Archive for the ‘A Wedding Story’ Category

Alina and Richie

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Alina and Richie were recently married in Miami at the stunning Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Having spent so much time getting to know Alina and helping her choose the perfect bridal headpiece, we were so happy when she shared a video clip with us from her wedding day! Watching their day unfold in such a romantic and meaningful way, we wanted to know more, and invited Alina and Richie to share their story with us:

Alina & Richie

When Alina started dating Richie, she knew she had found the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. “It felt so natural to be together, as if we knew each other all our lives. I knew automatically Richie was the man I was going to marry!”

After a fairy tale romance, Alina was whisked to a private yacht in Miami where she was wined, dined, and asked for her hand underneath exploding fireworks. Once they returned home, Alina and Richie began planning their wedding!

Following a brief flirtation with the idea of celebrating their nuptials in Curacao, where Alina’s parents were wed, they decided on Miami.  After all, they had shared so many wonderful memories there, and it would be the perfect place to host their intimate, formal wedding. The hard part choosing the venue!

Then, “…a relative suggested Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. When we saw the historic venue, we were speechless and impressed. We knew our wedding had to be there.“ Before Alina and Richie knew it, their wedding day had arrived, and it was everything they had dreamed.

Alina + Richard from Senderey Video on Vimeo.

“Everything went off without a hitch. Our wedding was the most amazing day of our lives. Bridal Styles designed the most unique, beautiful, and intricate piece for me, one truly fit for a princess. Monica’s Bridal completed my look with a beautiful, custom designed gown.

Alina & Richie

White roses and orchids flowed throughout our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, completing our romantic white and gold theme. The cocktail hour took place on a historic terrace overlooking a stone barge on Biscayne Bay, and ceremony in front of the beautiful Vizcayan gardens. Our reception was inside the mansion. Its courtyard was filled with tall centerpieces, lit up with magical pink lights, setting a romantic tone. We truly achieved our formal and elegant look!

Alina & Richie

The food, catered by Tatiana Restaurant in Miami, was amazing. Our guests continue to compliment us on it!  The music was performed by Bremen’s Band, flown in from New York.  They were amazing and our guests did not leave the dance floor.

Alina & Richie

Our guest list consisted of 65 of our closest friends and family. We wanted an intimate wedding, surrounded by the people who know us best and love us unconditionally, creating an atmosphere of love and family.

Alina & Richie

Our wedding day was truly amazing. I can’t pick one thing I loved most because everything was perfect! One of my favorite memories is sitting for a moment during the reception, looking around and taking everyone and everything in so I could keep the memory for a lifetime.”

Best wishes, Alina and Richie! Thank you so much for sharing your story and video with us!

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in A Wedding Story | No Comments »

Jessica and Alfredo

Friday, June 4th, 2010

The Perfect Pair

 

The Begining

Jessica and Alfredo met 10 years ago through a childhood friend, who thought that they would make a great couple. Within minutes of meeting and smiling at each other, they felt comfortable together. “Our first date was like nothing I experienced before, Alfredo was so confident which made me calm. Our conversation continued through the night, we spoke about all our dreams and wants for the future” recalls Jessica.

The Proposal

They discussed getting engaged, even started searching for the perfect ring. However, Alfredo wanted it to happen naturally.  “On November 12, 2010, Alfredo and I went to Garret Mountain, where we would visit often to sight see. Alfredo decided to stop where there was a beautiful lake and great gazebo. He held my hand and guided me to the gazebo when the sun was setting. Alfredo seemed nervous, without a clue; he got down on one knee and said the most amazing words. I was so surprised and nervous that I closed my eyes and just took a minute; it was a magical moment I’ll never forget.”

The Bride’s Look

“I have been planning my wedding, in my mind, since my first big girl dress, which I wore to my preschool graduation. My mom and I went on the hunt for the perfect dress just for me and I found it at East West Bridals in Secaucus NJ. I chose a Private Label by G gown, a design that made me feel like a bride.

