Why did you choose your venue? I have always loved restaurants on the water and a lot of New Jersey venues can seem repetitive. Liberty House stood out as different and close enough so it wasn’t a trek for the bulk of our wedding guests to attend. We had considered a winery, but the ones we visited on Long Island didn’t have a large enough area to serve as a dance floor for our celebration, plus it is a bit of a hike as most of our friends and family members live in Northern New Jersey.
What was on your menu? Cocktail Hour:  Butler Passed Hors D’oeuvres- Baby Stuffed Artichokes with Spinach and Smoked Mozzarella Creamed Spinach Beef Tenderloin toasted crostini finished white truffle oil Lobster mac and cheese smoked tartlets Philly cheese steak rolls Miniature Herbed Chicken Parmesan Spinach and Feta Spanikopitas
Mini-Plated Hor D’oeuvres- Bay Scallop Ceviche with Avocado Mousse Citrus Jumbo Lump Crab Salad Tuna Tartar with Spicy Mayo and Ginger Chef ‘s Antipasto Table, Seasonal Fresh Fruits and Berries, Artisanal Cheese Display, Mediterranean Station, Satay Station, Pasta Station, Sushi Station
All about your gown! I went with a pretty traditional ball gown with lots of beading, but not too pagenty. I wanted to sparkle since it was going to be dark during our wedding ceremony. My veil also had crystals in it.Â
What was your favorite moment? Lauren: I was happy once we finally got to the venue, I could finally feel as if I could relax and everything was in the capable hands of the Liberty House Staff. Leading up to that moment I was nervous about the bridal party, arriving, breakfast sandwiches being delivered to the hotel, you name it. I was also totally shocked by the Hora Loca even though I planned it, it exceeded my expectations. I also orchestrated a first look prank where the best man came out in a dress – I helped arrange the whole thing and whew it was a lot of work keeping the photographer, videographer, events coordinator at the hotel, and bridal party on the same page while keeping it a secret from Ronnie. Once we went to walk out, I saw the best man, Ed in a Lilly Pulitzer dress I had rented from Rent the Runway and I thought to myself…wait, this is why I’m nervous?
Ronnie’s favorite moment were the speeches, the first dance because of the “snow,” pyrotechnics, and the dancing on a “cloud.” That’s also when it really sunk in for Ronnie that it was real. He also loved our intros, he walked in with a custom WWE style belt engraved with “Hardnandez” a combination of our last names that also served as our wedding hashtag. He also loved the speeches – the bride’s sister and Maid of Honor, Kristen, as well as bridesmaid and friend since college, Fiorella, the groom’s best man, Ed, as well as his sister Gigi.
One detail you couldn’t live without? Ronnie has served in the National Guard for over 10 years and served in Afghanistan. I really wanted to pay tribute to his service even though it wasn’t a traditional military wedding so there was a traditional sword cake cutting with the members of our bridal party who deployed with Ronnie taking part, as well as a custom cake topper including Ronnie in dress blues.
Did anything go wrong? The staff at Liberty House was incredible, the pacing was perfect and everything was seamless. Nothing went wrong, we just wanted to do so much! We had purchased sparklers which we wanted to have a photo of and just didn’t get to it, countless songs we didn’t get to, we didn’t have a bouquet toss and instead wanted to give Lauren’s bouquet away to the couple married the longest and even with a reception that was hours long, it just didn’t happen. I also never got to review the names on the mirror with the seating arrangements, some people were left off somehow. I think some people didn’t have tables, but again the staff at Liberty House swooped in, everyone had a chair and a meal and hopefully a great time!
First dance song? “Tenerife Sea,” by Ed Sheeran.
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Any advice for future brides? We somehow got married right before the world turned upside down with the pandemic, but especially during this time, I’d say try not to get caught up with the small stuff.
EMG - Elegant Music Group (DJ, Strings, Percussion) Joe McGonigal - Bagpiper Additional Support for special effects and photo booth, Hora Loca from Custom Entertainment
Videographer
Paul Meister
Transportation
LimoRide - Limos/Shuttle, FilmCars - Classic NYC Taxi for the Bride and Groom
Brides Jewelry
Happily Ever Borrowed, Tiffany
Brides Accessories
Happily Ever Borrowed leather jacket, fur coat that was borrowed