Real Weddings
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Rossella and Paul at The Rockleigh

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Ariana Baio


Paul was friends with my ex-boyfriend and I was friends with his ex-girlfriend. My ex asked if he could bring his friends to my sweet sixteen specifically saying Paul. Fast forward four years, we began dating for a year. We broke up then rekindled five years later.

We were on a family vacation with my family in Bahamas. Paul and I went out to dinner at one of the restaurants in the Baha Mar and afterwards he got down on one knee in front of their grand staircases and I said “yes.”

Paul is more modern whereas I am more traditional. I tried to incorporate both elements- I used acrylic for our welcome sign and cake topper. I love crystals and marble so our cake was exposed marble with the blue crystals to match the blue bridesmaid dresses.

The Rockleigh is just breathtaking from the moment you step foot inside. We were wowed by the chandeliers, the walls and marbles. When you walk outside and there are fountains, pools and a beautiful garden. Everything was unreal. Jeff was also a great contribution!

Our cake was white and chocolate combo cake with chocolate ganache and cappuccino creme. Our menu had a summer/fall salad with seasonal fruits, an anelletti pasta, and choice of three entrees- filet mignon, chicken and sea bass.
 


Our entrance and first dance. When we got introduced as Mr. and Mrs.  we heard and saw everyone cheering and the hardships of being a Covid bride went out the window. For Paul, the exiting of the church was his favorite moment. We loved the amount of cheers we got, we felt the love.

We never saw ourselves having our reception outside. But due to Covid and wanting to accommodate everyone comfortably, we held our reception outside. I would not change it for anything. We were able to hold the cocktail hour and viennese stations indoor (with tables outside) so everyone got to witness the beauty of the ballroom while still maintaining safe social distancing. An outdoor reception made it so intimate and it was perfect- especially with the amazing weather.

So many things. The groomsmen did not have their boutonnieres for the mass. There was caution tape at the church to maintain a 6-foot distance, and while it was helpful it looked ugly. I had to bed to try to cover it up, so my sister, cousin and I tried our best to cover it with white ribbon the night before.

“I Am Yours” by Andy Grammar

I know being a Covid bride is horrible but do not try to rush the date, enjoy the whole journey. I was so tired and ready to get the day past me, but man do I have the wedding blues now. I wish I could redo the whole thing all over again. Everything will work out. Also treat your vendors with respect, they are in the same boat as you.

We just booked a few days in Montauk for the time being.

the details

Hometowns

Westchester

Reception Location

The Rockleigh

Photographer

Jesse Rinka Photography

Bride’s Gown

Enzoani

Hair

Rosa Russo

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