Now, choosing my bridal headpiece is where I wanted to something rare. The day I found Bridal Styles Boutique’s website I knew my search was over. On our adventure to Brooklyn, we got lost and I thought we would never make it. I was happily surprised when I called, and Edward answered and said don’t worry, we will wait for you. My sister, mom and I finally arrived, meeting a delightful man who two hours later became a special friend to our family forever. The headpiece that I found was like fairy tale, when Edward placed it on my head it was an emotional overwhelming feeling that I never experienced before. It was exquisite! My family and I had a moment one dreams of, their faces said it all. We decided to change it a little and make it one of kind by adding more crystals. Edward did just that, it became the center of the wedding night. The day I picked my wedding  jewelry, Elaine guided me through so many wonderful looks; I went with a design that resembled my theme (The Perfect Pear) pear shaped CZ’s. It really completed the look. “

 

The Wedding

“After Alfredo and I got engaged I started to research ideas. One day passing Carlos Bakery in Hoboken I saw a cake dripping in pears. I got the idea about (The Perfect Pear), which became our signature idea.

The wedding Day was absolutely amazing from getting my hair done to the end of the night. It was truly a special day to have both moms and bridesmaids with me at the Salon.  As soon as I sat down to get my make-up done, my photographer arrived flashing pictures. It was really becoming my special day.

The ceremony and reception was at the Shadowbrook in Shrewbury NJ.  This is truly magical place. It is an elegant Georgian Mansion set on 20 secluded and beautiful manicured acres. The reception was held in the grand style Oak Room, their largest room beautiful floor to ceiling windows overlooking the main garden. The room looked even more beautiful with all of the stunning flowers from Buds and Blossoms florist from Brielle, NJ.

   Alfredo and I wanted our wedding to represent both of our cultures. My aunt made us beautiful table the represented a Persian Aghd that means wedding. For example we used the honey symbol which means sweetness in life. When Alfredo and I shared the honey I felt part of an old tradition that now will be part of us forever.

 The ceremony was personalized to us; we worked with a minister who told us the key word was “Be Creative”. We not only exchanged wedding rings we exchange friendship rings which to us represents our foundation. We share not only love, honesty, and respect but we share our friendship too. We also wrote our own vows, it was more meaningful to be able to create our special words. 

   Our reception was a blast. It had a its own personal touch with a perfect pear wedding cake from Piece O’Cake in Shrewbury NJ, perfect pear place cards and even a pear wishing tree where our guest wrote down wishes and hung it on the tree. My sister did a dedication Persian dance that was absolutely wonderful. She got the party started.

For our first dance, we did was a four piece song that was mixed by our DJ. We wanted to do something different. The songs we choose were, of course, our slow song, a fun club song, a Spanish song and a Persian song. Wow, it came out perfect. Even our bridal party joined us at the end during the Persian dance. It was great feeling! I also did a special slow dance with my mom with all the mothers and daughters. Morello Entertainment did a fabulous job! The entire night was filled with dancing, laughing, and excitement.”

The Most Memorable Moment

“Our special and memorable moment was sitting at our table watching the guests and saying “WOW, is this really happening to us?”. The day was ours, no matter what happen before or after. We knew that everyone there was there because they loved us. “

Words of Advice from the Newlyweds

Jessica- “Allow yourself to enjoy the process, don’t get caught up in the perfection but in the journey of the unknown. Many brides including myself want perfection but you miss out on the pleasure of meeting new people and interesting ideas. “

Alfredo- “Be honest and always remember friendship is number one. “ 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in A Wedding Story | No Comments »

Vlera and Luan

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

A Traditional Wedding 

Vlera & Luan 1

 

The Beginning                                                                                                                                                           

In 2003, after living in Germany for some time, Luan came to America to visit his brother. It turned out, that his brother just happened to be married to Vlera’s sister. Luan and Vlera met and became fast friends. After Luan moved to United States, they grew closer and became best friends.  As the years passed, they fell in love and realized that they were meant to be together, FOREVER! “The quote we used on our invitation was This day I will marry my best friend, the one I will laugh with, live for and love and that is us!” says Vlera

 

The Proposal

September 9th 2006, Luan took Vlera to a romantic dinner to Tavern on the Green and then on a carriage ride around Central Park, where he proposed to her. “It was so romantic. It was everything I could have asked for” remembers Vlera.

