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Stephanie and Max at The Estate at Florentine Gardens

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Stephanie and Max at The Estate at Florentine Gardens

Posted on April 01, 2022 by New Jersey Bride

How did you meet?
Max and I first met in high school back in 2008. I was a freshman and he was a senior. However, we later reconnected in college and the rest is history! We have been inseparable ever since!

How did you get engaged?
We got in engaged in Paris on August 16, 2018. It was beautiful and truthfully my dream engagement! We had a photoshoot planned for that morning when he popped the question! We had giant pink and white balloons that couldn’t even fit inside of a European tiny car. I planned two outfit changes because I wanted the photo shoot to be magical but little did I know his proposal would be the most magical event that day.

Details of the day!
As I began planning my wedding, I wanted the theme to be soft, elegant, and airy. I chose white, blush, and touches of gold. My bridesmaids also carried the soft and airy theme with their light-colored champagne dresses. I had a custom bouquet holder made from Body Werk Jewels. It was covered in rhinestones and had a cursive “E” detail for my new last name. The bouquet was filled with beautifully scented White O’Hara roses. Our centerpieces by Wedded Events were phenomenal! She included white and quicksand roses. My cake was also a beautiful detail. When I went to visit A Little Cake, I explained I wanted the cake to be as tall as I am and they delivered in every sense! They created a cake covered in sugar flowers and it sure towered over us.

Why did you choose your venue?
I chose The Estate at Florentine Gardens because of how open, bright, and airy it felt. They have recently done renovations and it is even more beautiful than before! The ballroom is crisp, regal, and has a wow factor! Every time we went to visit the venue, we could smell the amazing food outside and that is always a good sign. After trying their food at a showcase, our assumptions were correct– to die for! My family still raves about how amazing their food is! Ciro and his team go over and beyond for the bride and groom prior to the wedding day and on the wedding day. My bridal attendant made sure I was taken care of from the moment I stepped on the property until I was on the hotel shuttle.

What was on your menu?
We had a full-hour cocktail hour along with a live pianist. For our first course, we had lobster risotto. For our entree, guests had the option of Chateaubriand of beef, Jack Daniels Pink Peppercorn Cream Sauce, French Cut Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Ricotta, Black Truffle Red Wine Demi Miso Glazed, Chilean Sea Bass Teriyaki Beurre Blanc. For dessert, we had a Viennese dessert display and wedding cake. Our wedding cake flavor was the most challenging to decide on because I love chocolate but most people don’t. We decided on vanilla and chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and bavarian cream– all in one slice! Many of my guests said it was the best cake they have ever had and their favorite so far at any wedding! As guests were leaving, we had send-off treats! Mini donuts and pretzels along with coffee, iced coffee, tea, espresso, and cappuccino.

All about your gown!
My dress was everything I wanted in a bridal gown. I had pictures of it saved on my Pinterest and instantly knew it was the dress for me. I can easily say I tried on close to 100 dresses but my heart was always with Galia Lahav. I went back to Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue and got the first dress that I tried on. I simply could not get it out of my head nor stop talking about it–that is how I knew! My dress had Galia Lahav’s signature low back. The dress was made of crotcheted ivory lace and had a full tulle skirt. I also added a detachable cathedral train for extra drama! My dress was very special to me because it made me feel like a bride and it was truly my dream dress. I was honored to wear such a beautiful gown on my wedding day.

What was your favorite moment?
My favorite moment was our first look! It was such an intimate moment where my husband was rocking back and forth with anxiousness and I was filled with excitement. The moment he turned around– instant tears! The tears running down his face lasted preciously for a few minutes. He was truly speechless in the best way possible!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
One detail I couldn’t live without was my elegant floral arrangements! Wedded Events turned all my dreams into a reality. Nada created a warm, romantic, and elegant ballroom. When I walked into the ballroom, I was blown away by all the flowers, candles, and our head table. She also created a stage for the head table to sit on and it was absolutely beautiful. The ballroom was covered in candles creating a romantic ambiance. Our family estate tables and head tables were especially my favorites!

Did anything go wrong?
Our beautiful flower girl misplaced her flower bouquet. It was minutes before walking down the aisle and everyone was frantically looking for a mini bouquet (because she did not want a basket). However, she worked it down the aisle!! She held her hands and walked like the princess that she is. She displayed her beautiful tulle gown with a lace bodice and even did twirls at the end of the aisle for all to see. It was the sweetest thing!

First dance song?
Our first dance song was “All for You” by The Light The Heat. We danced on clouds during our first dance and had sparklers during the high points of the song! It was truly spectacular!

Any advice for future brides?
Have fun and enjoy the process! Once the wedding is over, there is nothing else to plan or a big day to look forward to. Soak it all in and enjoy every moment. The planning seems endless but the day goes by so quickly.

Honeymoon Location
We had our Mini-Moon in Miami, FL where we stayed at the 1 Hotel. It was wonderful! We will be enjoying our official honeymoon in July of 2022 when we will fly across the world to Bora Bora!

the details

Reception Location

The Estate at Florentine Gardens

Photographer

Jaymo Jaymes

Officiant

Reverend Michael Whalen

Bride’s Gown

Galia Lahav

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Stephanie and Max at The Estate at Florentine Gardens

the details

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Brides Jewelry

Brides Accessories