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Gianna and Kyle at Nanina’s In The Park

Posted on July 06, 2020 by Ariana Baio


We were fortunate to be set up by our good friends. After they figured out that we were both interested, Kyle reached out to me and started the conversation. We spent a few days texting before we actually met, and quickly realized how much we had in common (minus our taste in football teams – it’s his only flaw). We finalized the details for our first date, met for a few drinks at a local bar and the rest is history.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park
Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

I have always loved the Christmas season, so when we learned of the possibility of having a Christmas wedding, we knew it was meant to be. However, I didn’t want Christmas to be the focal point of the wedding. Therefore, we chose a theme of romantic winter elegance. Our colors were ivory, blush, hunter green and gold. Our flowers featured winter greens, dusty miller, peonies, ranunculus, among others. To embrace the Christmas season, we had carolers greeting our guests when they arrived, a Christmas-themed signature drink, Santa’s arrival after dinner was served, a Christmas-themed photo booth and Christmas props that were passed out to our guests on the dance floor.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

We visited Nanina’s when it was still under construction and loved the idea of hosting our wedding that looked new. We loved the high ceilings, fireplace, and two levels and the additional bridal suite off the ballroom was an added bonus. Every room at Nanina’s is classy and decorated beautifully. We were also fortunate to have our wedding during the Christmas season, and their holiday decorations took the entire venue to the next level.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

The food as Nanina’s in the Park is like nothing I have ever experienced. The cocktail hour had every type of food you can imagine. Our dinner menu featured a Romeo and Juliet duet of chateaubriand and shrimp. We also had chicken saltimbocca and eggplant parmesan as the other options for our guests. Our cake had two flavors: vanilla with cannoli filling and red velvet with cream cheese filling.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

My gown was a lace mermaid gown by Galia Lahav. I always knew I wanted a Galia Lahav gown, but I still went to seven bridal salons before finally getting to try on her gorgeous gowns. I put the “Tony” gown on, and I immediately knew it was the one I would wear on my wedding day. It fit me like a glove and gave me more confidence than I ever thought I could have. What made it even better was the ability to customize it even more when I went to my fittings. My seamstress was incredible, and adding those little details helped make the gown feel like it was truly made for me.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

My favorite moment was our private ride to the venue in our vintage car. Since we didn’t do a first look, it was our first moment alone together where we could have a conversation and just enjoy being together as a newly married couple. My second favorite moment was dancing inside of our DJ booth. One of the main reasons we chose LJDJs for our entertainment company was their passion for making your wedding unique to you, and the piano DJ booth was one of the many ways they did exactly that.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park
Finally, I can’t leave out the dance with my dad. As soon as Kyle and I got engaged, my dad told me he wanted to take dance lessons and surprise everyone with his “new moves.” Dancing has never been his thing, so when he told me this, I couldn’t believe it. We ended up doing two dances, a traditional dance and then an upbeat dance to “The Git Up” by Blanco Brown. Seeing Kyle’s reaction was worth sneaking in those extra dance lessons!Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park


There are so many details we loved! If we had to pick one, it would be our saxophonist. He was amazing at entertaining our guests and taking our wedding to the next level.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

I can honestly say the day ran smoothly and was even better than I envisioned! I’m sure there were a few minor details behind the scenes that went wrong, but absolutely nothing distracted from our day. The only thing that could have been better was our first dance, which was choreographed. My nerves got the best of me and I messed up a few parts, but I don’t think our guests noticed this.Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

“Is That Alright?” by  Lady GagaGianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

Take a few seconds throughout the day to stop what you’re doing and soak it all in. I tried doing this at each point of the day: while getting ready with my girls, putting my gown on with my mom, driving to the church with my parents, etc. Everyone will tell you how fast the day goes, but doing this really helped me be in the moment. I now have vivid memories from each part of our day – memories that I will cherish forever!Gianna and Kyle at Nanina's in the Park

Once COVID-19 became a reality, we decided it was best to postpone our Italy honeymoon to June 2021. Fortunately, we were able to take a quick trip to Key Largo, Florida right after the wedding, so we’re grateful to have had this trip to celebrate our marriage.

the details

Hometowns

Rutherford, NJ (Gianna) & White Haven, PA (Kyle)

Reception Location

Naninas In The Park

Photographer

Philip Siciliano

Officiant

Bishop Manuel Cruz - Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, NJ

Bride’s Gown

Galia Lahav

+ more