 Vlera & Luan 2

The Bride’s Look                                                                                                                                                    

“I love things that are one of a kind or customized, unique and different. My gown was a St. Pucci Couture gown that was featured on Platinum Weddings. I found it at Monica’s Bridal in Brooklyn New York. I had it customized by having the back opened, adding ties in the back and adding Swarovski crystals throughout my gown. Monica’s did a great job and the service was wonderful!” states Vlera. “I also, had a customized bouquet holder and had crystals added to my bouquet. But my favorite part of my wedding attire was my stunning headpiece that I got at Bridal Styles Boutique” Vlera wore a unique asymmetrical face framer encrusted with Swarovski crystals. “From the moment I saw it I knew it was the one! Everyone at Bridal Styles was so nice. They worked with me; made the changes I wanted AND even had it rush delivered!” Jeta from Avanti salon, in New Jersey, completed the look with the perfect up do.” I hope every bride could feel the way I did when everything came together. It was perfect!” recalls Vlera.

 Vlera & Luan 3

The Wedding                                                                                                                                                         

Because of their Albanian backgrounds, Luan and Vlera’s wedding day was rich with traditions. The morning started out with the “brides wedding”, which was held at the Excelsior Grand on Staten Island. “I enjoyed the beginning of my day with my side of the family, until my husband and his family came to pick me up. As a part of our tradition, the groom’s sister removed my veil and put jewelry on me. Then my uncle and my brother walked me out and handed me over to my husband.” A grand celebration continued at the night wedding, which was held at the Vanderbilt at South Beach in Staten Island. The ballroom was filled with gorgeous flowers from Cherry Lane florist on Staten Island end every memory was captured by the amazing photographers at Borova Video, also on Staten Island.” It took, Luan and Vlera, almost 3 years to plan their perfect day. “We could have never had such an amazing wedding without both of our families. They were always there for us with whatever we needed. We are blessed to have such wonderful families by our side!”

The Most Memorable Moment                                                                                                                        

“The most memorable moment was when my husband came to pick me up and we got into our horse and carriage and rode down Hylan Boulevard, the busiest street on Staten Island! It was just an amazing feeling for both of us!”

Words of Advice from the Newlyweds                                                                                                            

Vlera- “A wedding is about planning, organizing and making lots of choices. Make sure you choose what you love!”

Luan- “We spent so many minutes, hours, days and years planning our wedding, all for one day! My advice is to enjoy that special day! It’s the day that you will know that all of that hard work was well worth it!”

Vlera & Luan 4

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in A Wedding Story | 2 Comments »

Angelica and Lorenzo

Friday, February 12th, 2010

 

A Couple Destined to be Together

7 

The Beginning

Angelica and Lorenzo’s fathers served in the Italian army together. When Lorenzo’s family moved to New Jersey, the fathers reconnected and the families became good friends. It was at a Fourth of July celebration, that Angelica and Lorenzo spent the whole night together, talking and getting to know each other. “I was only fourteen and he was seventeen, but we both knew we were going to spend the rest of our lives together” remembers Angelica.  They were so young that they decided to take things slowly but two years later, Angelica got tired of being “just friends” and asked Lorenzo what he saw for their future. His answer was simple “I see you as my wife and the mother of my kids”. They weren’t “ just friends” after that!

