Real Wedding of Dina & Joseph at Russo's on the Bay

Dina & Joseph

November 21, 2009
Russo's On The Bay • Howard Beach, NY

From the flawless black and red tablescapes and wedding day attire, to the precise attention to detail including live entertainment, Dina and Joseph's wedding was nothing but dramatic and eventful for their guests. The two met in September 2007 at a christening for their mutual friend's daughter, and after dating for about a year, Joseph proposed following a romantic dinner at The Chart House. "I was so shocked and thrilled! I couldn't have been happier, and the ring was exactly as I had imagined it to be," noted Dina. The couple immediately began planning their wedding.

After a yearlong engagement, the big day was finally here. Dina and her father arrived at St. Helen's Church in a black 1949 Cadillac. As she stepped out of the car onto a red carpet, the bride immediately felt and looked like a movie star, from her hair, styled in a high updo that mimicked a Mohawk, to her gorgeous form-fitting Ines DiSanto gown.

The reception took place at Russo's On The Bay and was decorated dramatically with black linens and two variations of centerpieces created by Pedestals Floral Decorators. Set in large black candelabras were balls of black baccara and black magic roses with hanging tea lights that illuminated the room. The second arrangement consisted of the same flowers sitting on top of three different sized candelabras. To enhance the dramatic look, deep red uplighting was used around the ballroom. During the full Venetian hour, a living table that was dressed in drag as a punk rocker, walked around with candy and cigars for guests, in addition to the sweet treats and red velvet wedding cake that guests indulged in. During the reception, a Michael Jackson impersonator entertained guests with a half an hour show.

The couple was pleased with the professionalism and creativity of Riccardo Studios who captured their wedding in photography and on video. For their pictures, Dina and Joseph went to Central Park and Belvedere Castle, which turned out to be the perfect setting for what the couple was looking for. At the end of the celebration the couple honeymooned in California and visited San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Los Angeles; from there they took a cruise to Mexico. Dina and Joseph are currently enjoying their son, Frankie and looking forward to more children in the future.

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: St. Helen's Church • Reception Location: Russo's On The Bay • Officiant: Father Robert Keighron • Photographer & Videographer: Riccardo Studios • Entertainment: The Caleps Band • Limousine Service: Now Star Limousine • Florist: Pedestals Floral Decorators • Cake Designer: Russo's On The Bay • Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections • Veil & Headpiece: Bridal Styles Boutique • Formal Attire: The Tux Shop by Flowerama • Invitations: Panache Printing • Favors: Casa del Corredo • Hair Stylist: Julie Rollo • Jeweler: Diane Sampieri • Hot Dog Stand: Send In The Clowns • Living Table & Michael Jackson Impersonator: Screaming Queens

To read more about Dina & Joseph's big day, pick up the New York Edition of Contemporary Bride Magazine today!!

Pinwheel Weddings - DIY

Source - MyRule42.com

Pinwheels are a great playful detail to add to any outdoor summer wedding! You can use them along with your decorations at the reception or to line the aisle for your ceremony. Your bridesmaids could walk down the aisle with a pinwheel bouquet or your groomsmen could wear mini-pinwheel boutonnieres. Not only is the idea unique, but it could often save you tons of time on set-up, maintenance and cost. Pinwheels are a fun and easy project for any DIY bride and with so many paper patterns out there, it's easy to get creative and still stick with your wedding theme or colors. Get your girls together for some pre-wedding fun and get crafty!

Source - MyRule42.com

If you are a DIY Bride than you will love this template you can download for free to make very pretty pinwheels - (http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/links/FlowerPinwheel.html). And just searching the web, will show you more sites with free templates.

Source - Heather Bailey

And if you aren't a crafty bride, but still love the idea of pinwheels for your wedding, then you must check out... www.myrule42.com - her pinwheels are just divine!

Source - MyRule42.com

Venue Spotlight - Flanders Valley Weddings

Flanders Valley is serenely nestled in a quiet valley just minutes from major highways in scenic Morris County, NJ. It is surrounded by the green rolling hills of a golf course and an exquisite 200 acre standard bred horse farm and training facility.

At Flanders Valley, you and your guests will be treated to a magical experience. Their two banquet rooms, adorned with Austrian crystal chandeliers and Victorian, floral carpeting is the ideal location to have your unforgettable celebration.

The cuisine is prepared on the premises by a professional staff. The wedding gazebo, surrounded by a perennial garden is an ideal place for your ceremony and pictures. Flanders Valley offers you a magnificent enchanted ambiance, and all you need to add a touch of elegance to your romantic celebration.

