A local venue that feels just like being whisked away to a chateau in the Loire? Yes, please! That’s exactly what today’s couple, Ester and Alex, found in East Brunswick, New Jersey’s Park Chateau – a venue so gorgeous Ester knew she wanted to marry there before she even met her now-husband!
Naturally, this was an uber-elegant wedding, with a color scheme of white and green with hints of gold, the perfect princess gown by Martina Liana, and a stunning modern ketubah by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Delicate Brush.
All the wonderful details and emotion of the day were captured exquisitely by photographer Maria Kalitina – who not only shot some fab images but kept everyone calm on the big day – and husband-and-wife videographer duo Greg and Dierdra from Lorenzo Media Productions.
Read on for all the details of this special day in the bride’s own words…
How We Met
Ester, the bride: We met in a funny way. We matched on JSwipe October of 2018 but didn’t meet in person until Christmas Eve 2018 at this event called Matzah Ball.
France in New Jersey
Our venue was Park Chateau in East Brunswick. I have known I wanted to get married at this venue before I knew who my groom was lol. I love that entering the venue you are instantly taken to another country. It feels like we are in France without having to drive longer than 45 minutes. Once we got engaged, I booked us a tour of the venue and the second my husband stepped foot he knew that was our place.
Emerald and White
We didn’t have a theme but all of our bridesmaids wore emerald green and the flowers were all white with hints of greenery. We had hints of gold throughout the wedding also by using gold picture frames for our photos as well as gold chocolates that were favors sitting on everyone’s plates during the reception.
A Martina Liana Dress
My dress was from La Belle Mariee in Langhorne and the designer was Martina Liana. I didn’t have an idea of what kind of dress I wanted so I tried one of every style. This dress wasn’t pulled for me to try but it was on the mannequin and I asked to try it on because it had this blush undertone which i knew would look so good on my paler skin and the details on the dress were nothing shy of perfection. I instantly fell in love with the dress and it’s long train that made me feel like a princess.
Ceremony & Chuppah
My favorite part of the ceremony was our rabbi. He was funny, creative and kept our ceremony alive and interesting the entire time.
Ketubah
Our ketubah was a modern design made by Rachelle Tchiprout and her company is called The Delicate Brush.
Our Music Choice
We had a band/DJ and MC. The team is DJ Legacy and Douglas and they customized the music for our wedding that had everyone on the dance floor the whole night.
Flowers
I had highs and low centerpieces for the reception as well as bouquets for each girl and my chuppah was covered with florals and candles.
Photographer and videographer
My photographer, Maria Kalitina, wow was she incredible. From the morning until the night, she was calm, organized and kept the day moving and made me feel heard and she landed my vision perfectly. We had the most amazing wedding videographer duo. Husband and wife Greg and Deidra from Lorenzo Media Productions made the day special on the day of as well as the now long lasting memories we have from these videos.
Advice to other couples planning their wedding
A bit of advice is to do all the planning early if you can. Also, the week leading up to the wedding – do not worry about details. All your vendors will take care of things and the week of the wedding you should be spending time pampering yourself and getting yourself ready for the best day of your life.
ESTER & ALEX’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Maria Kalitina
Ketubah – The Delicate Brush {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Videography – Lorenzo Media Productions
Venue – Park Chateau
Bride’s dress – Martina Liana found at La Belle Mariee
DJ – DJ Legacy
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
