“I’m in the hospitality industry, so I knew David Lombardi, the director of catering, for a long time. When he heard I’d gotten engaged, he called to congratulate me, connect me with Julie Olsen, the senior catering manager, and invite us for a tour of the Westin Governor Morris Hotel. We saw the venue and were immediately sold. We have big families who love to dance and we had visions of them having a blast on the gigantic dance floor!
“Julie was fantastic. She was so easy to work with, super responsive, and always thoroughly addressed our questions. Spending time planning with her positive energy was so pleasant, and we always felt she was happy to see us! She went above and beyond and helped us without being asked.”
Their Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: The Westin Governor Morris Hotel
973.539.7300
Gown: Essence of Australia, at Jaehee Bridal, Englewood, NJ
Bridesmaids: Vera Wang
Tux: Pronto Uomo
Photographer: Chris Carter Photography
ChrisCarterPhotography.com
Makeup: Ashley Landry
Hair: Shawna Suter
Florist: Creations by Fran Flowers & More
Cake: Palermo Custom Cakes & Bakery
DJ: Steve Guillen Productions
I’ve known Kenny since the sixth grade. We sat next to each other and were always friends. High school ended and a couple years later we reconnected. Kenny asked me on a first date and we went to see a horror movie. It went well! We moved in together a while later and it was like living with my best friend. We knew we would be happy living together for the rest of our lives and a couple years after moving in, Kenny proposed! It was the night before we were leaving for a vacation. I came home from work and he had the entire apartment set up in an “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” theme. It’s our favorite show.
I’m in the hospitality industry, so I knew David Lombardi, the director of catering, for a long time. When he heard I’d gotten engaged, he called to congratulate me, connect me with Julie Olsen, the senior catering manager, and invite us for a tour of the Westin Governor Morris Hotel. We saw the venue and were immediately sold. We have big families who love to dance and we had visions of them having a blast on the gigantic dance floor!
Julie was fantastic. She was so easy to work with, super responsive, and always thoroughly addressed our questions. Spending time planning with her positive energy was so pleasant, and we always felt she was happy to see us! She went above and beyond and helped us without being asked. She even offered to put together all our welcome bags herself, and she completed the task to perfection.
Our ceremony was held in the smaller ballroom at the Westin Governor Morris. The staff set up chairs, our runner, and dimly lit lighting. We had our DJ playing soft music in the background and our 100 guests fit perfectly. Their winter décor features charming wooden snowflakes that look amazing in the background of our photos.
Our cocktail hour was on the promenade. We had a raw bar that was as attractive to the eye as it was delicious! We had spanakopita, and to honor my Irish heritage, mini Ruebens with corned beef. We also served two signature cocktails. One was the “916,” which was cranberry and prosecco. The other was called “1228,” and was an apple cider brandy drink.
The ballroom served as a stunning setting for our reception. We mixed high and low centerpieces on every other table, using white and red roses to match the red sashes on the chairs. Julie suggested red uplighting, and despite my initial hesitation before the final preview, it looked amazing with the rest of our décor. The lobby’s holiday decorations are so elaborate I didn’t need to add anything to them. The red of the flowers they used matched my bridal party’s gowns so well, it looked like they decorated just for us!
For dinner we served stuffed chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, and arugula with lemon-scented kalamata, olive orzo, and barolo reduction; or herb-crusted NY sirloin with creamed spinach, wild mushrooms, bread pudding, and truffled peppercorn butter. I had the phenomenal sirloin. We did a traditional cake cutting ceremony and a Viennese table for dessert. Between my husband’s Dominican family and my Irish one, we knew the dance floor would be packed, but we’d need some variety. Our DJ was excellent at making sure all different genres were played. He listened to us in discussions and music suggestions, and he was bi-lingual, so he could communicate with all our guests!
A special thanks to Julie, who made sure every detail was covered. Since I work in the industry, I thought I knew all the questions to ask, but as I’ve never been the bride before; if I missed a step she was on top of it! The entire staff at the Westin was professional and ready to handle anything that might arise. Thank you to my makeup artist. I wish I could hire you every day! Thank you to our guests, family, and friends, who made our wedding day as memorable and meaningful as possible. We will remember it forever!
The Westin Governor Morris Hotel, Morristown, NJ, 973.539.7300
