Even Better Together // Rachel + Zachary
Rachel and Zach met in college when they were introduced by one of Rachel’s friends who had known Zach in high school. As it turned out, Zach lived down the hall from Rachel for two years!
The two dated for about 10 years and talked openly about getting married, even picking out rings for the big day. But no official proposal had been made… Zach had a plan though, of course. One September evening in 2019, Zach took Rachel and her best friend, who was visiting from Florida, to a nice dinner out. They dined at the wonderful French bistro, Avenue, in Long Branch NJ, with its fine French inspired cuisine and amazing ocean views. The trio had such a fantastic evening, and when the waiter was about to bring dessert, Rachel’s friend excused herself (all according to plan). During that time, Zach got down on one knee and proposed to Rachel, her friend standing right outside the door taking photos! Rachel immediately said, ‘yes!’ and they celebrated with cake and champagne. Little did she know, at that moment, Rachel’s parents and sisters were at her house planning a second surprise celebration with more cake and champagne and gifts for the happy couple! It was such an incredible and truly memorable evening for the couple and their family!
And today, we were celebrating another beautiful, extraordinary day in the lives of Rachel and Zach, their wonderful wedding day at Congregation Magen David in West Deal, New Jersey.
The morning events began at the DoubleTree Hilton hotel in Eatontown, where both Rachel and Zach prepared in separate suites for the big day. We were there to film as Rachel and her bridal party had their final touches of makeup applied and as Zach dressed into his classic black tux with help from his groomsman. We especially loved the custom leggings Rachel wore with Zach’s face all over them! Rachel was able to share such precious moments with her mother during the morning preparation time as well. The bridesmaids and matrons of honor, Rachel’s sisters, changed out of their matching loungewear and into their long black gowns. And Rachel also set aside some special time to read her love note and open her gift from Zach before putting on her gorgeous wedding gown.
The elegant dress Rachel chose had a lovely lace illusion neckline and an amazing A-line silhouette, perfectly fitted at her waistline. Those beautiful lace appliqués continued onto her gown’s sheer illusion back and along her full skirt. She carried a gorgeous full, white orchid bridal bouquet. And in the back of her classic, sleek updo, she wore a sparkling hair clip and an elegant long veil. Rachel was such a beautiful, graceful bride.
Before departing the hotel, Rachel’s father had his first look at his beautiful daughter on her wedding day, and it was so moving to witness. Then the couple shared their touching first look, followed by a wonderful photo shoot at the hotel. And we were so happy to get to film these moments, and all of this day’s events, with a fantastic photographer and our friend, Jeff Tisman and his talented second shooter.
After all their loved ones had arrived, a cocktail hour for guests took place at Congregation Magen David. Zach, their family, friends and the bridal party all mingled, so excited for the events ahead, while Rachel remained in the bride’s chamber with her Attendant.
The ketubah, the marriage contract, was signed with witnesses before the ceremony was set to begin. Then, Zach veiled his bride. Two cuties in a little car led the processional and Rachel and Zach’s beautiful, traditional Jewish ceremony was held under the chuppah, overflowing with beautiful, lush florals in watercolor blush and white, before their family and friends. At the conclusion, Zach participated in the breaking of the glass and kissed his wife to celebratory shouts of, ‘Mazel Tov’!
Rachel and Zach enjoyed some private time alone, as is custom, before entering the reception for the wonderful party to come! Their reception kicked off in the spacious event space, the Social Hall, all awash in a dramatic lavender glow, with gorgeous white and blush floral arrangements and sparkling candelabras adorning the tables. Rachel and Zach were introduced and danced a beautiful first dance together. Then the Hora was danced, celebrating the happy couple and their new marriage! Guest dancing continued, taking a break as Rachel shared a sweet dance with her father. Then dinner and toasts were given in honor of the newlyweds. Rachel’s father welcomed guests and toasted the couple with an incredible speech, reminding the couple that “love isn’t about how much you say ‘I love you’, it’s about what you do everyday to prove it.” And we also heard both funny and thoughtful toasts from Rachel’s sisters and a lovely recorded message from Zach’s best man and brother in California.
EBE Talent’s Rio’s high energy performance and fabulous sound made sure all the guests had a great time celebrating into the wee hours of the morning! Rachel and Zach cut their cake and the traditional crowning ceremony ended the evening’s events, as Rachel’s parents’ last child was just married!
We were so honored to be there to film as Rachel and Zach became husband and wife on this very special day. It was wonderful to work with this loving couple and with their family as well. We congratulate Rachel and Zach and wish them a lifetime filled with lasting joy!
Photographer: Jeff Tisman Photography – New Paltz, NY
Floral Design: Floral Art Studio
Makeup Artist: Smashbrush – Adrienne – Somerville, NJ
Entertainment: EBE Talent – Rio – Philadelphia, PA
Lighting: DJ Reload – Ariel Bivas – Eatontown, NJ
Catering: Zami Caterers – New York, NY
Director of Events: Three Pillar Management – Meyer Ashear
Rabbi: Rabbi Saul Kassin – West Deal, NJ; Rabbi Albert Setton – West Deal, NJ
Hazan: Eli Kraiem – New York, NY
Venue: Congregation Magen David – West Deal, NJ
Transportation: VEI Limousine – Matawan, NJ
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tinton Falls-Eatontown – Eatontown, NJ
