Melissa & Frank

Melissa and Frank’s wedding at the Primavera Regency was full of love and laughter – just my kind of day! From our start at the Embassy Suites Berkeley Heights and their incredibly restaurant, The Grain and Cane with it’s rustic brick wall to the super fun grooms gift, everyone had tons of fun! And you MUST read on to see their incredible advice to other soon to be married couples!

I adore this couple – I mean, they are dog lovers, just like me! In fact, that’s how Melissa and I initially connected: she follows me on social media and we all know I post pics of my precious puppy all the time, so we immediately became fast friends. Melissa and Frank are an incredible couple, and their family and friends are exactly like them: super warm and welcoming. I love when I arrive at a couple’s big day and I get the warm fuzzies from everyone!

We started the day at the Embassy Suites Berkeley Heights, which was an amazing location to shoot everyone getting ready, as well as Melissa and Frank’s super “cheeky” booty pinch first look! When we arrived at the Primavera Regency, I immediately fell in love. The chandeliers and ballroom are glamarous. The grounds are perfect for an outdoor ceremony, just like Melissa and Frank’s, and make for stunning photos. Melissa and Frank loved their options for cocktail hour seating – and I have to agree! Plus, the ice sculpture was amazing!.

We had an incredible day and I can’t wait to see Melissa and Frank grow old together! Thank you both, and your family and friends, for allowing me to be there for your big day!

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Vendors

Venue: Primavera Regency // Officiant: Rev. Michael Savage // Stationery: Minted // Florals: Petal Pushers // Hair: Katherine Mohammed // Makeup: Michelle Rivera // Bridal Gown: Casablanca // . Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Andres the Tailor // Bridesmaids Gowns: Bill Levkoff // DJ: Supreme Productions // Cinematographer: Electric Love Films // Photobooth: Supreme Productions

How did you two meet and fall in love?

Frank and I met through mutual friends in September 2007 , but I had noticed him about six months earlier when he came in to the restaurant where I worked with his then-girlfriend.  By the time we were introduced, he was single and I was thrilled!  We went on a few dates and it was not long until we were official.  I can’t pinpoint an exact time when I fell in love with Frank.  It was a build up of feelings, an overwhelming sense of joy when we were together and the inability to picture my future without him in it.  For him, he’d probably say, “The first time she helped clean the gaskets or fold the parachute on my funnycar.”  

Was there a theme behind your wedding day? What colors did you choose? What ‘feeling’ were you going for?

We aimed for an overall feeling of romance – soft hues of peach and grey with ivory. Our floral arrangements were unstructured, bouquets were hand-tied and filled with Juliet roses, white anemones and loose greens.

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?

Our wedding day went by unbelievably fast, but a few moments stand out.   My favorite and most meaningful memory was when Frank and I were standing at the alter, my hands in his, a few moments before we were pronounced husband and wife.  I subtly traced the words, “I LOVE YOU,” in his palm with my index finger.  He then gave me a reassuring wink and squeezed my hands tighter.  Although we were surrounded by family and friends, it felt like we were the only people there.

What was most important to you when planning your wedding?

Being present at cocktail hour. This may sounds silly, but it was most important because it allowed us to thank our guests for coming, enjoy a few bites of food and relax with a drink before the evening reception started.

What made you choose your specific venue for your wedding day?

Primavera Regency assisted us in carrying out our “theme goal” through to fruition. Their manicured gardens and elegant gazebo radiated a feeling of seclusion and intimacy.  Sufficient seating in cocktail hour was another “must-have” on our venue list.  Who wants to be stuck standing with a drink in one hand, plate of delicious appetizers in the other and no where to go?  Primavera had bistro seating and high-top tables throughout their cocktail rooms, so everyone was able to enjoy their food.  Their newly-renovated ballroom hit it out of the park for us.

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What piece of advice would you give to future couples planning their big day?

Two key pieces of advice for future couples – Accept the help.  Controlling every aspect of your wedding is nearly impossible and will quickly lead to an unpleasant, stressed-out Bride-to-be.  Delegate tasks with specific instruction.  If you know someone is a natural crafter or has a knack for organization, allow them to assist accordingly.  Allowing my detail-oriented, sister-in-law to coordinate and decorate our rehearsal dinner space was a no-brainer.  Secondly, ask yourself – Will anyone actually notice?  Pay close attention to the things people remember – good music (ultimately leading to a packed dance floor), delicious cuisine and whether or not a good time was had by all. No one will notice that you opted out of centerpiece upgrades.  Stick with the necessities for a great party.    After all, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.  

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Primavera Regency wedding photos by New Jersey wedding photographers, Jaye Kogut Photography