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Katherine and Justin at English Manor

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Katherine and Justin at English Manor

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Allison Dupree

How did you meet?
We met in college around 11 years ago. We were friends throughout college and started dating AFTER we graduated. The last couple of weeks of school we decided that we wanted to be together but we were scared about the distance. A month went by after graduating and Justin decided to come visit me in Virginia. We started dating that weekend and have been inseparable ever since.

How did you get engaged?
Every year on our dating anniversary, we go to Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City. Just like every year, we decided to go again. Except for this time, it felt a little different. Justin that day had asked Siri what the weather was 10 times. I kept thinking, “Hey the weather isn’t going to change in 5 minutes.” We both ordered the same thing we always do & reminisced on our then 6 years together. At the end of dinner, Justin asked if we wanted to get a picture together but insisted it was a selfie. He NEVER wants to take pictures so I again was a little suspicious. We took a few photos and then he got down on one knee. It was a perfect life moment.

Details of the day!
Our theme was romantic & classic. Our colors were very classic, we included a lot of white for linens & my girls wore sage green. The flowers we used were a lot of greenery & white roses. I love the greenery look. It felt simple and romantic! Eucalyptus made the room smell incredible as well. Our favors we did bottles of wine with a custom tag saying thank you for coming. We wrapped them in an organza bag, it was perfect!

Why did you choose your venue?
We had gone to a few venues, BUT immediately fell in love with the English Manor. It is such a secluded, beautiful space that we knew we needed to have. When you walk in you are greeted by the sweetest staff. It is a homey feeling inside, filled with cute signs and cozy space. The reception room is clean and crisp with a brand new dance floor. The biggest piece that we fell in love with though was the outdoor area space. There is greenery & florals everywhere. It is very romantic and the exact vibe we were going for. NOT to mention the food! The English Manor has the best cocktail hour hands down. Anything you can think of, they have on their menu. They were amazing in every aspect.

What was on your menu?
The menu included a started salad, fresh EM signature salad. After the salad course, we had 4 options for meal choices: filet mignon, crab-stuffed flounder, champagne chicken, & vegetarian lasagna. Everything was delicious! Our cake was vanilla with fudge and oreo cream filling, the icing was a scrumptious buttercream!

All about your gown!
My gown was a beautiful Ivory Dress from Maggie Sottero. The style was the Meryl Lynette. It was romantic, timeless, and so comfortable. It had many layers of different delicate fabric & jewel beading to make it pop. The back was my favorite part- the button back and square opening I fell in love with. When I put it on, I just knew. I knew this was the dress I was going to get married in because it took my breath away. It made me feel beautiful, classy, sexy, & confident.

What was your favorite moment?
Our favorite moment was our first look. We decided to do a first look to save time, but more importantly to get rid of some of the jitters. I met Justin out on the beautiful bridge at the venue, and when we first saw each other it was a surreal moment. We smiled, hugged, laughed about our mornings, and talked about how excited we were for the rest of the day. We got to enjoy moments alone before saying I do and it was the best decision we have ever made.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
One detail we couldn’t live without was the little bits of our dog. We truly cherish him and had to have him included in the details. I may have gone a little overboard, dog mom problems. We ordered custom cocktail napkins, a custom signature drink sign with him on there as well. We even were able to have him in the wedding as a ring bearer, it made our day that much better.

Did anything go wrong?
All throughout the planning process, I had one non-negotiable. I had to have a greenery wall with a neon sign. Well, of course, I bought the neon sign! So the day of the wedding comes and we are taking photos with the bridal party before guests arrived. They were setting up the neon sign and the cord was missing for it to light up!! I truly was so upset, the whole point of having it is so it lights up. After around 10 minutes, my amazing Maitre’d found an old cord from someone else and the sign was working in minutes!! I was upset for virtually no reason, and everything worked out perfectly.

First dance song?
10,000 Hours (Piano)- Justin Bieber & Dan & Shay

Any advice for future brides?
ALWAYS make time for each other on the big day. It goes by SO fast & you want to remember the whole thing, BUT you also want to make those memories with your partner. Also, don’t stress the little things. Everything thing falls into place & one thing going wrong will not ruin your day!

Honeymoon Location
We haven’t gone yet, but will be heading to Aruba in February. We are super excited to go, we had to wait because as a teacher I couldn’t take off another few days at the beginning of the year. BUT it will be well worth the wait.

the details

Reception Location

English Manor

Photographer

DreamStreet Photography

Officiant

Father Anthony Testa

Bride’s Gown

Maggie Sottero Designs

+ more

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Katherine and Justin at English Manor

the details

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Transportation

Brides Jewelry