Kristen & Joann at Park Château Estate and Gardens

Kristen & Joann

PARK CHÂTEAU ESTATE & GARDENS EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

9.19.2020

Photography by Salt & Sonder Studio

Kristen and Joann met in December of 2014 during Joann’s ugly sweater Christmas party. Kristen’s cousin–who is married to one of Joann’s good friends–felt the two would be great for each other, and introduced them. Even though they were both in relationships at the time, they hit it off. “I instantaneously felt compelled to want to know Kristen more,” Joann reminisced.

Although Joann knew from the first time she met Kristen that she was the one, it was Kristen who proposed first! On July 1, 2018, Kristen took Joann to Pier 17. It was while they were enjoying the Brooklyn views that Kristen got down on one knee and proposed. Joann proposed six weeks later on the Highline.

Falling for Autumn: When the couple began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to tie the knot during their favorite season. “We love everything about fall; the activities, the clothes, the colors, and the vibe lends itself to a fun, calming part of life.” Once they found out October 26, 2019 was available, Kristen and Joann immediately took it, as 26 is a lucky number in both families.

Love at First Sight: Kristen and Joann immediately fell in love the moment they drove onto the Park Château property. The facility, located in East Brunswick, New Jersey, checked all the boxes from the architecture, manicured grounds, and layout to the intimate, nondenominational chapel. The staff, too, made Kristen and Joann feel like family right from the beginning.

Beautiful Bouquets: The brides carried bouquets made up of white Playa Blanca, ivory vendela, red Rubicon, burgundy spray roses, and white ranunculus accented with dusty miller, seeded and silver dollar eucalyptus. Kristen’s bouquet was wrapped with a piece of her mom’s wedding gown, along with a picture of her grandfather who passed, while Joann chose to incorporate her grandfather’s anchor.

You’re Invited: Guests were invited to the black-tie wedding with custom invitations designed by Jaynee’s Party. The book-style suite featured gold raised ink, lace, and gold undertones.

A Moment in Time: The couple initially thought their first dance as newlyweds was going to be awkward, but it turned out to be a beautiful moment that will always be cherished. As family and friends surrounded the dance floor, Kristen and Joann shared their first dance to “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham. “We felt so much love and were so grateful to have each other and everyone we love around us,” they shared.

Favorite Wedding Day Memory: Kristen and Joann both agreed that listening to each other’s vows and being surrounded by love during their ceremony was the favorite memory from their wedding.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Park Château Estate & Gardens Officiant: Michael Baglieri Photographer: Salt & Sonder Studio Cinematographer: Ashe Productions Entertainment: The Rhythm Shop Floral Designer: Linda’s Florist Table Linens: BBJ Linen Limousine Service: B&M Limousine Service and Romantique Limousines Cake Designer: Calandra’s Bakery Wedding Gown Designers: Pronovias and Pnina Tornai Headpieces: Bridal Styles Boutique and Etsy Shoes: Jimmy Choo and Nina Shoes Invitations: Jaynee’s Party Favors: Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Hair Stylists: Chelsey Drapeau and Maysoon Faraj Makeup Artists: Ashley DiSarro and Maysoon Faraj Jeweler: Adlers Jewelers and Paramount Diamonds Honeymoon Locations: Florida, Italy, and France