Real Weddings
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Blyss and Tony at The Estate at Monroe

Posted on January 07, 2020 by Ariana Baio


We crossed paths continually for three years before we started dating. We first met in 2007 at the age of 15 through a mutual friend. Fast forward to three years later on September 7th, 2010 and we met once again. I was a waitress at a local restaurant and Tony came in to eat with a group of friends to celebrate his friend’s birthday. We were both 18, and freshmen in college. Tony stared at me all night long. Our mutual friend helped us exchange numbers. Three days later we had our first date and have been together ever since.

Tony proposed to me at our favorite Italian restaurant. Behind the doors of a private room in the restaurant, waited our closest friends and family. He got down on one knee, and after I said yes we got to celebrate our engagement surrounded by our favorite people.

Our theme was classic, romantic and floral. Our colors were dusty pink and rose gold. My bridesmaids’ dresses matched our sequin rose gold table overlays perfectly. Our flowers were beautiful blush garden roses with lots of seeded eucalyptus. For our favors, we made a donation to Popcorn Park Zoo. In return, the zoo provided our guests with free tickets to the zoo along with forget-me-not seed packets.

We chose our venue because the look, location and size were everything we were looking for. The team at The Estate at Monroe made us feel like family and were so accommodating to our requests. Also, the cursive “E” on the outside of the venue sealed the deal for us (our married last name is Enright so we took it as a sign)!

Our dinner was buffet style. Our menu consisted of: chicken Marsala, London broil, stuffed flounder with crab meat, stuffed cheese tortellini with creamy Alfredo sauce, grilled seasonal vegetables, Caesar salad and the signature Estate salad. We chose a marble cake with buttercream icing for our wedding cake.

My gown was by Casablanca Bridal in the style “Ambrosia.” My ivory gown had a glamorous tulle A-line skirt that was tightly ruched, and a soft sweetheart neckline. The heavily beaded waist bodice was mirrored with lighter beading along the hemline of the skirt. Casablanca customized the gown for me by adding beautiful straps that matched perfectly. I went to 6 different bridal shops before I found “the one.” I was looking for a sparkly, classic but modern A-line wedding gown and I was so happy when I found it at Kay Bridal.

My favorite part was during the ceremony when Tony and I officially became husband and wife. The moment was so special. I also loved every second of celebrating with all of our loved ones. We had a 22 person bridal party of our closest friends and family which made the day so much fun!

After the ceremony, we took pictures with our dog, Samson. Those pictures turned out to be my favorite ones. We also had our signature drink (a white peach Sangria) named after him – Samson’s Sangria! We received so many compliments. I also loved how our favors turned out. It was so special that we got to make a donation to a zoo that is so close to our hearts (I sponsor a special needs tiger there). All of our guests loved their free tickets to the zoo and some even used them the very next day!

A couple of our groomsmen’s pocket squares did not come in on time. Luckily, our tuxedo shop physically made the missing pocket squares by cutting up a vest. It totally worked! I am very thankful that this was the only part of the day that went “wrong.”

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

Remember to enjoy yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff! Take in every moment of your engagement and wedding day because it goes by so quickly. Also, try to start the planning process as early as possible so there’s not as many things to worry about as it gets closer to your big day.

We went to an all-inclusive resort in Aruba for one week. While there, we snorkeled for the first time and rode on a semi-submarine!

the details

Hometowns

Winslow Township, New Jersey

Reception Location

The Estate at Monroe

Photographer

Memories by Maria Photography

Officiant

Father David Rivera

Bride’s Gown

Casablanca Bridal from Kay Bridal

+ more