“Nanina’s in the Park was everything we were looking for and only a few minutes drive from a church we loved! They were renovating their space and we saw the designs and knew it would be a breathtaking remodel. All our criteria were met, and more!
“Julian Reyes, the general manager, made the planning process so easy. He and the rest of the team were always available to answer our questions, going the extra mile to make sure any request was met. It was absolutely wonderful to work with the team at Nanina’s.”
Ceremony: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Reception: Nanina’s in the Park, 973.751.1230
www.naninasinthepark.com
Gown: Pronovias, at Pronovias NYC
Bridesmaids: Betsy & Adam
Tux: Ralph Lauren
Photographer & Cinematographer: Gabelli Studio
Makeup: Contoured by Chrissy, Chrissy Dowdell
Hair: Samantha Reid, Antonio’s Salon & Spa
Florist: The Potted Geranium Florist
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery
Band: The Infernos Band
Invitations: Bella Figura
Jason and I met when we were in college at Rutgers University. We had mutual friends and were introduced while we were in the same physics class. We became friends and stayed friends the rest of college, but didn’t start dating until after graduation.
On a Wednesday night just before Christmas, I took the train home to meet Jason for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We were exchanging gifts and I was convinced after multiple hints I was getting a Peloton bike. So when he said we had to go to our future home that we were renovating, I was further convinced. He said we would be checking on construction progress. When we got there we went upstairs to see the balconies being put in. That’s where Jason got down on one knee and proposed!
I was completely surprised, but managed to remember to give him his gift. He thought it was an Airsteam he’d been wanting, but it was really a weekend trip to Paris. We were happily surprised that we would be celebrating our engagement with a trip to Paris just a few weeks later!
After diligent searching, we went to Nanina’s in the Park. It was everything we were looking for and only a few minutes drive from a church we loved! They were renovating their space and we were able to see the designs and knew it would be a breathtaking remodel. All our criteria were met, and more! Julian Reyes, the general manager, made the planning process so easy. He and the rest of the team were always available to answer our questions, going the extra mile to make sure any request was met. It was absolutely wonderful to work with the team at Nanina’s.
My day began with hair and makeup in Nanina’s bridal suite.
They gave us bagels, muffins, fruit, and coffee, as well as penne alla vodka for lunch. Jason and his groomsmen also arrived for lunch before the ceremony and were given the same special treatment. Our ceremony was at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It was the most beautiful church inside and out. Jason and I love architecture, so when we saw the cathedral’s stunning arches and towers, we knew that’s where we would be married.
Heading to Nanina’s for cocktail hour, we were so impressed that everything we asked for was there and then some. It was a fun time to greet our guests and eat delicious food. Some highlights were the fresh mozzarella bar, buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, and our favorite was the mini lamb chops! We had signature drinks; mine was a “Pomegranate Moscow Mule” and Jason’s was a “Back Nine Arnold Palmer.” They brought a plate of each item to try in the bridal suite before we joined our guests, which was a nice time for us to enjoy the moment.
Our ballroom décor was simply elegant. We wanted to fit the look of the new ballroom with its modern white palette while keeping with our taste. Greens galore with white flowers gave the room a fresh feel without contrasting from what was already there. I’d given our florist a few pictures and he made the space absolutely perfect. I was so happy with how everything looked!
Following a champagne toast, dinner began with penne alla vodka followed by a tri-color salad. Entrées were chateaubriand paired with shrimp, skewered potatoes, and vegetables. Eggplant parmesan and chicken saltimbocca were also on hand for those with dietary restrictions. For dessert, we had assorted pastries and cookies, a chocolate fountain, waffle station, zeppolli station, and more! We had the time of our lives dancing the night away! Our band made sure the dance floor was crowded the whole night! We ended the night with an after-party, with Nanina’s providing sandwiches, French fries, onion rings, and milk shakes.
This amazing night couldn’t have happened without our family and friends being the awesome group they are! The energy for the night was outstanding. Thank you to everyone for joining us! Thank you to Julian and to our bridal attendant for making sure our night went off without a hitch and for being there every step of the way!
Nanina’s in the Park, Belleville, NJ, 973.751.1230, www.naninasinthepark.com
