Amanda and Patrick at The Palace at Somerset Park

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Allison Dupree

How did you two meet? We actually met online, but the old-school way through OKCupid (no swiping here!). We first started talking the weekend of Hurricane Sandy as we were both stuck – inside in Hoboken and Pat was stuck in Dallas trying to get home to NJ. Once he made it home, we quickly planned our first date in Hoboken. How did you get engaged? After 4 years of dating, Pat was ready to ask the big question! We went for our nightly walk through Hoboken and ended up down by the Hudson River. Unfortunately, I had to cut the walk short to use the restroom (too much water before the walk – still can’t live that down), but he was determined to do it that evening. He had us walk through a park near our apartment and he got down on his knee. I actually didn’t think he was being serious and he had to pull me back. Needless to say, I completely forgot about needing to go to the bathroom and it was just the happiest moment that we privately shared. Details of your day: My wedding journey was a little different than most brides experience. I was planning a fall wedding (to happen October 2017) and had a lot of my details planned out. Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with ALS and having him there became the #1 priority. We were able to have ALL of our vendors on our new date in June and everything started to fall into place. I want to make sure that my original vision was still in place, but just a little lighter for a June wedding. My colors were all focused on a berry scheme with gold accents and maintain a romantic, elegant reception. The bridesmaid dresses were bright, so their flowers complemented the dresses with softer pinks and ivory. My flowers were all ivory & blush with roses and peonies. The centerpieces and reception decor were all coordinated together with the same color scheme and highlighted the beauty of the Palace ballroom. To honor my dad, we decided to donate to the ALS Association in lieu of favors. Why did you choose your venue? After researching a few venue options, The Palace just felt like the perfect place for us. The venue balanced a nice reception with quality food at the right price. We felt that we were getting the most for our money and everything was included in the base price vs. having to find out things were extra. It included an extensive cocktail hour menu, premium open bar, delicious dinner options and a cake. The whole process was very easy with The Palace and it all just came together quickly with them. What was your wedding menu? What was your cake? Cocktail hour was passed hors d’oeuvre & stations including a carving station (with a whole suckling pig!), stir-fry, retro station and mac & cheese station. Dinner was a Potato Crusted Crab Cake to start with Grilled Breast of Free Range Chicken, Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper or Herb Seared Filet of Beef for an entrée. Our cake was vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream. What was your gown like? My gown was a traditional strapless fit and flare dress with a sweetheart neckline. The lace on dress was exquisite with just the right amount of Swarovski crystals on the bodice. The train of the dress continued the beautiful lace. I knew this dress was the one when I didn’t want to take it off once I put it on. I just felt beautiful in it…it highlighted my curves and felt like it was made for me. It was the perfect balance between the right amount of lace and crystal. Favorite moment? My favorite moment of the day was walking down the aisle. I know that sounds cliche, but with all the emotion going into the day (marrying my best friend, my dad’s illness, etc), it just was perfect. I was able to share such an amazing moment with my dad that I have been looking forward to my whole life and the happiness of seeing Pat at the end of the aisle just brought everything together for me. On top of it, knowing that you are surrounded by your friends and family just makes for such a beautiful moment. One detail you couldn’t live without? It was a small detail, but it was a nod to Hoboken. We met here, we live here and a lot of our memories are from here. For our tables, we named them after the streets of Hoboken (like Hudson, Washington, Bloomfield, etc). It was a special detail that I still smile at in pictures and it was fun when guests from Hoboken noticed it! Did anything go wrong? Two weeks before the wedding, we were told that we couldn’t get married in the church that we planned with as they were condemned by the city due to asbestos. Obviously, it was an awful morning after that news, but seeing everyone rally together to make sure our day went off without a hitch was so humbling. The church went above and beyond to make sure everything was corrected and the new church we ended up getting married in was even more perfect for us! The day of our wedding was smooth and there were no problems (that I know of anyway!)! First dance song? Who I Am with You – Chris Young Advice for other brides? Don’t get so caught up in the details! A lot of my original details didn’t end up being what actually happened and it really didn’t matter – my wedding day was perfect. Our wedding planning brought my now husband and I closer together and I know we can make it through anything after the last year we had! Where did you go on your honeymoon? We went to Bora Bora and stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. To say this island is paradise is an understatement – the water is glowing, it is beyond romantic and the culture is so unique. All of the hotels on the island are beautiful with the overwater huts. It just screams honeymoon!