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ToniAnn and Michael at The Grove

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ToniAnn and Michael at The Grove

Posted on June 20, 2022 by New Jersey Bride

How did you meet?
It’s an old-school story: Our families were friends and one thing led to another. Our wedding was very special as we’re both musicians and often work for others on the other side of this day. My husband is one of the owners of Elegant Music Group.

How did you get engaged?
Michael proposed outside the Palace Hotel in NYC in front of their breathtaking Christmas tree opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Details of the day!
We had a winter-themed wedding. The bridesmaids wore cranberry red satin dresses with black fur stoles. My husband’s details such as his bow tie and tux slippers were velvet. Our flowers were all white with branches.

Why did you choose your venue?
As wedding professionals, there was only ever one choice for us. The Grove’s food and service are beyond exceptional. Since my husband spends every weekend in wedding venues, once we were engaged it took us about 20 seconds to lock in our venue.

What was on your menu?
When asked to choose the food for our day, we were indecisive and so we went with it all…Literally! The cocktail hour offered everything from a beautifully displayed raw bar, choice carving stations of prime cuts, Mediterranean fare, far east delicacies, and many Italian staples that we grew up on. Guests enjoyed a fork and knife caesar salad as a first course, before choosing from a braised short rib, Mediterranean branzino, or stuffed chicken breast as an entree. Our menu concluded without a decadent and over-the-top Viennese hour.

All about your gown!
I chose an A-line satin dress with a beaded bodice. The back of the dress was scooped and open, featuring mesh lining on the sides. It also featured diamonds running down the cathedral-length train. Bonus feature and why I choose it: it had pockets! It reminded me of a royal wedding.

What was your favorite moment?
Our day had so many moments that we’ll cherish forever, but as musicians, our favorite moment naturally occurred on the stage, performing together. My husband’s band, CityScape & The Park Avenue Horns, jumped up to entertain our guests for a short set after dinner and I soon joined in. There were so many musicians in attendance that the whole night was one amazing performance after the next.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
My bridal headpiece and white fur stole!

Did anything go wrong?
We rolled with the punches and everything went flawlessly!

First dance song?
At Last – Etta James

Any advice for future brides?
Breathe and enjoy the moments. It goes fast, so don’t sweat the imperfections.

Honeymoon Location?
Belgium & Paris

the details

Reception Location

The Grove

Photographer

Justin Pedrick Photography

Officiant

Father Gabriel Curtis

Bride’s Gown

Jaehee Bridal

+ more

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ToniAnn and Michael at The Grove

the details

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Brides Jewelry