Rachel & Ian | Northern Valley Affairs | Closter, NJ

The Wedding of Rachel & Ian

Their Vendors

Ceremony & Reception: Northern Valley Affairs, 201.750.0333, northernvalleyaffairs.com
Gown: Justin Alexander, at Bridal Suite Boutique Hamilton NJ
Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey
Tux: Ted Baker London
Photographer: David Nicholas, Carrie Gold Events, dnicholas.com
Cinematographer: Alex Hopkins Studios
Makeup: Samantha Mondello, Glam by Sam
Hair: Hair By Luli
Florist: Dalsimer Spitz & Peck Florist
Cake: World of Chantilly
DJ: Unique Musique
Wedding Planner: Carrie Gold Events

“A Magical Reception”

Our love story began in April 2021, when we went on our first date. We talked for hours about our families, friends, and careers. This was after we both had attended the same college. We realized we had been in the same social circles (and most likely at times even in the same room!) but were meant to meet only when the time was right.

The proposal story is full of love, joy, and happy tears. It took place at one of our favorite golf courses, where we shared many special memories together. One of those memories is when I said to Ian “Forever isn’t long enough.” Ian felt it was the perfect location to make “forever” a reality. I was so surprised! The proposal was followed by another surprise: a special dinner with our immediate families and friends.

The perfect choice for our wedding venue was Northern Valley Affairs at Temple Emanu-El. I am originally from NJ and loved being married in my home state. Les Friedman and Marty Maged at Northern Valley Affairs are the dream team. They ensure that every detail, big or small, is done to perfection and the way we envisioned for our special day. What solidified our decision on the venue was the food, staff, ballroom, and the beautiful stained glass ceiling in the sanctuary.

Our cocktail hour was an immediate wow factor for our guests once the ceremony concluded. From a magnificent caviar bar to their signature duck cigars, our guests were able to experience an array of cuisines.

Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres included petite franks wrapped in puff pastry, horseradish-crusted steak martini, Nova Scotia salmon pizza, wild mushroom risotto pancakes, pulled BBQ short rib taco minis, guacamole martinis with corn chip, black and white sesame-crusted chicken, potato pancakes, shredded duck cigars with purple plum sauce, Asian sea bass with caramelized figs, stuffed mushroom caps, and baby lamb chops. Everything was delicious! We also had several stations, a dim sum bar, a carving board with roasted breast of turkey and NY pastrami with mini potato knishes and Dr. Brown’s sodas, plus an Israeli bar with falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and babaganush.

Our reception was magical. The décor included varying centerpieces that created a warm, welcoming, and intimate atmosphere. The ballroom gives limitless options for couples to make their dream reception a reality.

We gave our guests several dinner options, like grilled ribeye steak with frizzled onions; French cut breast of chicken in a lemon, white wine and caper sauce; pecan and panko-crusted salmon; and eggplant rollatini stuffed with julienne vegetables and brushed with pesto sauce.

We cannot thank our wonderful families enough for all their love and effort that went into our beautiful weekend. Each vendor made our wedding so special, creating a memory we will cherish forever.

Northern Valley Affairs, Closter, NJ, 201.750.0333, northernvalleyaffairs.com