“Absolutely Stunning”
Carolyn: Meeting each other was such luck! We both were living in New Brunswick, NJ, where Josh was temporarily working on a political campaign and I was starting graduate school. Before Josh moved away, we met online and had our first date at Evelyn’s Restaurant. We felt an immediate connection.
Josh: The first few years of our relationship were spent in different states. We were able to finally move in together and rented an apartment in Manhattan that had a small rooftop deck overlooking the city. I knew it would be the perfect spot to propose. One day in late June, I told her I had a surprise to show her on the roof. As soon as we got up there, I got down on one knee and popped the question. Carolyn said yes, and simultaneously it started to rain, all of which made for incredible photos taken by our wonderful engagement photographer!
Carolyn: We spent the summer looking for the right wedding venue and Hilton Pearl River was perfect. The hotel’s accommodations were a big plus. It was so great to have all our guests stay in one place for our rehearsal dinner, wedding, and brunch. We previously attended a wedding at the Hilton Pearl River and knew it provided a great experience for guests, complete with a huge dance floor and a lovely outdoor space. Plus, Josh grew up nearby!
Josh: Meeting the Hilton Pearl River staff really assured us we made the right decision. Gerry Burns, the director of catering, was so on her game. She has great experience and could anticipate upcoming challenges so we could plan accordingly. Everyone was very responsive to our ideas and helpful during the planning process. Derek Rubino, our maître d’, was our go-to-guy on the day of the wedding. He knew how to do everything, even bustling Carolyn’s dress. We could relax knowing Derek was there to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Carolyn: Our ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Daniel Pernick. He has known Josh’s family for more than 20 years so it was very meaningful that he led our wedding ceremony. We had a beautiful indoor ceremony and said our vows under an amazing chuppah. After the ceremony, we had the chance to go to a private room to reflect on the moment together before going to greet our guests.
Josh: Our cocktail hour was delicious. We had nearly a dozen passed hors d’oeuvres and eight food stations. The burger and beer bar, the carving station, sushi bar, and more ensured that every guest could find something they loved. The signature drinks were a big hit. We chose the “Honeybee Mint Julep,” “Watermelon Refresher,” and “Blueberry Mojito.” It was surreal to see everyone we know and love in the same place.
Carolyn: We maximized the Hilton Pearl River’s dance floor and decorated everything in gold and neutral colors. All the flowers were ivory, pink, or peach, accented by floating candles around their base with hanging tea drop lights. We used gold vases, gold chairs, custom menus, and program cards, all designed to match the flowers. Everything came together exactly how we wanted it to. Our incredible band kept everyone on the dance floor and played a beautiful rendition of “Green Eyes” by Coldplay for our first dance.
Josh: Dinner was as amazing as the tasting promised it would be. We chose the rustic mushroom tart as the appetizer, and Chilean sea bass, butternut squash ravioli, and broiled filet mignon for entrée options.
Carolyn: I’m a pescatarian and some of our guests had food allergies. Hilton Pearl River accommodated everything. Our cake was phenomenal as well. It was cannoli cake, which I cannot wait to eat on our first anniversary! Hilton surprised us at the end of the night with a giant slice of cake waiting in our room.
Carolyn & Josh: We’d like to thank Gerry and Derek for planning and coordinating our special day. The entire staff at Hilton did an excellent job and we felt really lucky to have our wedding there. All our vendors were great to work with. Our talented photographer, videographer, and live portrait painter really captured the emotions of the day. We’d also like to thank our parents for hosting an amazing wedding on our behalf. We’re so grateful to them for giving us the wedding of our dreams.
Hilton Pearl River, Pearl River, NY, 845.735.9000, www.hiltonpearlriver.com
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