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Christina and Antonio at Nanina’s In The Park

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Christina and Antonio at Nanina’s In The Park

Posted on July 01, 2021 by Allison Dupree

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How did you meet?
We met at work during a big project that we both helped with. He was so involved in his work that it was very hard to get his attention, but I finally broke through with a big bottle of his favorite vodka as a thank you. That and yelling “HI ANTONIO” as loud as I could, just so I could see him smile. We talked through text for a couple of weeks then a bunch of us went out for my birthday, so I invited him. It was that night that we shared our first kiss. Then a few days later we went on our first date and the rest is history!

How did you get engaged?
It was New Year’s Eve, we went to our favorite restaurant for a Masquerade NYE Event they were having. The manager was our waitress, she said they were “short staffed” so she would be helping us but little did I know, it was actually because she was in on the proposal. At the stroke of midnight, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I, obviously, said yes then followed with Happy Birthday! He is a New Years’ baby!

Details of the day!
Our theme was Rose Gold, Black, and light pinks. A very soft, romantic feel. Lots of candles and crystals and I couldn’t have pulled off my vision without the help of my wedding planner Yasemin and my florist Jose and Reema from Premier Events by Reema. For favors, we had a candy truck from Curbside Confections and a cigar bar from The Mobile Cigar Guys. We got married during Covid so we also did a favor box for each individual guest. There was rose gold writing that said “Covid care to start the night, save me for your late-night bites”. Inside the box were 3 wrist bands- red for keep distance, yellow for I’m being cautious, fist bumps only, and green for I’m open to hugs. Along with that, I put a legend key that told them what the meanings of the colors were. There was also hand sanitizer, a face mask, and 2 pieces of wax paper so they had something to pick up their desserts with because the box doubled as a box for anything they wanted from the Viennese hour.

Why did you choose your venue?
We chose Nanina’s In the Park because the moment we walked into the venue both our jaws dropped. The grounds were beautiful and also, their food is TO DIE FOR!

What was on your menu?
Cocktail hour was every station you can imagine! Two carving stations, mashed potato bar, grilled cheese, and tomato soup station, Asian station, American grill station, and a few more. The wedding menu was your pick out of 4 different plates; Châteaubriand, Shrimp Nanina’s, Chicken Sorrentino, or Eggplant Rollatini. Dessert was a Viennese hour with lots of extras! Chocolate fountain, fresh fruits, zeppoles, chocolate-covered Oreos, marshmallows, strawberries… everything! Our cake flavors were 4 layers; 2 of Oreo crumble and 2 of Funfetti.

All about your gown!
My gown is a beautiful Pnina Tornai! Really don’t have to say more, her work is beyond amazing! It was a ball gown, Princess style. The top was all crystals with a sweetheart neckline that went into a tulle ball gown with a short train.

What was your favorite moment?
Even though I didn’t get to see it because I was so caught up in the moment, my favorite part is a toss-up between seeing Tony’s face when he saw me at our first look and surprising everyone, my parents especially, with our choreographed first dance. I was able to see both my parent’s faces in pictures and it was priceless.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
My dad being able to walk me down the aisle.

Did anything go wrong?
Our DJ, Jack @LJDLS did a “fake breakdown” where we pretended all the power went out and all the equipment failed. We walked out of the ballroom while he “tested” the equipment, then did a countdown and Tony and I came out and sprayed the whole crowed with the co2 canons!! It was epic! Nothing actually went wrong, that I know of. My wedding planner had a handle on EVERYTHING! I was never made aware of any issues because she handled them all for me if there were any.

First dance song?
The first dance was a choreographed dance to Yours by Russell Dickerson. Our dance teacher, Georgie from Dance A Lot in Fairfield, helped us pull off this beautiful dance!

Any advice for future brides?
I feel like my advice will be the same of a lot of other past brides. SOAK IT IN!! Take moments to observe that it is all happening for you. Feel the love in the room! It will go by VERY quick so savor as much as you can. OH and post-wedding depression is a real thing lol! I want to do it all over again! I’ve been having dreams about our wedding every night since!

Honeymoon Location?
For our Honeymoon, we were supposed to go to Barbados but they had a quarantine of 14 days once you arrive so we changed it to Aruba. We’ve been to Aruba before and knew we loved it so we felt it was a safe bet. We went for 5 nights and tried as I might to convince my husband to extend our stay, it was wonderful!

the details

Hometowns

Old Bridge

Reception Location

Nanina's In The Park

Photographer

Tim Anderson @FNA Events

Officiant

George Lourenço

Bride’s Gown

Pnina Tornai

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Christina and Antonio at Nanina’s In The Park

the details

Hometowns

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Wedding Planner

Brides Jewelry

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