Krista and Thomas got married on January 18, 2025, at Pleasantdale Chateau.

Their Story

Krista and Thomas’ love story began when they were just 15 and 16, spending a summer by the lake. One night in summer 2013, Thomas, at his parents’ lake house, and Krista, who was visiting her grandmother’s home, crossed paths.

“Though we were miles apart when summer ended, our love only grew stronger, and after 11 years together, we’re still going strong,” says Krista.

The Proposal

On a sunny summer morning in Manhattan, Thomas took Krista to the Classic Car Club for what she thought was a casual brunch.

There, he surprised her with a proposal on the waterfront, and after she said “yes,” they celebrated with a surprise party at her parents’ house including 60 of their closest friends and family.

Details of the Day

“Very fairtale-esque,” is how Krista describes her big day. “Our bridesmaids and groomsmen wore black which matched the Anemone flowers that were throughout my arrangements,” she explains. “We had everything from gold laced menus to Italian oil favors to add in a touch of our Italian background.”

Choosing the Venue

“I chose Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, because of its perfect combination of elegance and charm,” says the bride.

“The venue’s stunning grounds, beautiful gardens, and classic architecture created the ideal backdrop for our wedding,” she says. “I loved the timeless, magical atmosphere it offered, and the venue’s exceptional service made everything feel seamless. It felt like the perfect place for a fairytale wedding.”

Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment of the night was when my husband and I performed our choreographed first dance to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect,'” says Krista. “This was so special because we took dance lessons together and enjoyed so many moments doing this together.

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

“One detail we couldnt live without on our wedding day was our parents and our grandmothers,” says the bride. “Although this may not be the traditional ‘detail,’ we chose our venue in a location that we knew our grandmothers would most definitely attend.”

She adds, “We thought about having a destination wedding, but our grandmothers are so special to us, that we could have never done that.”

Wedding Day Attire

Krista wore a gown fit for a princess. The groomsmen were in black tuxedos and the bridesmaids were in black gowns with fur shawls. All of their guests were beautifully dressed in formal attire.

Advice For Other Couples

“My advice for other couples getting married is to stay present and enjoy each moment, as the day goes by so quickly,” says Krista.

“Focus on what truly matters: the love you share with your partner and the people closest to you. Don’t stress over the little things because in the end, it’s about celebrating your love for one another.”

“And most importantly, never lose sight of one another in the chaos of planning!”

Honeymoon

For their honeymoon, they went to Aruba for a week, and it was absolutely magical.

“With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and perfect weather, we felt like we were in paradise,” says Krista.

“We spent our days exploring the island, relaxing in the sun, and enjoying delicious local cuisine, making it an unforgettable and truly special start to our married life.”