The Proposal

On October 20th 2007, Lorenzo took Angelica to their favorite sushi restaurant for lunch, then to Serendipity for dessert, followed by a walk in Central Park, where he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him! “I was never in more shock in my entire life and as if the day wasn’t perfect enough, he had ALL of our family and friends waiting for us for a huge celebration at home!” recalls Angelica

The Bride’s Look

Angelica knew that she wanted something different for her wedding day, a dress that was “simple” or “typical” was not an option. “I had seen a picture of a dress in a magazine before I was even engaged and fell IN LOVE! I hung on to the picture and when it was time, I knew where to go! Bridal Reflections in Manhattan was one of the few places that carried St.Pucci dresses. I tried on about twenty dresses but in my heart I knew I had already found my dress! “Her dress was definitely not typical, a gorgeous Victorian gown with yards and yards of rich silk and beautiful intricate embroidery.

A gown as unique as this needed a very unique headpiece to compliment it. “I heard Bridal Styles Boutique had a huge, beautiful selection so I knew I’d find what I was looking for there. When I showed Edward a picture of my dress, he knew just what to bring out! He brought out two stunning pieces and after much thought, me, my mother and Edward chose my piece. It was a custom, handmade piece; therefore if my goal was to be different, then this piece was definitely for me! While I was there he also designed a short veil edged with Swarovski crystals for the reception. I bought beautiful jewelry for my bridesmaids and flower girl there as well. Their products are like nothing I have seen before! They really have something for everyone!” recalls Angelica

3

The Wedding

Almost two years of planning and preparing passed before the big day arrived. It started at Mt. Virgin Church in Garfield New Jersey. There in the church where the bride had grown up, stood Angelica and Lorenzo at the altar, surrounded by a 28 member bridal party filled with brothers and sisters, cousins and closest friends. After the cousins recited a reading and a sister-in-law sang, the bride and groom exchanged their vows and the young sweethearts finally became husband and wife. The church filled with applause!

A beautiful reception followed at the picturesque Westmount Country Club in West Paterson New Jersey. Atlas Floral Decorators transformed the elegant ballroom into a paradise.”When the matre’d escorted Lorenzo and me into the ballroom, we were completely speechless, everything I had envisioned and much more surrounded me! They truly went above and beyond!” The 320 guests enjoyed an Italian feast and danced the night away to the sound of MGM Band from Staten Island NY. “There were a few songs that meant a lot to me and Lorenzo, and they had no problem learning them and surprising us at the wedding!” remembers Angelica. All of the priceless moments were captured beautifully by ESP Photographers from Hasbrouck Heights in NJ. “After seeing what beautiful work they did for a good friend I knew I had to hire them. Their albums are just so personal and romantic and Deon is just the sweetest person to work with! When the wedding highlights that Classic Video Productions made me cry, I knew they were the ones I wanted to shoot my wedding! Two other extremely helpful vendors were Jaynee’s Party in Englewood NJ, who made my wedding and shower invitations and Towne Limo from LyndhurstNJ. My driver had everything from safety pins, to umbrellas, to mints in his bag!!!” Planning a wedding can be very stressful but Angelica, with the help of her “amazing” mother and many excellent vendors got to experience the wonderful day that she and Lorenzo had dreamed about since they were kids.

5

The Most Memorable Moment

For Angelica- “My most memorable moment had to be our first dance. We danced to “Endless Love” surrounded by our entire bridal party, as well as our family and friends. The feeling of dancing for the first time with your husband and knowing that everyone who loves you and believes in your love was there to witness it, was a wonderful feeling.”

For Lorenzo- “The most memorable moment was our exchange of vows. I waited for this moment for seven years and couldn’t have been more ready to become husband and wife!”

4

Words of Advice from the Newlyweds

“There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding that can drive you nuts, but when it’s all over you’re going to miss the excitement and the special treatment, so make sure you have fun with it! Don’t let ANYONE (family, friend or vendors) ruin your wedding planning experience! In the end, everything falls into place. The worries are natural but when you truly love one another, you stay focused on the end result…spending your lives with one another…and that makes all the sacrifice and stress worth it!”

 261

Photographs provided by ESP Photography Studio  www.espstudio.com

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in A Wedding Story | 1 Comment »