Flanders Valley
80 Pleasant Hill Road • Flanders, New Jersey
Phone: 973-584-6620 • Website: www.flandersvalleyweddings.com

Max Capacity:	210	Approx. Price Per Person:	$70-$90
On-Site Ceremonies:	Yes	Outside Party Area:	Yes
Bridal Suite:	Yes	Kosher Available:	Yes
Valet Parking:	Yes	Garden Area:	Yes

Wedding Fashions of the Day

Today's Wedding dress of the Day and Flower Girl Fashion comes straight from the pages of Contemporary Bride Magazine. The Bride is wearing a Vera Wang Gown from Exquisite Bride and the Flower Girl is wearing a dress from Janie and Jack and shoes from Gymboree. Both headpieces are available at Bridal Styles Boutique and if you are wondering where to get those gorgeous flowers, you can check out Rosie Posies. The models are looking radiant thanks to make-up by Tim Alan and hair by Appearance Workshop. And of course, The Studio Photographers are the ones who know how to capture the best photos.

Recent Engagement - Roseanne & Thomas

This week, The Studio Photographers, brings us a recently engaged couple who are the biggest Rangers fans. Roseanne & Thomas couldn't think of a more fitting place than Madison Square Garden to have their engagement session and what a session it was.

To read more about their story and to see more pictures of this once in a lifetime photo shoot, visit www.TheStudioPhotographers.com.

Colored Wedding Shoes

While some brides are choosing traditional white or ivory shoes to match their gowns, some are opting for colorful styles and patterns that will add a splash of color to their wedding day attire. Coordinate your shoes to match your color scheme or choose a shade of blue that can serve as your "something blue". Showcase your personality and walk down the aisle expressing your choice of vibrant heels.

Check out some of these styles on ChristianLouboutin.com

Real Wedding of Kelly & Stephen at the Westmount Country Club

Kelly & Stephen

July 16, 2010
Westmount Country Club • Woodland Park, NJ

With plans to go to a Halloween-themed wedding the next day, Kelly headed over to Steve's house to finalize their costumes. The couple was excited to dress as David and Victoria Beckham, and Kelly had a great idea to complete her costume with a huge, fake ring. But when she got to Steve's house that day, she soon found out that he had something for her to wear with her costume. The next thing she knew, Steve was on one knee with a beautiful ring in hand. "I was so surprised I was shaking. It was absolutely perfect," Kelly recalled.

Upon entering their reception at the Westmount Country Club, they felt as though they had been whisked off to South Beach. The room was appropriately decorated in turquoise and white. Atlas Florist created beautiful centerpieces, a tall illuminated cylinder with turquoise stones, and calla lilies. Couches and blue lit cabanas filled the room, as candles flickered in the intimate lighting. The escort cards were made from Miami postcards, and all the tables were named after hotels and streets in South Beach.

Palermo's Bakery created the beautiful four square off-set tiered cake. Their wonderful creation included crystal rhinestones on two tiers and a turquoise ribbon on the others. Layers included chocolate with chocolate fudge filling and vanilla with a raspberry filling, all topped with light buttercream icing. "Palermo's Bakery was great to work with. They were fast, full of ideas, and they executed it perfectly. Plus, the cake was delicious," Kelly recalled.

Milton Gil Photographers recorded Kelly and Steve's wedding day with professional photography and videography. The couple agreed that their pictures are "unbelievable," and everyone they worked with at the studio was incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. Following their wedding, Kelly and Steve honeymooned for two weeks in Hawaii. They continue to look back on their wedding day with fond memories as they enjoy their new life together.

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Immaculate Conception Church • Officiant: Father John Prada • Reception Location: Westmount Country Club • Photographer & Videographer: Milton Gil Photographers • Steel Drum Band: Tropical Beat Steel Band • Entertainment: The Rhythm Shop • Florist: Atlas Floral Decorations Inc. & Entenmann's Florist • Limousine Service: Limo Bus & Limousine • Bridal Salon: Priscilla of Boston • Veil & Headpiece: Priscilla of Boston • Formal Attire: Tuxedos by Rose • Cake Designer: Palermo's Bakery • Invitations: Montclair Paperie • Hair Salon: David Michael Hair Studio • Jeweler: Minas Jewelry • Photo Booth: Masters of Fun Entertainment

To read more about Kelly & Stephen's big day, pick up your copy of Contemporary Bride Magazine today!!

