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Meghan and Michael at South Gate Manor

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Meghan and Michael at South Gate Manor

Posted on April 04, 2018 by 18kbehari@nj.spboe.org

How did you meet?
We met online, after years of experiencing the frustrations that go along with it. When we met, we had immediate chemistry and became friends before anything else. Our friendship blossomed into love.

How did you get engaged?
We got engaged a month before moving in together. We went out for ice cream and when we got into the car, Michael asked me for napkins from the glove compartment (which is always stocked with napkins, so I didn’t think anything of it). There in the corner, was a box. He told me to open it and as I gasped in shock, he took it from me and asked me to marry him. It was a simple proposal, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Details of the day!
Our wedding day was very romantic with a lot of soft colors, with just a touch of a bold burgundy. Since we got married in December, our venue very lightly decorated for Christmas, and it added a special touch to our day. My wedding gown was champagne with an ivory lace overlay, and our bridesmaids’ gowns were a deep wine color, so in order to keep up with the soft, romantic vibe, our florist created beautiful bouquets and centerpieces of ivory, light pinks, light greens, and burgundy flowers. She said my bouquet was one of her favorites she’d ever created.

For our favors, we chose to give our guests something that they could enjoy forever, so we put wildflower seeds in a packet and labeled them with “Let Love Grow”, along with a special message from us. As an added bonus, we also gave out personalized chocolate covered oreos, courtesy of Chocolate Carousel.

Why did you choose your venue?
I went venue shopping to scope the ones I liked, and then planned on bringing Michael. South Gate Manor was the first one I saw, and it was serious competition. The moment I overlooked the beautiful garden, I had that feeling that this was where I would marry Michael. The overall elegance of the venue along with how accommodating the owners are really sold me. We gladly signed our contract, and I knew that our wedding would be extraordinary, and it was.

What was on your menu

Our cocktail hour was packed with everything you could think of – comfort food, carving stations, Asian station, fruit, cheeses, and even a cheese wheel. Everyone was coming up to us during the cocktail hour and told us they were already full, and that was nothing.

During the reception, we served a pear and provolone salad, and a choice of risotto or autumn squash soup. In between the second and third entrees, we were served sorbetto to cleanse our palettes. For the entree, our guests had the option to choose from five meals – steak, stuffed chicken breast, pecan crusted salmon, stuffed pork chop, or eggplant parmigiana. Finally, dessert: milk and while chocolate fountains with an assortment of things to cover, such as graham crackers, marshmallows, and pretzels; a fried food station, with fried oreos, donuts, and zeppoles; an ice cream sundae and milkshake station, which was a total hit. As bride and groom, we were made special milkshakes, which consisted of two huge mugs covered in sprinkles.

On top of all of that, we had two wedding cakes – our traditional wedding cake with lace detail, which was vanilla cake with a raspberry creme filling, and a grooms cake that I surprised my husband with, which was Batman and Catwoman overlooking Gotham City. It was a chocolate cake with peanut butter mousse.

All about your gown!
I visited Bridal Suite Boutique in Hamilton on my second attempt to find my dress. The moment I walked in, I knew I’d find my dress there. After trying on about 12 or so gowns, I fell in love with mine from Casablanca, style 2201. It showed off my figure perfectly and the detail was exquisite. The color was champagne with an ivory lace overlay, but the lace was so strategically placed that it was slightly different from the traditional wedding gowns we all know and love. To boot, the sample fit me like a glove. As a plus size woman, my fear was that I wouldn’t find the dress that truly made me feel like a bride. I didn’t want to take this dress off, and that’s how I knew it was the one.

What was your favorite moment?
My favorite moment was our exchange of the wedding vows. Michael and I wrote our own vows, and they were both personal and intimate, really showcasing the love that we have for one another.

Another favorite moment was my dad walking me down the aisle. It was such a special moment for me because for a very long time, my father battled an illness that didn’t promise him that he’d someday give his little girl away.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Our background for both the ceremony and our sweetheart table. It is a fireplace on wheels, so moving it from location to location is simple. It’s so gorgeous and fit so perfectly with our romantic theme.

Did anything go wrong?
Absolutely nothing went wrong, and I can honestly say, it was thanks to South Gate Manor and their amazing staff, especially maitre’d, Jennifer and bridal attendant, Lisette, The two of them made our day absolutely perfect by going above and beyond for us, our bridal party, our families, and our guests.

First dance song?
We are a very traditional couple, but we wanted to be a little different when it came to our first dance. We chose a song that isn’t the typical love song, but the lyrics sum us up perfectly: “Everything” by Alanis Morissette.

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy every moment of wedding planning. It can sometimes be a pain in the neck, but once it’s over, there’s a very bittersweet feeling that overcomes you. More importantly, enjoy every second of your big day – it goes so fast. Don’t forget that the wedding is just a perk; the bigger picture is that you’re starting a beautiful life with the one you love.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We took a “mini moon” to Cape May right after our wedding. We stayed at the Southern Mansion and explored the town. On June 30, 2018, we are leaving for our California honeymoon, beginning with San Francisco, taking a few days to relax on Catalina Island, then exploring Los Angeles. We will even be taking a day trip to Disneyland!

the details

Hometowns

Wanamassa

Ceremony Location

South Gate Manor

Reception Location

South Gate Manor

Photographer

J&R Guarino Photography

Officiant

JJ Vacchiano

Bride’s Gown

Casablanca

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Meghan and Michael at South Gate Manor

the details

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