Angela + James’ wedding in Livingston, New Jersey was a grand and traditional family affair with not one detail overlooked – classic Roman Catholic ceremony, red carpet entrance to the reception hall, elegant bridesmaid’s gowns and a glamorous Pnina Tornai wedding dress to tie it all together. In the words of our featured bride, Angela felt “elegant, old Hollywood and sophisticated” and oh my goodness, I couldn’t agree more…today’s featured wedding is certainly channeling the grand, the glam and the fabulous!
Angela + James | October 22, 2011 | Saint Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church and Crystal Plaza; Livingston, New Jersey
The Ceremony
We chose our ceremony to be a traditional one of our shared Catholic faith. We held a full mass including lighting of the unity candles as well as a procession to the Blessed Mother. We hired a family of musicians consisting of an organist and violinist; father and son. We added special touches from our family as well. James’ uncle played the Ave Maria on the piano, accompanied by my cousin as the vocalist who sang in none other, than Italian. My other cousin accompanied our musicians for the procession of the bride, which was Pachelbel Canon in D.
The Reception
It wasn’t until the very end of all the planning that we identified a wedding theme. Starting with the sheer elegance and sophistication of my dress, paired with the classy and ornate French Provencal style of our reception hall, we classified our wedding as “Old Hollywood”. We included a red carpet entrance to set the tone of the night. Every guest who walked down the red carpet would pause behind our backdrop, to take a professional photo, which would later turn into a framed wedding favor at the end of the evening. The extended cocktail hour consisted of an abundance of Italian specialties from mozzarella di Bufalo being freshly kneaded and stretched for all eyes to see, from fresh pasta stations, to a raw bar as well as an Iced Martini bar for a special touch. After cocktail hour, guests filtered into the main ballroom for a dance party like no other! The food and drink kept flowing and the music played past midnight.
How Angela Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Dress search: I always felt that a mermaid or fitted style dress fit me best but I tried some ball gown dresses on as well. I am not one for lace but I felt that it is the one time in your life to go as all out and try all types and styles of dresses so that is what I did. In NY, everyone knows that Kleinfeld’s truly is the best but I went to a few boutiques as well just to broaden my search. I will say, of all the vendors and choices, my dress was the easiest. When I put on the Pnina, I knew. It was that simple. Three words that best describe how I felt in my dress: elegant, “old-Hollywood” and sophisticated.
Why Angela Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I chose to sell my wedding dress because although many say you should save and preserve your wedding dress for your daughter, I rarely see that happening and think it is unrealistic with the amount of variables and ever-changing styles. Why not let another woman wear it and enjoy it now? And in the meantime, make back some of the money that was spent in the process.
