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Leslie and James at The Wilshire Grand

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Leslie and James at The Wilshire Grand

Posted on August 17, 2018 by New Jersey Bride

How did you meet?
A friend of mine and I met up for drinks at a bar around the corner. It was just an average weeknight with two friends catching up over a couple cocktails. We sat down at the corner of the bar next to some mutual friends. Jimmy happened to be with guys we knew and caught my eye immediately. He sent over a drink, came over, and introduced himself. He was charming, and funny, and something just special I can’t quite put into words. We talked for quite some time and eventually said our goodnights. That was just the beginning of our love story.

How did you get engaged?
May 27, 2017- We drove up to Otter Lake Camp Resort early in the morning to spend Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Jimmy asked me if we could take some pictures by the lake just as we had done the last trip. We walked over to a small dock where his mom snapped a couple of photos and handed over the phone to see if we liked any of them. Jimmy handed me his phone asking if I like the picture. I looked down at a picture of Jimmy and my father. I knew immediately that picture meant he met my father to ask for his blessing. As I looked up from the phone, he is on one knee holding a box with the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. I was completely surprised!!

Details of the day!
We decided on a traditional and classic theme. We would marry in the church Jimmy grew up going to, followed by a cocktail hour and reception. Our colors were navy with gold accents. The flowers were simple yet beautiful arrangements of white roses and blue hydrangea. My bouquet was all white roses with the handle wrapped in a piece of lace from my mother’s veil. The matron of honor and bridesmaids wore navy gowns with gold shoes. The men wore traditional 3 piece tuxedos. Jimmy wore a black vest and bow tie, while his groomsmen wore navy vests and bow ties. In lieu of favors, we donated to St Jude Children’s Hospital, which is near and dear to our hearts being that Jimmy is a childhood cancer survivor.

Our ceremony was at St Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ where guests were greeted with the beautiful sound of bagpipes (which I kept a surprise). As I waited in the back of the church, my 3 year old nephew (ring bearer) walked down the aisle with his mom (my sister and matron of honor). Instead of a pillow, he carried a small briefcase that said “ring security” on it. The briefcase popped open at the end of the aisle and out spilled a bunch of toys!! He shouted “oh no!” and the church erupted in laughter. Oh how I wish I could have witnessed that! Thanks to our officiant, Deacon Tom Kimak, the rest of the ceremony was amazing. We quickly got through the receiving line and photos, and then headed to Verona Park for additional photos. Then it was off to the hospital…

Unfortunately, my 93-year-old grandfather fell and broke his hip the day before the wedding. Our awesome photographer, Renee Merlino, offered to take photos at the hospital. My husband and I had planned on going with Renee alone, but as we left the park, we decided the entire bridal party would go. The party bus dropped us off in front of the hospital and we all squeezed into the elevator and finally into Pa’s room. Jimmy brought a tuxedo t-shirt (from his bachelor party) and we draped it over my grandfather and pinned on his boutonniere. Pa told us that someone live streamed the ceremony to the television in his room so it was as if he was there. We got a bunch of great photos before he kicked us out and told us to go enjoy the rest of our special day.

We finally arrive at The Wilshire Grand and our bridal attendant whisks us away so we can eat. We sampled a few items from cocktail stations in our bridal suite and then joined our guests. Soon it was time for the introductions and reception. We had beautiful dances with each other, my dad and I, and Jimmy and his mom. After that, we were able to enjoy this day we had worked so hard for. Our DJ did an excellent job of keeping the dance floor full the entire night. We danced, we laughed, and we loved, until the very last song of the night. “I’ve had the time of my life” which describes our day perfectly.

Why did you choose your venue?
Jimmy and I had gone together to look at two other venues. The Wilshire Grand was the third on our list. I walked in with my mom for the first time and I just loved it. After looking at it and meeting with the banquet manager, the venue met all of our requirements and we signed the contract a few days later. Everything was exceptional! It was beyond what we ever imagined. The food, the staff, and the premises were amazing!!

What was on your menu?
The cocktail hour had an array of choices. There were traditional passed hors d’oeuvres in addition to the classic carving and pasta stations. We also picked some stations that were reflective of us. One station being “The Jersey Shore” which had sausage and pepper sandwiches, build your own cheesesteaks, and buckets of beer. The Asian station gave our guests the opportunity to sharpen their chopstick skills while sampling dumplings and lomein. And my favorite, the mac and cheese station, which offered options such as truffle, bacon, and broccoli.

For the appetizer/salad combination we had baby field greens with a port wine poached pear, baked brie in phyllo, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, mandarin oranges and raspberries topped with a raspberry vinaigrette. The main course options were filet mignon served with a demi glaze; chicken valdostano stuffed with prosciutto, fontina cheese and spinach, served with a mushroom sauce; honey and mango glazed salmon; all served with pavé potato and vegetable bundle.

The dessert was a sampler plate, which included a waffle basket with vanilla ice cream, seasonal berries, whipped cream and raspberry sauce; a chocolate dipped strawberry, and a piece of wedding cake. Our cake was a four-tier cake from Palermo’s Bakery. Two layers were chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and two layers were lemon cake with lemon mousse. The outside was all white buttercream frosting with simple details.

All about your gown!
I would describe my dress as classic with a modern twist. It is an off the shoulder, ivory lace mermaid. I added a Swarovski crystal belt to give the dress some sparkle. I knew I did not want something that you see often. I had seen an off shoulder gown online and I knew I had to have that style. Park Avenue Bridal had just gotten a new Pronovias sample. I tried it on and loved it immediately but I still tried on others to get the whole experience. When I tried it on for the second time I was sure it was the one.

What was your favorite moment?
My favorite moment was seeing Jimmy at the altar. We did not do a first look so moment I saw him, I was overjoyed and all my nerves disappeared. However, seeing my grandfather in the hospital was such a special moment that we will always cherish. I am forever grateful that we were able to share our day with him even if it did not go as planned.

Did anything go wrong?

Yes, but we were so happy and in the moment that the minor errors did not even matter.

First dance song?
Brett Young – In case you didn’t know

Any advice for future brides?
Be as organized as possible and try to recruit help. I wanted everything so perfect that I did a lot by myself (by my own choice). I wish I had let people help when they offered. As other brides had advised me, try to step back and take it all in at some point during the reception. It really goes by so fast!

Honeymoon Location
We went on a “mini-moon” for a few days at Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs.

the details

Hometowns

Riverdale, NJ

Ceremony Location

St Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes

Reception Location

The Wilshire Grand

Photographer

Photography by Renee (Renee Merlino)

Officiant

Deacon Tom Kimak at St Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ

Bride’s Gown

Pronovias

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Leslie and James at The Wilshire Grand

the details

Hometowns

Ceremony Location

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Favors

Honeymoon

Brides Jewelry

Brides Accessories