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Erica and Brian at Tropicana Casino and Resort

Posted on February 05, 2020 by Ariana Baio


We met 10 years ago, we grew up down the street from each other. I moved to a few towns over in 6th grade and lost touch. Fast forward about 15 years later and we saw each other at a local bar in Maragate. His cousin, Nick, introduced us. I wasn’t feeling it, so I went on with my night. Little did I know, he would ask me out every day for six months until I said yes. I am so glad I did because we have been together ever since.

The proposal was absolutely perfect for us. It was a Tuesday and he wanted to watch the sunset at the bay on the street where we lived. He had champagne and told me to stand on the bulk head and to look at the sunset. He spun me around got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was in complete shock. We walked back to our house where our families were waiting and we walked into an engagement party. He had it all set up while we were at the bay. It was such a magical day I hold near and dear to my heart.

The wedding was a dream. The theme was glam “Alice in Wonderland.” I had bright florals, stripes and draped the ballroom with white to create a feeling of being outside even though we were in the ballroom. All the details tied the “Alice in Wonderland” theme together throughout the cocktail hour and into the reception. Each centerpiece was unique with teapots, tea cups, vintage clocks and lush bright florals.

I chose the Tropicana because it embodied a vintage art deco architecture with deeply rooted history to Atlantic City which is where we live! My bolero mirrored the look of the venue with the vintage art deco feel and elaborate sparkle. We also had the task of holding 300 guests so it was a no brainer to have at the Tropicana with all the available space. It perfectly flowed from the ceremony at the pool to the outdoor/indoor cocktail hour with a beautiful landscape of Atlantic City as the backdrop.

The wedding menu was amazing. Our guests said they have never seen so much food at a cocktail hour. We had passed hor d’oeuvres with crab cakes, lamb lollipops, scallops abs and mini grilled cheese with little tomato soup. We also had food in each room with different themes such as a Asian table, Italian and Mexican along with a shrimp cocktail station. My husband also owns his own gin company and all our cocktails were made with our gin and crafted to fit our personalities.

The dress, oh my where do I begin! I saw a bolero made by Hayley Paige and the moment I saw it I knew I had to have it. The problem was trying to locate it. I must have called over 200 stores trying to locate with no luck. I called Hayley Paige directly because it was discontinued and they had to make it custom, which was a huge risk because I wouldn’t be able to return it. Thank goodness it worked out. The dress I bought from Kleinfeld bridal in New York. Lisa Furham from “Say Yes To The Dress” was my consultant. I tried on a Pnina Tornai gown that was beautiful but missed a few check marks on my wish list. After going back and forth we designed our own version adding buttons and rhinestone straps, with the two collaborations of designers I had a completely unique bridal look that was jaw dropping.

Our first dance. We had surprise sparklers that went off and everyone’s faces just lit up. We felt like the only people in the room it was truly the best feeling.

I couldn’t live without the little details in the cocktail hour. We had a jazz trio that was dressed in a vintage theme, our signature drinks had edible decals in the drink and a custom neon light. I just loved how the theme just flowed through it the day.

Oh yes! The “flower boys” had custom bubble guns to use when walking down the aisle. We didn’t realize they needed batteries and screwdriver to open, so the boys just had to walk down the aisle but they wouldn’t go alone so the bridesmaids had to carry them. It ended up being really sweet.

“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton

Focus on the love you and your fiancé share. Sometimes you get so focused on the details trying to make everything picture perfect you lose sight of what is important.

Iceland

the details

Hometowns

Atlantic City

Reception Location

Topicana Casino Hotel

Photographer

Magdalena Studios

Officiant

Eric Midelton

Bride’s Gown

Pnina tornai

+ more