Heather and Marc at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club

Posted on January 31, 2023 by New Jersey Bride

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How did you meet?
Marc and I met after college. We actually went to the same university, but only knew of each other. After graduate school, we connected randomly and decided to go out on a date. The rest is history!

How did you get engaged?
We got engaged in March of 2021 at Princeton University. Marc surprised me during a walk through the gorgeous campus. A photographer captured the moment and we took many couple shots following the big question. We then headed back to our house where both of our families were waiting to surprise me with an engagement party! It was a wonderful surprise.

Details of the day!
My flowers were done by Bobby at Bloom Floral & Events. For the church ceremony, Every other base of pews were decorated with white potted hybrid delphiniums with lush greenery. They looked as though they were growing from the ground. It truly gave a magical and whimsical feel. For the venue, I chose three different styles of centerpieces for the tables. I had a mix of highs, mediums, and lows. For the high centerpieces, The flowers consisted of spray roses, ivory roses, blush pink roses, peach roses, medium pink roses, and a touch of hot pink roses. They were on a tall gold square stand. The arrangements had a very natural shape and incorporated lots of greenery. For the medium centerpieces, I chose to go with a similar look to the church flowers, but in blush, ivory, peach, and pink tones. For the low centerpieces, I wanted to go with very organic & artistic-looking arrangements. They differed in symmetry and shape, and they were just stunning! The sweetheart table was adorned with a thick garland of roses in blush, ivory, peach, and pink hues and vibrant greenery. I wanted more flowers to be concentrated on one side of the table and to cascade toward the floor. A cluster of candles sat on the floor in the center of the table to give a warm and romantic feel.

Why did you choose your venue?
I chose my venue because I always loved the look of upscale country clubs. I loved being surrounded by miles and miles of greenery. I always envisioned my wedding having an opulent and classic feel. Eagle Oaks Country Club definitely delivered on that. My photographer described the venue as “presidential” with ornate crown moldings, gold foil, and striking crystal chandeliers.

What was on your menu?
We started with a sun-dried tomato Caesar salad. For the main course, we went with a “duet dinner,” which was a surf and turf meal featuring filet mignon with bordelaise sauce and grilled salmon  served with layered potato au-gratin and red cabbage, asparagus, and tomato with breadcrumbs. Cabbage, Fresh Asparagus, Tomato w/Breadcrumbs, and Dauphnious Potato Dessert & Coffee Service Custom Tiered Wedding Cake had vanilla cake with vanilla custard and strawberry marmalade. On each table, there were assorted mini confections and chocolate-covered strawberries, and a platter of European Cookies and Biscotti. There was also a station of international coffees, including Espresso and Cappuccino Amaretto, Sambuca, Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, Bailey’s, and Kahlua, Served with Whipped Cream, Cinnamon Sticks, and Crystallized Sugar Sticks We added on a dessert station of Ralph’s Italian Ice which was an absolute hit.

All about your gown!
My gown was the style Westfield by Justin Alexander. It was an off-the-shoulder, beaded crepe fit and flare dress with a scalloped cutout train. It was the perfect blend of opulence, glamour, and delicacy. It was a show-stopper! I paired it with a cathedral-length veil with delicate beading on the edges. This gown fit the venue and the vibe of my wedding perfectly.

What was your favorite moment?
One of my favorite moments was having my two brothers and two cousins make a joint speech. I remember going back and forth on whether to have my maid and matron of honor speak or to have my family members speak. And while I would love it if they all had a chance to make a speech, I knew that keeping it simple was the better option. So I decided to ask my older brother, my younger brother, and my two cousins to make a speech. The five of us grew up together, not as cousins, but more like siblings. So to me, I had four brothers, not just two. It was important to me to hear what they had to say on this memorable occasion, and for it to be captured in photographs and film. Growing up, these four guys were such a huge part of my life- and still are- so it meant the world to me to have them included in such a special way. I was filled with a sense of pride, watching them, because I had four amazing men who absolutely lit up the room describing how happy they were for me to find someone as special as Marc. They spoke about memories growing up, how Marc and I complemented each other and expressed their love for me and their new brother-in-law. You could feel the love in that room during their speeches. They each did a fantastic job and each of their parts was hilarious and meaningful. I am so happy I chose to incorporate them and it was a moment I will never forget.

Another favorite moment was seeing all of the details come to life. I remember looking at the church and the venue, decorated and personalized to us, and feeling so blown away and grateful. It was an amazing feeling to take in the beauty of everything and have it surpass my wildest dreams. Lastly, a core memory was performing (and nailing!) our first dance- right down to the lift! We danced to Olivia Penalva’s version of “You are the reason.” At the height of the song, I spun into Marc, and he picked me up and spun around. It was an unexpected wow factor. We couldn’t have done it better, and all of the nights of practicing had finally paid off! And the crowd loved it!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Something that I couldn’t live without was the colorful florals, especially the luscious thick garland on our sweetheart table! It absolutely made our pictures. All of the flowers made a huge impact on our already stunning room. I also am ecstatic that I decided to go with acrylic invitations (from an Etsy seller). They really set the tone for the wedding.

Did anything go wrong?
Absolutely nothing went wrong! I couldn’t believe it. But I will say, having a laid-back attitude and “going with the flow” on your wedding day is crucial. It will be a beautiful day no matter what- so don’t sweat the small stuff! Have fun and enjoy every minute.

First dance song?
You Are The Reason by Olivia Penalva

Any advice for future brides?
Have fun and do not get caught up in trying to control every little thing. Have a positive attitude and let any little mishaps go! Your guests will never notice minor things that go wrong, but they will notice if you look upset. Enjoy the day fully!

Honeymoon Location?
We went to Sandals Grande Antigua. It was an absolute dream. It had calm, crystal-clear water and it was the ultimate relaxation spot. We went for a couples massage, went on two snorkeling trips, and enjoyed relaxing together.