She Saved Her Photographer’s Life in the ER—He Shot Her Wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens

She Saved Her Photographer’s Life in the ER—He Shot Her Wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens

Estate at Florentine Gardens

When Amy and Scott chose the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale for their October 17, 2025 wedding, they were drawn in by its natural beauty—manicured gardens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an architecture that matched their romantic, neutral vision perfectly. Photographed and filmed by Salazar Photo and Film, the celebration was everything they’d envisioned: candles, long-stem roses, and florals lining the halls and stairways, gold bridesmaids in matte satin, black tuxedos with white orchid boutonnieres, a champagne wall where guests could ring a bell for a pour, and custom matchbox favors. But perhaps the most remarkable detail of the day had nothing to do with decor: Amy, an ED nurse, had unknowingly helped save photographer Oscar Salazar’s life in the ER a year and a half before the wedding. The night ended with Amy and Scott emerging onto the dance floor in cowboy hats for a surprise outfit change that had guests cheering—a perfectly them finale to an unforgettable day.

Their Story

Scott and Amy’s love story started in 2019 at local gym. Scott was too shy to ever approach Amy, but luckily they had mutual friends and Scott finally asked Amy out. Their first date was hatchet throwing, and next thing you know covid hit, and the world shut down. Amy works as an ED nurse, and Scott supported Amy throughout the entire pandemic.

The Proposal

Scott proposed to Amy while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. It was a beautiful sunset proposal on the beach followed by a private dinner on the beach.

Choosing the Venue

“We chose Florentine Gardens due to the natural beauty of the gardens outside and architecture inside,” says Amy. “The ceremony and reception room have floor to ceiling windows which allowed views of the gardens. The colors matches our romantic neutral vibe.”

Details of The Day

The theme was a romantic night. “We had candles, roses and florals lining the halls, stairs and rooms,” says Amy. “We chose gold for the bridesmaids with long stem roses and black tuxedos for the men. We had a gorgeous seating chart and that featured a ‘ring for champagne’ wall for guests. The champagne glasses featured custom A&S tags. Our centerpieces filled the reception room with white and pink flowers and candles. The favors were custom matchboxes.”

Favorite Moment

“Our favorite moment is a tie between our first dance or when we came out in cowboy hats for guests on the dance floor after an outfit change,” says Amy. “A special moment was having our photographer shoot our wedding. Amy unknowingly helped save Oscar’s life in the ER a year and half prior to the wedding. It’s an amazing story for both Amy and Salazar Photo.”

Wedding Day Attire

Amy’s wedding gown was Calle Blanche from Jahee Bridal in Englewood. Pieces of her dress were incorporated from two different gowns of the same designer. Scott and his groomsmen wore a tuxedo from Biltmore Tuxedo in Ridgewood, white orchids boutonnieres. The bridesmaids wore matte satin gold dresses from Birdy Grey.

Advice For Other Couples

“Have fun with your spouse planning! Get as many quotes and opinions from vendors, but always go with who makes you feel best and will give you what you envision. There will always be something that doesn’t go perfectly the day of the wedding, but it will still be perfect at the end of the day. Remember your guests love you, not every detail!”

Honeymoon

“Our honeymoon is going to be this summer in Greece, Croatia and Ireland. We will be in Europe for 17 days. We will visiting Santorini, Naxos and Paros in Greece, which we are most excited for since Scott’s grandfather came from Greece.”

Scott and Amy's vendor team

Platinum Venues Listing Category Estate at Florentine Gardens

Estate at Florentine Gardens

River Vale, New Jersey

Nestled on four acres of meticulously manicured grounds, winding brick pathways, luminescent fountains and stone gazebos, this Georgian-style mansion located in suburban River Vale, New Jersey, is ...

Photographer

Salazar Photo and Film

Videographer

Salazar Photo and Film

Entertainment

DJ Tony Gia

Florist

Stunning Arrangements

Hair & Makeup

Byalyssaa for makeup and Shannon Sara Bridal for Hair

Gown

Calle Blanche

Bridesmaid Dresses

Birdy Grey

Rings

Eli Adams Jewelers

Tuxedos & Suits

Biltmore

Save-the-Dates & Invitations

Zola

Cake

Palmero Bakery

Miscellaneous

The Veil Social

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