For Gabriella Mantilla, choosing a theme for her engagement party was easy. Growing up, her parents were in the aviation industry, she’s an avid traveler herself and fiancé Michael Latona also loves exploring, so a “Love is in the Air” theme was perfect.
Gabriella, who is a lifestyle influencer (@gabriellaamariaa) on Instagram, and Mike chose Ferraro’s in Westfield to host their lively engagement party on March 22, 2025.
Because their June 2026 destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, will be intimate, the couple thought, “Let’s make this engagement party feel like a wedding,” says Gabriella.
A boarding pass-style invitation arrived in the mail for the 75 guests. On the night of the party, women dressed as flight attendants welcomed guests. A sign that looked like an airport departure board listed the guests’ names along with their gate, which was their table number. On the tables, there were little gold airplanes with corresponding numbers. Drinks included an espresso martini called a “jet fuel martini.”
After cocktail hour, Gabriella and Mike made a grand entrance to the EDM song “The Flight” by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. The costumed flight attendants waved flashlights as if they were landing a plane before the beat dropped and the couple entered. “The whole room had all this energy,” says Gabriella.
Guests were further entertained by a live painter who created portraits of guests, an audio guest book, a cigar roller, a DJ and a photo booth along with a multicourse Italian meal. Carlo’s Bakery crafted a black-and-gold cake with a gold airplane topper. For favors, guests took home individual mini Nutella-filled panettones.
Engagement Party Vendors
Venue: Ferraro’s Restaurant, Westfield Photo & Video: MediaScher DJ: LJDJs Dress: Jovani from Castle Couture Makeup: @mariabarzalloseara Hair: @suzie_styless Florals & Decor: The Endiy Shop Cake: Carlo’s Bakery Photo Booth: Snapped Society Cigars: Cortez Cigars Audio Guest Book: LoveLine Live Guest Sketches: Zac Crawford Invitations: Margo&Bees Wedding Stationery Favors: Settepani Bakery Menu Design: Karma K. Weddings
