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Alexandra and Joey at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Ariana Baio

How did you meet?
Back in 2011, Joey and I were at a comedy club when the comedian asked how we met. At that moment, we realized how truly complicated our story was: Joey’s sister-in-law’s brother is my sister’s husband. Yes, this really is a family affair. After many years of backyard parties and big Italian family holidays—many of which included me pinching Joey’s cheeks and assuring I’d say “Hi” on Monday at school—something changed. Before we knew it, we were in love.


Our engagement was a romantic comedy. Joey was planning a surprise proposal on the weekend of his 25th birthday; while I was planning a surprise birthday party in Joey’s honor. Once our families got wind of the dual surprise celebrations, they let Joey in on my plans, and let me continue to plan a lavish birthday celebration in sublime ignorance of what was to come. As they entered the “surprise party”, with family and friends eagerly waiting, Joey got down on one knee. The surprise was really on me!

We got married five days before Christmas and wanted our wedding to feel like a romantic winter wonderland. The color scheme was a wonderful wintery palette; snowy whites, cozy creams and sage greens with gentle touches of antique gold and frost. The flowers were whimsical and lush, as if just picked from a garden. The bouquets and centerpieces included a dozen different types of winter white florals with the added texture of dusty miller and brunia. The tables were topped with antique gold candelabras, dripping wax for a romantic vibe and gently dusted with snow.

Our venue spoke volumes from the moment we stepped through the doors.

Estate signature salad with Julienne apples and toasted walnuts served over arugula with a white wine vinaigrette & topped with manchego cheese. Entree: Chateaubriand marinated, roasted and served with a cabernet sauce, chicken saltimbocca boneless chicken breast layered with provolone, prosciutto, spinach with a roasted garlic sauce and Chilean sea bass encrusted with black & white sesame seeds with a soy-ginger glaze. Dessert: Château dessert stations, custom wedding cake with a dulce de leche filling from Palermo’s Bakery.

I wore a sheer, beaded gown with an art-deco inspired floral pattern and plunging neckline. From the moment I put it on I knew it was the one because the shimmer was exquisite and reminded me of snow. I also had a custom over-skirt made by the designer, which for me added the perfect touch of drama.

My favorite moment was standing behind the closed church doors right before I walked down the aisle towards my husband-to-be. I could see him, but he couldn’t see me, and there was something bone-chilling about that moment.

Throughout all the wedding planning and chaos something “old, blue and new” totally slipped my mind. It wasn’t until one week before the wedding that my sister asked me what I was using for each. She helped me to scramble and pull something together, one of which ended up being my favorite detail. My grandma, who was looking down on our wedding from heaven, had given me a beautiful vintage pin with her initials on it some time ago. I wore this pin to enclose my fur stole, and every time I see it I am confident that she was there with me — right next to my heart.

Surprisingly, no. Although, I had already prepped myself in the event that it did.

“Is That Alright” by Lady Gaga

Make decisions, and move on. There are hundreds of thousands of ways to plan a wedding; themes, colors, flowers. If you like it, nail it down, and move on to the next detail. Don’t get caught up in the small things and don’t lose sight of why you are doing this, to marry the person of your dreams!

We purchased a home while wedding planning and with that decided to hold off on the honeymoon. We hope to do some epic traveling in the years to come, before kiddies!

the details

Hometowns

East Hanover

Reception Location

Park Chateau Estate and Gardens

Photographer

Benchwerk

Officiant

Rev. Damian Breen

Bride’s Gown

Adam Zohar

+ more