“We searched wedding venues online and The Above Ballroom was completely different from everything else we’d seen, so we made an appointment to see it in person. We fell in love with the space, the hotel, the staff, and Sue Vaiana, the assistant director of sales, who is the absolute best to work with!
“Our goal was ease and simplicity for our wedding day. We chose to have our ceremony at the venue and were rewarded with a gorgeous, stress-free occasion. Our ceremony was so special and we were thrilled to be able to incorporate our family into the most important day of our lives.”
Their Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: The Above Ballroom
718.477.2400 x 2, www.eventabove.com
Gown: Martina Liana, at RK Bridal, NYC
Bridesmaids: Hayley Paige
Tux: Suitsupply
Photographer: Premier Weddings
Makeup & Hair: Lauren D’Amelio
Florist: Carrolls Weddings and Events
Cake: Jackie’s Cake Boutique
DJ: Dash of Class Platinum Entertainment
Bridal Accessories: Luxe + Lace Bridal Boutique
Joe and I met through my friend Marie, who married Joe’s cousin Louis. She always insisted Joe and I were the perfect match and eventually we went on a double date. Joe has a way about him that instantly draws you in and I liked him instantly. We had a fun time and eight months later, we were engaged!
Joe wanted our proposal to catch me off guard. He succeeded! On a regular work day, all sweaty from the gym, he popped the question. It was just the two of us to enjoy the moment and each other, with no one else there. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
We searched wedding venues online and The Above Ballroom was completely different from everything else we’d seen, so we made an appointment to see it in person. We fell in love with the space, the hotel, the staff, and the assistant director of sales, who is the absolute best to work with!
Our goal was ease and simplicity for our wedding day. We chose to have our ceremony at the venue and were rewarded with a gorgeous, stress-free occasion. My father and stepfather walked me down the aisle toward my future husband, and my father-in-law became an ordained minister so he could marry us. Our ceremony was so special and we were thrilled to be able to incorporate our family into the most important day of our lives.
The cocktail space is absolutely stunning. It includes a wraparound terrace with fire pits. If you’re lucky enough to host or attend a wedding at Above — come hungry! Our cocktail hour was unbelievable. Lobster fritters, oysters, and coconut chicken were a few of the nine delicious hors d’oeuvres being passed. We also had a harvest table, an antipasto station, and a variety of small, pre-made plates that were perfect for grabbing and going. Our favorite was the Stromboli made fresh from the brick oven pizza. The hour combined delicious food and gorgeous views splendidly!
For our ballroom décor, we went with a light blue and silver motif with a vintage edge. The space is modern, open, and airy. We added a touch of warmth with a lace overlay on our head table and centerpieces, which included branches and crystals hanging from gorgeous blue hydrangea. When Sue brought us to peek at the room all set up before our guests began entering, we were absolutely breathless.The room itself is unlike anything else and photographs extremely well!
We made sure we left time to eat dinner, because at The Above Ballroom, you do not want to miss it! We started with buratta cheese and prosciutto over a baby arugula salad, followed by handmade pappardelle with veal and pork ragu. Entrée selections were seared filet mignon, chicken wrapped in puff pastry, and oven-roasted halibut. Dessert was our wedding cake, with mini sweets and cookies on each table, a gelato bar, and passed dessert bites such as funnel fries with Nutella, mini Oreo ice cream sandwiches, and s’mores!
We had a very active dance floor and a super fun group of people at our wedding. The duration of the party was spent on the dance floor with the help of our fantastic DJ and MC.
We are so grateful to our families who helped support us in what is usually a very stressful time. Sue, and the rest of the staff at Above, made it a very easy process for us and I would 100 percent refer any bride and groom to have their wedding at The Above Ballroom!
The Above Ballroom, Staten Island, NY, 718.477.2400 x 2, www.eventabove.com
