Bridal Styles

Since their days playing with Legos and learning ABCs, Rocco and Gabriella have been a part of the other’s life.
From Gabriella:

“Rocco and I met in elementary school. We both grew up in Brooklyn and lived only two blocks away from each other. When I graduated elementary school, my family moved to Staten Island. The good thing was that he remained best friends with my cousin and when we were 16 we started hanging out again. By 18 we started dating each other seriously.”

Gabriella and Rocco, statement Swarovski crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photo – Memories of Me Photography

Long before they even began dating, Gabriella knew one day she’d be Rocco’s wife:

“Before we started dating, Rocco and I were in conversation about proposals, and I asked him if he ever thought about how he would propose to ‘the one’. He turned to me and said, “I can’t tell you because what if you are the one?”. From that moment, I knew he would be the one I would spend the rest of my life with.”

Gabriella, glamorous crystal encrysted headband – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Gabriella’s intuition was right! Several years later, she finally received the answer to her question of just how Rocco planned to propose to “the one” with a big surprise!

“My birthday was on a Thursday and that night he had taken me to dinner to a beautiful restaurant out of Central Park. Right after dinner he begged me to take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, so I agreed. I truly believed he begged me because he had plans to propose. Well, little did I know the ride and night would come to an end with no proposal.

That Saturday evening, he told me that before going with all of our friends for drinks he wanted to watch our parents cruise ship leave for their vacation. So, we went down by shore road in Brooklyn to watch the cruise ship and, as the ship was passing I saw this HUGE sign that said “WILL YOU MARRY ME?”. When I turned to look at Rocco, he was down on one knee. As soon as it happened, my father had the captain honk his horn and all of a sudden all of our family came running from across the over path with balloons, cake and champagne. He even had a photographer capture every second of the proposal.”

Gabriella and Rocco, wide Swarovski crystal tiara – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Almost right away, together with her bridesmaids, sisters, and mother, Gabriella began planning her wedding, and within a week they’d booked The Basilica of Regina Pacis along with their photographer and DJ. Not long after, the soon-to-be weds chose the perfect spot for their celebration, the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

Next on Gabriella’s list was The Dress, so she headed off to Kleinfeld to say yes!

“Originally, I envisioned myself in a Pnina Tornai ball gown, however, the second dress the attendant brought out to me, a Stephen Yearick, was THE ONE. It was a beautiful mermaid shaped gown covered in crystals, and was just perfect.”

Gabriella and Rocco, dramatic crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photo – Memories of Me Photography

For the finishing touches of her wedding day look, Gabriella paired gorgeous jewels from her parents with a special piece from Bridal Styles:

“My jewelry was given to me from my parents as a wedding day gift, which was diamond studs and a tennis bracelet. My favorite accessory of course was my show stopping headpiece. When I went to Bridal Styles, I picked a headpiece and decided to go back after my hair trial. When I went back a second time to try on the headpiece I was happy with it but felt there was something missing. Well, little did we know that the owner would come out of the back with this breathtaking head piece! As soon as he put it on my head my mother said, “There is no other one I’d rather see you in.” and that was it. I received compliment after compliment the entire night about my head piece. I could not be happier and already have people in my family asking if they can wear it for their wedding. To me, that is the biggest compliment ever.”

Gabriella and Rocco, elegant statement tiara – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

October 12 finally arrived, and, for Gabriella and Rocco, it was pure magic:

“It was truly the most perfect day ever. The day started off at the beauty salon, House of Trends, in Staten Island at 6:00 am. All of the bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers of the bride and groom were there together. Then my father and I were picked up from my parent’s home in a 1930 Rolls Royce Convertible.

At the church, I could not wait to see the look on my husband’s face. Together, my dad and I walked down the aisle while a friend of mine sang “Ave Maria.” The walk down the aisle felt as though it was never ending. At the bottom of the aisle, we untied a White Ribbon that signified my dad leading me down the path to the future with my husband and I.

When I finally arrived to the pew, I couldn’t wait for the moment Deacon announced us husband and wife. Finally when he did we were off to Dumbo Park to take pictures and then on to the Venetian. The hall was magnificent, filled of marble and granite with a breathtaking dome in our room with oversized chandelier.

Our first dance was to Michael Buble’s “Close Your Eyes” as we moved on a floating floor. Our second dance was to Alicia Keys “If I Ain’t Got You” with snow falling over the dance floor, it was truly breathtaking. Our Viennese hour began with a sliding wall and opened to a floating floor as well.

It was wonderful to see all my added details, like an accordion player during cocktail hour, flip flops for all of the woman to use as dancing shoes, and a step and repeat so that everyone could leave with a picture as well as a favor at the end of the night.”

Gabriella, unique Swarovski crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photo – Memories of Me Photography

On a day that for both Gabriella and Rocco will always be special, both have moments they’ll cherish.
From Gabriella:

“I’ll never forget the look on my husband’s face as I walked down the aisle was a look of amazement, a little fear and most of all a look of relief…Like a thousand pounds had been lifted off of his back.”

From Rocco:
“When the church doors opened and Gabriella started to walk down the aisle….I’ll never forget it.”

Gabriella and Rocco, fabulous, crystal encrusted headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Our happy newlyweds have this advice for couples planning their own celebrations:

“Enjoy every moment of the planning process and the day of the wedding as much as possible. Don’t let the little details be your focus because the day of you will not even notice them. My husband says for all of the grooms to learn how to say “Yes” to everything and just enjoy it as much as possible!”

Gabriella and Rocco, couture Swarovski crystal head band – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Gabriella and Rocco, timeless crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Gabriella and Rocco, spectacular Swarovski crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photo – Memories of Me Photography

Gabriella and Rocco, statement crystal headpiece – Bridal Styles Boutique, photos – Memories of Me Photography

Gabriella and Rocco, stunning, crystal encrusted hairband  – Bridal Styles Boutique, photo – Memories of Me Photography

Best wishes, Gabriella and Rocco! Thank you so much for sharing your day with us!

Bridal Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal

Bridal Headpiece: Bridal Styles Boutique

Gabriella and Rocco’s Wedding Vendors:

Hair: Jessica at House of Trends in Staten Island

Make Up: Michelle at House of Trends in Staten Island

Photographer: Peter with Memories of Me Photography