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Michelle and Ryan at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

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Michelle and Ryan at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Allison Dupree

How did you meet?
I was a bartender at my family friend’s restaurant while I was growing my hair and makeup business. The restaurant happened to be next to the Bergen County Courthouse, where Ryan worked as an attorney. We ran into each other during several happy hour outings, and before you know it we began chatting. After a few months we exchanged numbers and went out on a date. The rest is history 6 years later.

How did you get engaged?
Since I am a wedding vendor, I told Ryan it would be challenging to surprise me since I hear all different engagement stories. Well little did I know how surprised I would be.During one of my busiest wedding weekends in August 2016, I got a “frantic” email from a bride who needed hair and makeup for her engagement dinner that Monday in New Hope, PA (one of my favorite towns). Although I was disinclined to drive 2 hours after such a busy weekend, I agreed and the bride and I finalized plans. She needed hair and makeup in the most adorable Bed and Breakfasts where I’ve always wanted to stay. Michelle-Ryan-Park-Chateau

I arrive with all my hair and makeup gear to the bridal suite, prepared to work, and as soon as I open the door Ryan is there on one knee!The greatest joke to the whole story is that Ryan made a fake email and name of the bride which I didn’t process until afterwards — Anita Ring (say it out loud).

After the proposal we called family and had a lovely dinner on the Delaware River.

Details of the day!
We were one of the first couples to be married at Park Chateau. Since the venue was brand-new and had so many beautiful details, we kept our decor simple and understated to let the venue speak for itself.The color scheme was black/white/gray. The bridesmaids wore white (my favorite element of the whole wedding) and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxes for contrast. Michelle-Ryan-Park-Chateau

Flowers were organic and natural, with lots of white anemones and peonies and dusty miller.We had a late-winter wedding, so we kept things classic and simple.

Why did you choose your venue?

My company, Michelle Elise Artistry, is the Preferred Hair and Makeup Vendor for Park Chateau. After working many weddings at their sister properties, Park Savoy and Nanina’s in the Park, I realized the quality of service and experience the owners deliver to their brides. We didn’t look at a single other venue, and actually booked Park Chateau before it was even built.

What was on your menu?
The cake was a simple naked cake with Vanilla cake and buttercream. We had our florist drape flowers all over the cake for an organic feel.The menu was very vast, but we narrowed down to The Chateau Salad, then the guests had a choice between the Chilean Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, or Chicken

All about your gown!
I went to many bridal salons looking for a classic ballgown with a more modern feel. After trying on many different styles, I was so pleased with the customer service experience and dress selection at I Do I Do in Morristown. I knew I wanted straps and some kind of illusion, so my wonderful consultant, Lex, put me in the perfect gown. It was so light to wear and felt so special when I put it on.I initially tried it on with just my sister and mom, and then I put it back on with my entire family and Mother-in-Law to confirm we all loved it. I have never felt more beautiful and special!

What was your favorite moment?
After ceremony, Ryan and I were taken upstairs to the bridal suite to have a sampling of all the cocktail hour food and to have a private moment during the chaos of the day. It was so fun to sit privately and discuss everything about the day and prepare for reception! And also — it was the only time we actually got to eat the fabulous food at Park Chateau!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
The white bridesmaid’s dresses and my Christian Louboutins with a big heart on them!

Did anything go wrong?
The weather was labeled a “monsoon” for our wedding-day, so we were unable to take any photos outside as hoped for. However, Park Chateau is so beautiful inside, we still got stunning shots from our fabulous photographer and didn’t think twice about the rain!

First dance song?
Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith

Any advice for future brides?
There are always last-minute details to prepare for the month leading up to your wedding. Don’t stress — it will all get done!Also, take a second during reception to look around the room and realize all of these people came from near and far to celebrate your love and union. It is the most warming and crazy feeling in the world!

Honeymoon Location?

We did one week in St. Lucia at the Sandals, La Toc resort. We chose this particular island because Sandals has 3 different resorts you can bounce back and forth between, so we felt like we were getting all different experiences in one trip.