Over-The-Top White Florals Created a Fairytale Wedding

Melissa and Carmine wed on August 11, 2024 at The Rockleigh.

Their Story 

Melissa likes to believe in what she calls the “invisible string theory.” Melissa and Carmine both went to college in New Jersey, but despite being in the same place for years, it wasn’t until a mutual connection stepped in that their paths finally crossed.

“I noticed him first and thought he was handsome,” says Melissa. “Our friend showed him my Instagram and his response was, ‘I’ll marry her right now.’ It was bold, but he stuck to his word.”

The Proposal

They got engaged on Labor Day 2023 in Montauk, “his favorite place in the world,” says Melissa.

“It was picture perfect, during sunset on the beach with white petals and roses everywhere. He had our family and close friends surprise me by joining us to celebrate all together.”

[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]

Details of the Day

The theme of their wedding day was pure romance. For the florals, they chose elegant white orchids that perfectly complemented the timeless atmosphere.

Even Melissa’s first dress was designed to capture a romantic, fairytale vibe—it was a custom-made ballgown with a dramatic ruffled skirt and a cathedral-length veil “that made me feel like I’d stepped straight out of a storybook,” says the bride.

Choosing the Venue

They chose The Rockleigh and couldn’t have been happier. “The clean, timeless aesthetic was exactly what I wanted for everything to feel romantic, with the decor enhancing the space rather than competing with it,” says Melissa.

Their guests couldn’t stop raving about the food and cocktail hour,”even weeks after the wedding, family and friends were still talking about how It was the best food they’ve had at a wedding,” says Melissa.

Favorite Moment

Melissa’s favorite moment of the entire day was the car ride from the church to the reception venue.

“For the first time after our ceremony, it was just me and my husband,” says Melissa. “We had a chance to sit back, breathe and reflect on the fact that we were officially married. It was a quiet pause before the excitement of the reception kicked in.”

Detail You Couldn’t Live Without

“My florist executed my vision flawlessly, creating a setup that was even more beautiful than I had imagined—especially on our sweetheart table,” says Melissa. “Between the stunning stage, the lush arrangements and the elegant draping behind us, it truly felt like we were royalty for the day.”

Wedding Day Attire

Both Melissa and Carmine opted for outfit changes during the day, all being custom-made to reflect their personal styles.

“My first dress was a grand, traditional ball gown with a romantic twist, a dramatic ruffled skirt and an over the top train,” says Melissa. “My second look was a one-shoulder, knee-length party dress with a statement bow.”

Advice for Other Couples

Have fun with the wedding planning process! It can definitely feel overwhelming at times, but try to keep the joy alive. Don’t rush into decisions—take your time, and make sure you really connect with your vendors before committing. Interviewing them is key to finding the right fit for your vision.

Honeymoon

The newlyweds kicked things off in Lake Como, “the most magical place that felt like you’re walking through a real-life painting,” says Melissa.

“Our second stop was Sardinia and it quickly became our favorite part of the trip,” says Melissa. “The island offered the perfect mix of everything: wine tours, beaches with crystal-clear waters, & vibrant nightlife. It’s definitely a place we’d love to revisit.”

They wrapped up their honeymoon in Venice.

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