Real Weddings
»NULL
Home

Carolina and Daniel at The Park Savoy Estate

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Ariana Baio


It was on September 23rd, 2014. It’s ironic how in the midst of not searching for love, you walk right into it. Just like that, love took me by surprise. You know that cliché line, “when you know, you know” Well, I knew. It’s a spectacular feeling, a ridiculous rush of happiness, and you finally know that those books you’ve read about true love are real.

It was August 24, 2016. Daniel had planned a fun-filled day for us. He picked me up and we headed to NYC, after parking, he opened the trunk and surprised me with a picnic in Central Park. We perched ourselves at Belvedere Castle to take in the views. I remember thinking I was lucky to have found my other half. We then went to Shakespeare Garden to enjoy our picnic. We spent the afternoon hanging out, talking, enjoying our picnic and what felt like minutes turned into hours. Eventually Daniel was pushing for us to go to Bethesda Fountain and rent a boat, I tried to discourage us from going as we had taken a boat ride the week prior, but he was determined. Once in front of the fountain he asked me to take a picture of the skyline and as I did, he told me to turn out and to my surprise he was kneeling on one knee. A photographer was hidden, capturing our special moment. It was a dream.

Growing up, I was always fascinated with “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The theme I created for our wedding was inspired by how I envisioned the novel. Luckily, my florist, Yumila, realized my dream and created a green wallflower with clusters of climbing English white roses, a mixture of silver candelabra centerpieces with clusters of white Hydrangea, open Vendela Ivory roses, silver dollar eucalyptus, branches, mix with white candles and hanging crystals. Other centerpieces included silver candelabras with mix greens draping down, four tapers, one pillar with greens and open Vendelas and English white roses.

The Park Savoy Estate’s timeless mansion and gardens were immaculate, and the ballroom was breathtaking. We also fell in love with the bridal suite, man cave and the library. The Park Savoy Estate was the perfect place to create my dream wedding.

Our wedding menu consisted of Mediterranean and Caribbean options, since our families come from Sicily, Cuba and Spain. We chose a lot of seafood stations for the cocktail hour, we had a wonderful array of passed hors d’oeuvres such as grilled sea scallops with orange saffron aioli and captain stations such as the maned mozzarella station. The chef prepared fresh mozzarella with the traditional accompaniments such as stuffed with arugula with tomato, and & prosciutto & fig. The fresh mozzarella station not only created delicious stuffed mozzarella dishes, but his personality was so entertaining he had a crowd applauding him throughout the cocktail hour.

My gown was designed by Galia Lahav, I purchased this couture dress at the Bridals Reflection in NYC. My experience at Bridal Reflections on Fifth Ave NYC was nothing short of a dream and truly memorable experience that I was able to share with my mother and sister. The overall ambiance and customer service were superb. When I found my dress, I was in tears. I felt like I was floating on cloud nine. It was a swan-inspired silhouette with very fine French lace dotted with pearls to create a visually noticeable sheer back-formation. This dress is both elegant and sexy. The customized sweetheart neckline is incredibly flattering and the low back is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The train is long, full and set with loops to bustle it. The details were impeccable, thread after thread, bead after bead, a perfect form crafted to provide a magical feeling.

My favorite moment was saying “I do” to my husband.

We spent a lot of  time planning details for our wedding to come to together. It is hard to choose, so I came up with the four essentials-in no specific order: The Park Savoy Estate’s food, and service, was top-notch. Our awesome Extreme Rhythm DJ who kept the dance floor packed from start to finish. Our photographer, PhotoDH-Jaymo, captured timeless pictures of our wedding, that I still cannot help looking back. Our videographer’s, SineMax Film-Stas, cinematography skills are impeccable, I’m mesmerized when rewatching our videos.

No, thankfully the day was anything but perfect.

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

Remember it is your and your partner’s day. You cannot please everyone. Trust in each other and to the first of many decisions to make in unity.

My husband and I chose Greece. We spent our time in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. The islands were stupendous, the whitewashed buildings contrasting the deep blue sea, will forever be imprinted in both of our minds.

the details

Hometowns

Fair Lawn

Reception Location

The Park Savoy Estate

Photographer

PhotoDH

Officiant

Auxiliary Bishop Manuel Cruz

Bride’s Gown

Galia Lahav

+ more