Candles, blush florals and light blue bridesmaid dresses created a romantic atmosphere at Geena and Jesse’s Park Chateau wedding. Plus, a ceremony violinist added to the charming vibe.

“When you arrive to the Park Chateau, it is hard to not fall in love with the venue,” says Geena.

Their Story

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“[Jesse and I] met on the first day of sixth grade,” says Geena. “We would pass notes to each other, and even dated on and off throughout our middle school years. We started seriously dating junior year of high school. After we graduated, we both attended the University of Alabama together. This year, we will celebrate our tenth year together.”

The Proposal

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“We got engaged on March 14, 2021 in Newport, Rhode Island,” says Geena. “We were walking alongside the cliff walk near the Breakers mansion when Jesse got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most special day together!”

Their Park Chateau Wedding

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography
Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“Our wedding day, June 2, 2023, was the most magical day of our lives,” says Geena. “The overall vision I had for the day was extremely romantic. Candles everywhere, warm lighting in the ballroom, white and blush florals, rose petals and beautiful ivy cascading from our centerpieces. My bouquet was so beautifully made and included the most plush peonies I had ever seen, white ranunculus, and roses. As for our bridal party, I wanted them in Jenny Yoo dresses in the shade Whisper Blue. It was such a perfect spring wedding shade, and they absolutely glowed outside in the gardens and during the reception! Our groomsmen looked incredible in their black tuxedos from Biltmore tuxedos in Ridgewood. Our guests entered the ceremony to a violinist, which I always knew was a huge detail I wanted to have for our ceremony. It added such a romantic feel to that moment. At the end of our wedding, we had French fry bar set up for our guests to grab a late night snack! It was such hit, and people are still talking about the sweet potato fries!”

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Why Park Chateau?

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“We chose the Park Chateau after only touring two other venues,” says Geena. “When you arrive to the Park Chateau, it is hard to not fall in love with the venue. From the moment you walk in you are wowed! Now that our wedding is over, we know we made the right decision because of how well we were cared for during our wedding day. The staff at the Park Chateau truly is unbeatable. Our attendants treated us so special, and helped us throughout the whole day. Our wedding day was super hot, like 95 degrees, and the whole time we were taking pictures, they were holding cold towels on our backs, giving us water, touching us up, etc. They went above and beyond and truly left us at a loss for words with just how caring they were towards us.”

The Menu

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“Our wedding menu was absolutely incredible,” says Geena. “We did chateaubriand, with mashed potatoes, chicken saltimbocca, and eggplant Napoleon [as the entrees]. After our wedding, the venue sent us home with trays of extra food, and we can honestly say every single dish was spectacular. Our wedding cake was from Palermo’s Bakery, and we chose to do four flavors: cannoli, french raspberry, chocolate mousse and lemon. The cake was so incredible and our guests were raving about it all night. We also chose to do the passed desserts at the venue. The amount of delicious cakes and pastries we had was incredible!”

[RELATED: Jewel Tones & Extravagant Flowers Made This Park Chateau Wedding So Luxe]

Bridal Style

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography
Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“I found my gown after going to about three bridal salons, and not being able to find a dress that really felt like me,” says Geena. “I found the Wedding Salon of Manhasset online and knew I had to go there. I always loved Monique Lhuillier, and was super impressed by their selection. After trying on about 10 dresses, and coming back the next day, I said yes to my beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown! It truly was the gown of my dreams. I have never felt like a dress was more me in my life. My family said it to. I loved how I really felt like myself!”

Favorite Moment

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“My favorite moment of our wedding day was our first look and our private vows,” says Geena. “I was very on the fence about doing a first look throughout the wedding planning process. However, the moment we saw each other, my anxieties and nerves disappeared. It was such a special time we got to share with each other, and it did not make our ceremony any less emotional or special. Another favorite moment was our private vows. I never knew how special reading our vows aloud to each other alone would be. It was so beautiful to have that moment together, right before becoming husband and wife. We will never forget how special that moment was.”

[RELATED: Sabrina & Justin at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens]

Special Detail

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“One detail I could not live without was the live musicians for our ceremony,” says Geena. “From the beginning of planning, I knew I wanted a violin in our ceremony while I walked down the aisle. Music is so important to us as a couple, and we find live instruments to add such a special, emotional touch to ceremonies. I walked down and a violin and keyboard version of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift and we left the chapel to an instrumental version of “At Last” by Etta James. It was perfect!”

Advice

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“My advice to other brides would be not to stress the small stuff,” says Geena. “At the end of the night, you won’t be thinking about place cards and table linens. Those things are incredible, but the day will be so special no matter what! I feel like it is so easy to see another wedding and think ‘Oh maybe I need that,’ but at the end of the day, it’s all about spending the first time as husband and wife with people who love you.”

Honeymoon

Photo: Dyanna LaMora Photography

“For our honeymoon, we went to the Grand Cayman Islands,” says Geena. “We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and it was absolutely breathtaking! The beaches and ocean are some of the best we have ever seen! We enjoyed a beautiful sunset dinner on the beach, jet skiing, snorkeling and even a little golfing. It was such a relaxing spot for our honeymoon.”

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Jesse and Geena's vendor team

Diamond Venues Listing Category Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

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Nestled on 15 rolling acres, the Park Château Estate & Gardens is a beautiful wedding venue and event hall bringing guests over 30 years of catering experience. ...

About This Vendor In 1999, Lisa and Michael Plociniak began to transform A Touch of Elegance into the floral and event design business that it is today, ...

Palermo’s Bakery

Little Ferry, New Jersey

When it’s time for the bride and groom to cut the wedding cake, everyone is watching. With Palermo, you have full control over your custom wedding cake ...

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East Hanover, New Jersey

Lydia and Rachel have been in business together for over fifty years…the business of life! Since their first meeting in Kindergarten, they have been sisters of the ...

Dyanna LaMora Photography

Photographer

Website

Above and Beyond Wedding Studios

Videographer

Elite Sound Entertainment

Entertainment

A Touch of Elegance

Florist

Senada Ceka

Hair & Makeup

Monique Lhuillier from The Wedding Salon of Manhasset

Gown

Jenny Yoo

Bridesmaid Dresses

Nadri

Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Biltmore Tuxedos

Tuxedos/Suits

Palermo's Bakery

Cake

Love & Light Wedding Officiants, Lydia Gilbert

Officiant

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