A Luxe Black, White and Gold Wedding Celebration in Jersey City

Their Story

Melissa and Tagg tied the knot on November 25, 2023 at Saint Rose of Lima in Short Hills, then held their reception at Hudson House in Jersey City. They originally met in May 2021 on the dating app Hinge.

The Proposal

Tagg proposed on Christmas Day 2022 in front of his father, his three younger brothers, Melissa’s parents, her Grandpa Joe, her brother Matt and his fiancé Elizabeth. Tagg was asked to share a favorite Christmas memory from past years and he replied by saying he would like to make his favorite Christmas memory today. It was certainly a Christmas to remember.

Choosing the Venue

“We fell in love with Hudson House because of the beautiful atmosphere: the floor-to-ceiling windows and the stunning view of the NYC skyline,” says Melissa. “The reception room didn’t feel like just any other wedding venue, it felt romantic and like the perfect place to have 230+ of our closest family and friends!”

Details of the Day

A color palette of black and white, with pops of gold and champagne, created an elegant, romantic and sophisticated vibe at the wedding. The elegant Hudson house was adorned with delicate flowers and twinkling lights.

The bridesmaids wore floor-length champagne gowns, while the groomsmen were decked out in custom tuxedos.

Since Tagg’s mother has passed, the couple wanted to honor and remember her in special ways. Instead of favors, they elected to make a donation to the Sepsis Alliance in her memory. They also had a charm with her photo in Tagg’s custom tux and on Melissa’s bouquet.

Melissa wore her mother’s garter from 38 years ago, with a light blue pin that was her late grandma Jody’s.

She also had a patch sewn into her dress with the initials of both her and Tagg’s grandparents on both sides, their parents’ initials and our initials and their wedding date.

“Sentimental things are super important to us, and this was a way to keep our grandparents and parents close on wedding day,” the bride says.

Favorite Moment

Their last dance to “I Lived” by One Republic. “Tagg and I danced with his father and my parents (his mother is unfortunately deceased), just the five of us, in a moment of pure joy, love and happiness. Our parents set the tone for what it’s like to have a happy and successful marriage. They have supported us always. So, me and Tagg dancing with them (and dancing with his mother above) was a symbolic and oh-so-special way to end the best night of our lives.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

Incorporating their Mini Irish Doodle, Rooney, into their celebration, with the signature drinks (a MargaROONEy), on their cake, on their cocktail napkins, and on large poster-size popsicle sticks that took over the dance floor.

“Our furry little guy means the world to us and is such a special part of what makes us Melissa and Tagg,” Melissa says. “We had to be sure the Rooney details were not to be missed.”

Advice for Other Couples

“Enjoy the process! Document everything. I journaled and wrote down almost everything milestone:when I picked out invitations, when I picked out my dress and veil, when I found the perfect shoes, when Tagg went to get fitted for his tux, when I had a call with my florist or the DJ. Write it all down, take photos of you doing these fun planning things with your groom and friends and family. You’ll want to remember it all because it goes by way too fast.”

Honeymoon

The couple spent 10 days in the Maldives, saying at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa in a sunrise over water bungalow. “It was exactly like what you dream of. What a special trip just the two of us to start our married life together. We feel so fortunate to have experienced that part of the world!”