Forest Dreams collection by Papilio

Have you seen the Forest Dreams collection by Papilio? It features so many gorgeous gowns and many with matching flower girls dresses. This is one collection definitely worth checking out!

Wedding and evening dresses from Papilio satisfy the newest tendencies of the world of wedding fashion. Irreproachable cuts, high quality of fabrics and accessories make this collection luxurious. The names speak for themselves: "Topaz", "Amethyst", "Rock crystal", "Diamond Crystals", "Swarovski" and the most delicate embroidery in semi-precious stones have been used for the first time. These fabrics are not flashy, not loud, they are elegant and luxurious, and the new collection shows a brilliant combination of fashion and style.

www.PapilioDress.com

Sarantina Trunk Show This Weekend

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon Events

Sarantina Trunk Show This Weekend

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

DATE: March 11 -13
TIME: By Appointment
Click Here to Make An Appointment
MORE: View the entire 2011 collection of dresses by the very talented Sarantina!

Personal Appearance by the designer on Saturday

Special 10% trunk show discount on all Sarantina bridal gowns

www.sarantinabysarahjassir.com
Gabriella New York Bridal Salon
400 W. 14th st.
New York, New York 10014
212-206-1915

Wedding Dress of the Day

The Ivonne gown by Pattis is a strapless ballgown made from taffeta abd draped over scallops beaded with Swarovski crystals. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit www.PattisBridal.com.

Flower Girl Dress of the Day

The Mini Gigi dress by Pattis is a pleated tulle dress with a beaded floral corsage For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit www.PattisBridal.com.

Bridesmaid Dress of the Day

Dress the girls in your bridal party in this elegant, floor-length dress from Bari Jay (Style 221). It features a one shoulder strap, an A-line skirt, and an empire waist. It is available in a variety of colors to match your color scheme. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit www.BariJay.com.

Recently Engaged New York Couple- Shannon & Matthew

Shannon and Matthew were vacationing in one of the most extraordinary islands in the Aegean Sea. Just as they were taking in the romantic view in Santorini, Greece on August 2, 2010, Matthew turned to Shannon and began a conversation the two would never forget. Shannon responded to Matthew's comment of "some view" by asking "What can make this moment any more special." To her surprise, Matthew began to tell her how much he loved her and proposed with a beautiful princess cut engagement ring. The couple is currently planning and looking forward to their New York City wedding on August 18, 2012

Spotlight on Vanity Fare Caterers

"Rare Weddings Well Done... One at a Time"

Begin by having your wedding ceremony outdoors in our beautiful poolside gazebo, or in our elegantly appointed ballroom. Your family and friends will marvel at the sumptuous cocktail hour in our Regency Suite. Your fantasies will come true as you dine and dance the night away in our Ballroom surrounded by Italian crystal chandeliers, gold leaf molding and silk centerpieces.

As your guests happily retire to their rooms in the adjacent hotel, the two of you can relax in the Jacuzzi in your private complementary bridal suite as you relive the most special day in your lives ... all at Vanity Fare Caterers.

And don't forget to make an appointment with Vanity Fare Caterers NJ and see how our years of expertise can take the stress out of many of your decisions and make your wedding the "one of a kind" day you have dreamed about. Vanity Fare Caterers located in Lakewood, NJ provides the perfect setting for your wedding venue, wedding reception or bar mitzvah. Our banquet hall can accomodate your corporate event, family reunion, class reunion or sweet sixteen party.

Vanity Fare

1600 Route 70 East • Lakewood, New Jersey 08701

Phone:732-364-6400 • Fax:732-364-6737 • Website:www.vanityfarenj.com

Room Capacity cocktail reception:	250	Garden:	Yes
Room Capacity dinner w/dancing:	180	Outdoor Cocktail Area:	Yes
Cuisine:	American	Dance floor:	Yes
Max. # affairs (at same time):	1	Live music/DJ allowed:	Yes
Separate reception room:	Yes	Valet parking:	Yes
Room accommodates ceremony:	Yes	Wheelchair accessibility:	Yes
China/Linen Included:	Yes	Bridal changing room:	Yes
Approx. Price per Person:	$75.00 - $100.00

Winners of the New York City Magical Wedding Contest

Niaja & Christopher

November 24, 2010
The Chateau Caterers • Carle Place, NY

Niaja and Christopher never imagined being winners of the New York City Magical Wedding Contest, presented by the Scotto Brothers and WPIX 11, but they were fortunate enough to win a $100,000 dream wedding that included a reception and all of their vendors. The couple submitted their love story and their secret to happiness, and after a panel of sponsor judges voted, Niaja and Christopher were announced as finalists, among two other couples. Niaja and Christopher's photographs and love stories were posted on the website where the public was then able to vote on their favorite couple. Luckily for Niaja and Christopher they were a fan favorite and were announced as the winning couple.

