,” says Julie. “Your wedding day is the most beautiful and fun party you will ever have with your favorite people in the world. You may never have all of them in one room again, so let loose and don’t stress too much over the planning.”

“Weddings are not about Instagram likes or TikTok fame. They are about you and your partner. One more thing—thank your parents. They built the foundation for your life and helped you get to this moment. That is what matters most.”

Honeymoon

“Matt and I traveled to the South of France for our honeymoon, a bucket-list trip that we will always remember and never take for granted. Our journey took us to Paris, Nice, Eze, Monaco, Menton, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez was one of our favorite destinations on the trip.”