Real Weddings
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Jacqueline and Sam’s Wedding at The Graycliff

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Francesca Sgambati

Details of the Day: Our theme was traditional and sentimental. We both wanted the types of weddings we saw from our parent’s wedding pictures, but we made sure to make it our own. Our colors were plum, lavender and white, which were seen in the bridesmaid’s dresses, bouquets, groomsmen attire, cake and venue. The groomsmen had a subtle super hero theme, which each wearing cuff-links representing a different Marvel character! The Groom’s surprise grooms-cake was even Superman themed! The Location: Several people had mentioned the Graycliff to us, and we fell in love with it the moment we entered. It had all the elements we were looking for; great food, central location for our friends and family traveling from around the tri-state are or flying in, and it had an updated yet traditional feel to it. We are so glad we went with this venue, our friends and family keep raving about them, from the cocktail hour, to the food, to the impeccable service! John was the best maître d’ we could have ever wished for. The staff was so attentive and made sure everything was running smoothly… they also made sure my husband and I had time to eat, and we always had a drink in hand! The Menu: We had a truly lavish cocktail hour that consisted of a vodka martini station, international wine and cheeses (complete with a cheese castle!), a five cheese fondue, carving stations,assorted seafood and Mediterranean food, and a pasta station. Our open bar also included a signature bride and groom drink (Jacked Up Champagne and Samaretto Sour). For the reception guests had a choice of Aged Prime Rib of Beef, Filet of Wild Scottish Salmon, Chicken San Marco or Grilled Vegetable Risotto. Finally for dessert, our cake from Palermo’s Bakery was a vanilla cake with raspberry filling and the top layer was cannoli filled for the bride and groom. Each table also received a dessert plate, and we opened up an ice cream sundae bar, in honor of my late Grandmother’s sweet tooth! The Gown: My mom and I went gown shopping on a whim and I did not expect to find anything that day. After about an hour or so of trying on 15+ gowns, I tried on ‘the one’ and felt stunning in it. Still, I tried on a few more but kept gravitating back to this one. I wanted a princess feel with a sweetheart corset, and this was it. Plus, the minimalist style of the dress allowed me to dress it up with a cathedral length mantilla veil at the church and then a pop of color with a floral headpiece for the reception. Favorite Moment:  I think I speak for us both when I say our favorite moment was when our bridal party surprised us to a choreographed dance after the grand entrances! We really had no idea they put this together, and were shocked to discover that they rehearsed in the church while we went off on our own to take couple shots. Some of our bridal party learned the dance moves when they drove in for the wedding the night before! We have an awesome group of friends and still can’t believe they took the time to put that all together. Detail You Couldn’t Live Without: I could not imagine my wedding day without all the ‘family’ touches that went into it. My mother made my veil by hand. She spent days sewing the lace onto the cathedral length mantilla veil… it was the most beautiful gift she could have ever given me. My headpiece was actually my mother’s from her wedding 29 years ago. I wanted to make it pop a bit, so my cousin hand painted it purple to match the wedding theme. My jewelry was also borrowed from different family members (necklace from my mom, and pearl earrings from my aunt). Finally, I wanted to make sure my late-paternal grandparents were close to me during the wedding day, so I attached a locket to my bouquet with a picture of them from their wedding inside of it. We even dedicated our ice cream sundae bar to my grandmother and her love for everything sweet! The wedding really was a sentimental family affair. First Dance Song: Close Your Eyes by Michael Bublé Advice for Other Brides: Don’t sweat the small stuff! I know it is easy to get wrapped up in every little detail of the day, but try to remember that your guests are there to witness your love and commitment to one another. As long as you and your spouse-to-be are happy and in the moment with each other, then your wedding will be the best day of your life. Honeymoon: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a much needed escape after a hectic wedding month! We were able to connect as newlyweds, and start our married lives together in with plenty of love, adventure and laughter.

the details

Hometowns

Saddle Brook

Reception Location

The Graycliff

Photographer

Stephanie Massaro Photography

+ more