‘Twas the night of Halloween in 2014, the hopeful singles dressed as an American Gladiator and Steve Zissou and met at a party. It wasn’t until a costume malfunction when the Gladiator caught interest in this Bill Murray character. Waiting for our first kiss under the stars, I knew this guy was different. But, it never came. He made me wait, which made him even more attractive to the Gladiator! We danced until the party came to an end and the rest, as they say, is history.
The abridged version: My cousin dragged me to a halloween party where I fell for the brother.
Fast forward to February 2017. The plan was to go out to eat at our favorite restaurant in Red Bank, until I suggested to make a day out of it. Asbury Park was hosting one of their Bazaars in the famous Convention Hall. We went to check out the scene, but he kept insisting they walk the boardwalk. We came to the abandon casino where I started photographing the cool murals. When he saw a passerby he took advantage of the opportunity. While the stranger photographed the couple, he got down on one knee and proposed. I said, “are you sure?!”
The room is filled with attention to details–like the handmade wooden menu holders and custom wax seal, a limited
edition run of dark roast coffee beans favors made special by the bride and groom, and a mixture of tall a-symmetrical green centerpieces, and smaller whimsical neutral arrangements.
With arguably the best band on the Jersey Shore, the reception is packed with character and so much love, topped with surprise late night food stations that represent the couple’s family recipes.
Why did you choose your venue? We actually received awful news that our original venue wouldn’t be ready to open in time for our wedding, so with just 4-5 months to go, we had to scramble to find the venue of our dreams that still had our date available. We went back to the drawing board and searched places that represented us/the couple best: the city and the beach. We narrowed it down and visited One Atlantic in Atlantic City, NJ. From the second we got to the venue, the top floor of a pier perched over the sun-kissed ocean, we just knew this all happened for a reason. Hours later we had a contract sent over and hit the ground running planning again!
What was on your menu?
Starter: heirloom jersey tomato caprese salad
Entree selection:
filet mignon au poivre: green peppercorn sauce
French-cut chicken breast in a wild mushroom cream sauce
Gnocchi with brown butter sage sauce
Sides: fried sweet potatoes with honey and roasted walnuts + pan seared brussel sprouts and smoked baconDessert: alternating chocolate and vanilla cake tiers with cannoli filling
beignets, New York cheesecake bites with berries, homemade pistachio and mint gelatoSurprise late night stations of favorite pizzas and family sub shop recipe.
All about your gown! After trying on everything I thought I wanted I started pulling gowns just to see how I felt in them. Over 50 gowns later, I simply put it on and tried not to give it away as I walked out to show my mom and sisters. The gown was so unique, unlike any dress I’ve seen before. It made me feel beautiful, classy and sexy all at the same time. It was both vintage and modern.
What was your favorite moment? Too many to choose! It was very special to me that my 83-year-old grandma was my rockstar maid of honor for my wedding. It was rewarding to see all my hard work come to life. I designed and art directed every detail. I loved that I got butterflies before my first look with my husband, even though I already knew how handsome he’d be. It brought me to tears to see the support from our friends and family. But, most of all, I loved being so in the moment with my husband, dancing all night and truly enjoying our wedding.
One detail you couldn’t live without? Toss up between the entertainment and the floral design. Before I even set a date, I called Brian Kirk + The Jirks. We set a date around their schedule because they had to be at our wedding. All we keep hearing, post wedding, is how amazing the band was, so I don’t regret our choice to hire them.In addition, the florals, to me, really upgraded our ceremony. I remember walking into the space for the first time and I cried happy tears. It was better than my photoshop, haha. It was like my Pinterest wedding came to life.
Did anything go wrong? Sure! But no one knew but me and I plan to keep it that way. Best piece of advice I received was: “Don’t worry if things aren’t what they should be, because you’re the only one who knows what “perfect” looks like.”
First dance song? Fire and the Flood by Vance Joy (played live by band)
Any advice for future brides? -It’s never too soon to plan and check things off your checklist.
-Don’t cheap out. If you truly want something, figure out how to be smart and make it happen.
-Day of, roll with whatever happens, and live in the moment.
-Everyone will give you wedding suggestions or advice even when you don’t ask for it. Just plan the wedding you and your hub/wifey want.
Honeymoon Location We flew to the motherland! We explored the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy.