Maria & Michael at Park Savoy Estate

Maria & Michael

PARK SAVOY ESTATE, FLORHAM PARK, NJ 3.13.2020

Photography by Olivia Christina Photography

Maria and Michael first met in 2009 through Maria’s college roommate. The two didn’t see each other much over the years, but thanks to social media and mutual friends, they kept in touch. Fast-forward to March 2017. Michael was working in Washington, DC, and Maria was visiting family. She posted a picture to her Instagram story from the Lincoln Memorial of the Washington Monument, and a few hours later she had a message from Michael letting her know he was working in that very spot that day. Although Maria had already left town, Michael gave her his number, and as soon as he moved back to New Jersey, they went on their first date. “A few months later we looked back at the picture I posted, and we spotted Michael in the picture, so we like to think it was fate that put us both there that day so we could re-meet,” Maria reminisced.

The two visited Washington, DC, for a quick weekend trip. During their trip, Michael got tickets to see the White House decorated for the holidays, but it was the next morning after a fancy brunch that Maria was given the surprise of a lifetime. It was there in the rain at the Lincoln Memorial that Michael proposed, making this getaway even more special.

Two Dresses in One: For Maria, wedding gown shopping was one of the most difficult parts of the planning process. “I was very torn between wanting to feel like a princess in a ball gown or feel like myself in something more formfitting,” the bride shared. After shopping at eight different salons and trying on over twenty dresses, Maria went back to one of the first boutiques she visited. The bridal attendant at Elizabeth Johns took the time to understand the style Maria was going for, and ultimately combined two different designers to create a dream gown. Maria wore a timeless, formfitting Romona Keveza gown with plunging neckline and deep v-style back, but paired it with a dreamy overlay skirt from Hayley Paige for the ceremony and a crystal belt.

Topping the Tables: The couple wanted to keep the florals simple and opted for two reception centerpiece styles displayed on tables draped in white linens. The first incorporated candles at variated heights with eucalyptus placed in between, while the second featured large gold ring stands embellished with florals and suspended candlelight. Gold Chiavari chairs and acrylic table numbers completed each tablescape design.

Playing Favorites: Walking into the reception as newlyweds with loved ones cheering for them was Maria’s favorite memory of the day. “It was an unbelievable feeling to step onto the dance floor with everything and celebrate love together. We never imagined that just twenty-four hours after our wedding, social distancing would begin, and we wouldn’t be able to see everyone for weeks. We truly had a celebration before quarantine,” Maria reminisced. Michael loved sharing their first dance to a rendition of “Overjoyed” by Matchbox Twenty, which was sung by his cousins.

Honeymoon Escape: The newlyweds planned to travel to Mexico for their honeymoon, but with the start of COVID hitting the States, they knew it wasn’t safe to fly out of the country. Instead they rented a car and drove to Charleston, South Carolina, and explored the city together.

Ceremony Location: Immaculate Conception Church Celebrant: Father Victor Kennedy Reception Location: Park Savoy Estate Photographer: Olivia Christina Photography Cinematographer: NST Pictures Entertainment: Time Machine Band Floral Designer: Crest Florist Limousine Service: Top Town LimoRide Cake Designer: Calandra’s Bakery Wedding Gown Designer: Romona Keveza Ceremony Skirt Overlay: Hayley Paige Veil: Elizabeth Johns Headpiece: Paris by Debra Moreland Shoes: Badgley Mischka Groom’s Attire: Bucco Couture Invitations: Lace and Belle Favors: Designed by Bride Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Dina’s Kiss and Makeup Jeweler: B&B Jewelry Live Event Painter: The Celebration Artist, Jessica Stevens