Stargazing // Alexa + Michael

Alexa and Michael met through a mutual friend who grew up with Alexa and later went to college with Mike. During one Memorial Day weekend at the shore, Alexa's friends went out with Mike's friends, which included their mutual friend, and the two just hit it off! Their relationship grew from there as they got to know each other and fell completely in love. As was so aptly stated at their wedding, "you can fall in love at the Jersey shore"!

The Ludlow Hotel in New York City was the romantic setting for Mike's very well-planned proposal to Alexa. She thought she was just meeting a client for drinks one evening at an event after work. But she didn't know that Mike reached out and had clandestine talks with the client beforehand, so while Alexa thought she was heading to a work 'happy hour', she was really going to meet Mike, waiting for her on the rooftop. There's no better surprise than a proposal!

All the events on Alexa and Mike's beautiful wedding day took place at Tilling House at Suneagles in Eatontown, New Jersey. It was our first time visiting this venue, and it was everything we imagined it would be: stately, sophisticated and luxurious. A perfect choice for an all-in-one wedding event. And Lauren and her team at Lauren Perry Events planned and orchestrated the most perfect wedding event.

Spring is such a beautiful season for weddings, a symbolic time of new beginnings and the fresh and exciting start of a new chapter. And the couple chose a very light & fresh, springy color palette for their wedding, with pinks, greens and yellows found all throughout the event. We love it when patterns are incorporated into a wedding, too, and we found that in Alexa's bridal party's gorgeous, mismatched floral dresses, all in the theme colors.

Alexa's mother and sister helped her dress into her gown and put on her accessories. And Alexa wore the most incredible Lihi Hod A-line satin gown on her wedding day. It had a subtle, modern sweetheart bodice and sculptural, off-the-shoulder sleeves. The flared skirt had a dramatic slit in the middle and what every bride wants, pockets! She was the most absolutely beautiful bride.

And Mike got ready in the groom's suite at Tilling House with his groomsmen there with him. His brother helped him fasten his cufflinks and get dressed for the day ahead. The guys all in their classic black tuxes looked fantastic!

Before the ceremony was set to begin, the couple planned an exciting first look at Tilling House. And we always love a first look moment! You could feel the excitement simply radiating from Mike as he waited for his bride. Then, Alexa and Mike met up outside on the covered terrace and kissed and embraced for the first time on this most special day.

During the first look moment and afterward, photos were taken by the team at Pivko Studio. It was so great to work with them for the first time and to film during some of their fantastic wedding photo shoots. We were thrilled that they were able to take place outside as well.

After the formal Ketubah signing, Alexa and Mike's Jewish ceremony took place on the terrace under the most amazing chuppah. It was simply overflowing with beautiful blush, pink and ivory roses from Jardiniere Fine Flowers. And the most amazing thing occurred for their ceremony... a lovely rainbow filled the sky as the processional began.

Rabbi Cantor Menachem Toren officiated their both wonderfully personal and solemnly traditional ceremony. We simply loved how he explained that the numbers in their names added up to love, kindness and faithfulness of life. At the conclusion of the Seven Blessings, the two said their 'I do's', were officially married and Mike broke the glass to the cheers of all their friends and family!

The reception then kicked off in the ballroom at Tilling House. After the wedding party introductions and that romantic first dance together, Alexa and Mike danced the Hora with their guests! Dancing continued until it was time for the Motzi blessing and Alexa's father's wonderful welcome speech. He so beautifully shared his love and admiration for his daughter and new son-in-law.

Those special father-daughter and mother-son dances took center stage, then guests were invited back to the ballroom floor to dance again before entrées were served. Once seated, we heard the most wonderful toasts given by Alexa's maid of honor, her sister, and by Mike's best man and brother.

Alexa changed into her party dress and dancing continued well into the evening. And, of course, this party rocked with Hank Lane Music's Marcus Reid Band at the helm! Everyone really had so much fun dancing the night away!

We had such a fantastic experience working with Alexa, Mike and their families as well. Congratulations to the newlyweds and best wishes for a lifetime filled with love and happiness!

Photographer: Pivko Studio - Waldwick, NJ

Wedding Planner: Lauren Perry Events - Lauren Pasternack - Montville, NJ

Floral Design: Jardiniere Fine Flowers - Bedminster, NJ

Hair Stylist: Manes by Mia - Mia Puleo - New York, NY

Makeup Artist: Beauty on Location - Morristown, NJ

Wedding Dress: Lihi Hod - Elizabeth Johns Bridal Boutique - Morristown, NJ

Bridal Shoes: Reformation

Stationery: Dani Rubin Designs - New York, NY

Entertainment: Hank Lane Music & Productions - Marcus Reid Band - New York, NY

Cake: Tilling House at Suneagles - Eatontown, NJ

Officiant: Rabbi Cantor Menachem Toren - Montville, NJ

Venue: Tilling House at Suneagles - Eatontown, NJ

Cord 3 Films