Michael & Garrett at Park Savoy Estate

Michael and Garrett, who have a popular Instagram account @TheHomeUpdate, where they share DIY projects and home decor inspiration, opted for a formal, black-tie event for their Park Savoy Estate wedding. The couple shares an appreciation for historic homes, so the venue’s timeless decor and rich history seamlessly complemented their vision.

By Susan Brierly Bush

Their Story

Michael Cristantiello, of Nutley, and Garrett McConville, of Dumont, both attended Ramapo College, but didn’t meet until a mutual friend’s graduation party in 2014. They soon began chatting on Instagram, then met up at a Starbucks the following January. “We were officially dating in under a month—we just knew!” says Michael. Throughout the first four years of their relationship, they traveled between New Jersey and the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where Garrett was pursuing his doctorate. During that time, Michael, a business owner and content creator, purchased their house and began making it a home.

The Proposal

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple fell in love with the Hamptons, a favorite weekend getaway to relax and go antiquing. It was the perfect destination to kick off their engagement. “As a same-sex couple, we had the ability to customize exactly how we wanted our proposal to go, without having to follow societal traditions,” says Garrett. So, they purchased their rings together, booked an Airbnb and proposed to each other on Two Mile Hollow Beach in East Hampton. “There were no surprises, but it was perfect and exactly what we wanted,” says Michael.

Their Park Savoy Estate Wedding

About 250 guests attended the April 7, 2023, wedding—a formal, black-tie event at the Park Savoy. Michael and Garrett share an appreciation for historic homes, so the venue’s timeless decor and rich history seamlessly complemented their vision. “Our venue’s 19th-century charm and classic architecture were just right, without feeling too grand,” says Michael. The couple wore ivory tuxedo jackets and black trousers, and the wedding party, including two tiny ring bearers, donned elegant black attire. Following a cocktail hour feast, a sit-down dinner featured chateaubriand, branzino, chicken saltimbocca and veggie entrée options. Their wedding cake, from Calandra’s, was white with black details. Additional treats included a Viennese dessert table with mini ice cream cones. “The food at the Park Savoy is the best in the state, and we’ve been to many weddings!” says Garrett.

Floral Design Details

In lieu of traditional wedding flowers and centerpieces, Michael and Garrett preferred a sophisticated, masculine vibe. They asked their floral designer to create large “trees” constructed of dark greenery and strong branches. The grooms’ table-for-two was also decorated with greenery, as well as abundant candles.

Favorite Wedding-Day Details

For wedding favors, Michael and Garrett made homemade limoncello and bottled it themselves. One of the groomsmen constructed an exact replica of the couple’s home to use as a card box, which paid homage to their popular Instagram account @TheHomeUpdate, where they share DIY projects and home decor inspiration with 15,000 followers.

Their Favorite Moment

The couple’s favorite part was celebrating with everyone on the packed dance floor. “New Power Soul’s music and performance was electrifying, and many of our guests told us that the energy and love in the room were palpable,” says Michael. For the after-party, a DJ kept the music going, and the Park Savoy hosted an extra hour of boardwalk- and diner-style food.

Honeymoon

Michael and Garrett enjoyed a wine country mini-moon to Napa, California, and plan a trip to Italy later in the year. They are at home in Essex County.