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Alyssa and Matthew at The Rockleigh

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Alyssa and Matthew at The Rockleigh

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Allison Dupree

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How did you meet?
We knew each other in high school. A few years after college our paths crossed again. The rest is history.

How did you get engaged?
We were getting ready to go on our monthly date night. What was special about this date night was we were going to the restaurant where we had our first date, La Dolce Vita. We were on our way to the restaurant. He said he needed to stop at his aunt’s house to get something for the apartment. (We are redoing some rooms in our apartment and his uncle is a contractor). I asked if I should go inside the house to say hi to Aunt Lisa and Uncle Mike. He told me no because they were out to eat for Uncle Mike’s birthday. I was sitting in the car, took my heels off because they hurt and he went to their backyard. He called me and asked me to come help him with something. I was thinking to myself, “How could I help him? I am in heels and a dress.” Without hesitating, I put my shoes back on in the car and then started walking to the backyard. All I was thinking is what could I do and how could I help. I was also thinking how cold it was outside because I was in a dress and it was probably 30 degrees.

As I walked into Aunt Lisa and Uncle Mike’s backyard, I turned the corner and there was Matt. The whole backyard was decorated. The fire pit was on, there were candles lined up on the floor just like an aisle leading up to Matt and the most beautiful decorations throughout their backyard. I walked up to Matt (crying of course) and he kisses my forehead and says “I love you so much!” He gets down on one knee and said, “You were the one, you were always the one, Alyssa. Will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?” I said yes!, crying even more and ruining my makeup that actually came out really good that night!

After enjoying and loving this special moment, he then said there are some people inside that would like to see you. I said, “What do you mean?” I go to open the door and there were both of our families and our closest friends. They were all there secretly hiding in Aunt Lisa and Uncle Mike’s house the entire time. It was the second-best surprise of the night! We got to celebrate with our family and closest friends. This was the first time both families were all under the same roof, but we all got along, loved each other, partied all night and it was as if we were all family already! It was a night I truly will NEVER forget! Matt put so much thought behind all this, and our family that planned this and set this night up and thought of every detail that would make this night special for both of us. This truly was the best night of my life, besides meeting Matt, was February 9, 2019.

Details of the day!
Our theme was elegant. We had high and low centerpieces for the flowers. Our photo booth had a matching backdrop for pictures.

Why did you choose your venue?
We chose the Rockleigh because the space was big and beautiful, the food that was offered was perfect and a lot was given. The inside and outside of the venue was beautiful for pictures and for the ceremony if we wanted. The communication was always there no matter how many questions.

What was on your menu?
Cocktail hour was AMAZING! Every food you could think of was there and it was all amazing and perfect. From the sushi to the meats to the pasta to the lamb chops to the paella, to shrimp cocktail, to the martini section and everything under the sun. Our dinner started with a salad and then there was a choice of steak, chicken or fish which came with fresh vegetables and potatoes. Dinner ended with our wedding cake. Our cake was half chocolate, half vanilla, so it was the best of both worlds.

All about your gown:
It was a strapless mermaid-style dress. I felt beautiful and confident in it because I felt so secure in the dress. I had multiple fittings to make sure everything was perfect!

What was your favorite moment?
Getting ready with my girls and the first look.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Makeup and hair!

Did anything go wrong?
It rained 30 minutes before our ceremony so we had to move the ceremony inside.

First dance song?
“From This Moment On/You’re Still The One” mix

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy every little moment and eat during cocktail hour!

Honeymoon location:
Aruba

the details

Hometowns

Freehold

Reception Location

The Rockleigh

Photographer

Red Bank Studio

Officiant

Ben Hickey

Bride’s Gown

Maggie Sottero

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Alyssa and Matthew at The Rockleigh

the details

Hometowns

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer