From This Moment // Kristen + Giovanni

Kristen and Gio met while in college at Rutgers University. They say it was almost as if the universe was pulling them together, because they met on Kristen's first weekend there, then kept bumping into each other all the time right afterwards: at Kristen's first class the following Monday, at parties, in between classes and when out with mutual friends. All at such a massive college when they weren't even in the same graduating year! They knew right from the start that there was something there. Their love definitely was meant to be all along.

Kristen and Gio both got ready at Glen Ridge Country Club in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, a gorgeous venue where they would later hold their reception. The impressive wood-shingled and stone clubhouse features a lovely balcony that spans the venue and overlooks the pristine grounds of the golf club. And inside, the bright white woodwork, natural light and luxurious, quality finishes provide a modern, understated elegance.

Kristen's maid of honor and bridesmaids wore matching pj's as they got ready, with their hair styled and makeup completed in their suite. Bridal parties all in pretty, matching pajamas or robes is such a fun tradition that looks so great in photos and film, too! They dressed into their sage green gowns in keeping with this soft wedding theme color, all looking so beautiful.

After her hair and makeup was perfected, Kristen dressed into her amazing Sareh Nouri gown with assistance from her mother and her maid of honor. She looked like a fairy tale princess! Her strapless, Mikado silk dress had such a royal look, with a distinctive cat eye neckline, a basque dropped waistline and a lovely ball gown skirt. She wore a delicate high-neck lace bolero for the first part of her day as well. And those beautiful bows down the back of her gown were the perfect finishing touch!

Kristen had a sweet first look with her father before they left the club. He also had a wonderful gift, a beautiful bracelet, to give her during these quiet moments. We know it's so important to remember to plan some time away from the hustle and bustle of the day to make these warm memories.

Meanwhile, Gio and his groomsmen were getting ready for the big day in the groom's quarters at Glen Ridge Country Club. They all looked fantastic wearing their ultra formal black tuxedos for this ultra important day.

Once they were all ready, they headed straight to the church. Their ceremony took place in Bloomfield, not far from the club, at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. It was here that an emotional Gio saw his beautiful bride for the first time. Reverend Lawrence Fama officiated Kristen and Gio's traditional ceremony and gave such a wonderful, personal homily. Then after it concluded, the newlyweds were treated to a fun bubble salute as they exited the church!

The wedding party then traveled via a trolley back to Glen Ridge Country Club for additional photos, including the couple's portraits and wonderful golden hour photos before the highly anticipated party got into full swing. We loved working alongside Anne Molnar and her team as those fantastic formal and candid photos were taken. And we could see that the whole wedding party really did, too!

Louisa Amabile Testa adorned the reception space at Glen Ridge Country Club with lovely floral centerpieces in the soft, sepia tones of champagne, ivory and dusty rose. And the reception began with those exciting wedding party introductions by Rob from Ultimate Entertainment! Kristen and Gio shared the first dance of the evening, and their very first romantic dance together as 'husband and wife'. At the conclusion, all the couples there were invited out to help warm up the dance floor.

Once guests were seated, we heard such wonderful toasts from Kristen's father, from her maid of honor and from Gio's two best men, his brothers. Their words perfectly conveyed all the love and affection they have for Kristen and Gio. Then to conclude the evening's toasts, Gio gave a beautiful speech thanking their parents, thanking everyone for being there to celebrate with them and sharing his love for Kristen.

Then, all eyes were on the dance floor again, as Kristen and her father and Gio and his mother shared heartwarming dances. That dance floor opened again to all guests afterwards, and wow, did everyone have a blast! Fun, lighted wands were given to light up the floor and keep the energy high all night! And we loved watching the traditional Greek dancing, too!

Towards the end of the evening, Kristen and Gio were treated to a sparkler salute by their wedding party, friends and family, which is always a fantastic way to top off the fun and prepare to send off the bride and groom! But before they departed, the newlyweds made sure to cut and sample their fabulous four-tiered cake from A Little Cake Bakery!

We were so delighted to share in the joy, fun and excitement of this wonderful wedding day. And it was so fantastic to work with such a sweet couple who are so clearly perfect together. In the words of Kristen's father, may their love continually grow each year and their home always be filled with happiness. Best wishes to Kristen and Gio!

Photographer: Anne Molnar Photography - Basking Ridge, NJ

Floral Design: Louisa Amabile Testa LLC - Fairfield, NJ

Hair Stylist: Hello Honey Hair Co. - Lauren Fletcher - Montclair, NJ

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Sabrina Lux - West Caldwell, NJ

Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri

Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle

Bridal Party Dresses: Amsale - Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham - Birmingham, AL

Entertainment: Ultimate Entertainment - Nutley, NJ

Live Event Painting: Wedding Day Painter - Peter Pluchino - Belle Mead, NJ

Stationery & Event Signage: Glow Paper Co. - Montclair, NJ

Cake: A Little Cake Bakery - Park Ridge, NJ

Officiant: Reverend Lawrence Fama - Bloomfield, NJ

Church: St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church - Bloomfield, NJ

Venue: Glen Ridge Country Club - Glen Ridge, NJ

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