After months of public voting on various elements, such as wedding attire, wedding bands, and the honeymoon location, the couple's magical wedding day finally arrived. Candles surrounded by fresh flowers and white rose petals lined the aisle in the Normandy room, where Niaja walked down it donning an elegant lace Pronovias gown.

Pictures and video were captured throughout the day by Rick Helman Photography. The couple liked that Rick didn't pull them away from their guests for long amounts of time, allowing them to enjoy their reception. Bravura Art of Entertainment played a mix of genres that kept guests on the dance floor during the reception.

At the end of the celebration, guests were given a black-and-white damask photograph coaster set that contained the couple's engagement pictures. Niaja and Christopher continue to thank the Scotto Brothers, WPIX 11, public voters, and the many other sponsors of the New York City Magical Wedding Contest who made their wedding dream a reality.

Vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Location: The Chateau Caterers • Officiant: Pastor Juanita Shinaul • Wedding Coordinator: Perfect Wedding Planner • Photographer: Rick Helman Photography & Video, Inc. • Entertainment: Bravura Art of Entertainment • Limousine Service: Royalty Limousines • Florist: Perfect Wedding Planner Florals • Cake Designer: Pastry Girl Cakes • Bridal Salon, Veil & Headpiece: Pronovias • Formal Attire: Jakob Custom Clothiers • Invitations & Favors: Party City • Hair & Makeup Studio: Aveda Hair Salon • Jeweler: Michael C. Fina

To read more about Niaja & Christopher's big day, pick up the New York Edition of Contemporary Bride Magazine today!!

Engagement Session with Sean Patrick Photography

Sean Patrick Photography captured some beautiful pictures for Jacyln and Joey's beach engagement session. The couple is tying the knot on September 18, 2011 at the Addison Park in Aberdeen, New Jersey.

Flower Girl Fashion of the Day

This beautiful flower girl dress is part of Pegeen's Couture collection (style 402) and is made of handwoven silk dupione for the body of the dress and 10 individual layers of tulle for the skirt. Adorn the sash with flowers, beading, or other embellishments for a customized look. This dress is available in a variety of colors and styles- perfect and easy to coordinate with your color scheme. Pegeen offers sizes from infant to plus size for girls and size 14 for boys to fit each child perfectly that will be part of your wedding day. For more information, visit www.Pegeen.com

Wedding Gown of the Day

Made of royal duchess satin, this Kenneth Pool gown features a crumb-catcher neckline, softly gathered skirt, delicate beading and sash. It is available in ivory and white. For more information and to find a retailer near you, visit www.KennethPool.com.

Spotlight on St. Lucia

HONEYMOON SPOTLIGHT:

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucia

Don't just honeymoon... CocoMoon! St. Lucia is an exotic locale for honeymooners with its iconic Piton Mountains and many natural wonders.

Couples looking for the perfect combination of action, romance and relaxation are sure to be enticed by Coconut Bay's location on the island's exotic southern coast. In addition to its perfect proximity to the most visited attractions, the resort is a gem hidden away from the majority of the island's traffic- just a short drive from the international airport.

Honeymooners will enjoy an oasis of romantic tranquility in Harmony, Coconut Bay's secluded adults-only wing featuring a coconut palm-fringed quiet pool and bar, oceanfront spa, intimate cabana beds and private hammocks. Couples can relax to the sound of the waves during an oceanfront massage or pick their own aloe prior to a therapeutic treatment for two.

Adventure seekers will be thrilled by the variety of off-site activities also available. From eco-tours and biking trails to sunset sails on a pirate ship, diving, snorkeling, zip lining and more, our Adventure St. Lucia desk will arrange the best tours for you and your loved one including private excursions.

Whatever you choose: spa, adventure or cocktails by the pool, Coconut Bay is the perfect place for the start of your fairy tale.

Enter to WIN your very own CocoMoon today! Contemporary Bride Magazine and Coconut Bay are giving 2 Lucky Winners the opportunity to win a Six Night, Seven Day Honeymoon Package at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia! Click Here to Enter Now!