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Marissa and Dan met in Virginia on a very popular dating app! Marissa had just moved to the state from New Jersey and saw Dan’s profile listing New Jersey as his home. So she ignored him because she really wanted to meet someone local. But everyone is so glad Dan was steadfast in his pursuit and let Marissa know he actually lived in Virginia now!
Their first date included a long walk where they found out they had so much in common. Their relationship and love only grew from there, and these best friends and soulmates were soon planning their beautiful wedding day!
Marissa and Dan’s entire wedding event took place at one of our favorite venues, the impeccable Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The bold wedding colors were fuchsia, pink and navy, showcased so prominently and beautifully in the wedding florals found throughout the venue. Jardiniere Fine Flowers once again delighted and impressed us all! And Marissa’s beautiful bridal party wore bright blue gowns that complimented the color palette perfectly.
In the Kimblewick House bridal suite, Marissa dressed into her amazing wedding gown. Her dress had a princess silhouette, gorgeous lace detailing throughout the bodice and a lovely overlay. She accessorized with sparkling chandelier earrings, a gorgeous hair clip and a long, flowing veil with edging that perfectly matched the appliqués on her skirt. She was absolutely stunning. And we loved filming the touching moment when Marissa’s father saw her for the first time in her beautiful wedding gown.
Dan and his groomsmen got ready the groom’s cottage onsite, relaxing and playing pool before it was time to put on their formal wear. Dan dressed into a striking blue tux, and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos for this day. Everyone looked so fantastic, all dressed to the nines!
Then it was time for the official first look outside on the estate at Ryland Inn. Marissa and Dan were so excited to see each other for the first time on their wedding day and couldn’t hold back the smiles! Once Dan turned around, they both couldn’t stop complimenting each other, kissing and taking those long looks at each other. It was so fun to see!
We were also so happy to be there to film the couple’s photo shoot afterwards with our good friend and an amazing photographer, Jeff Tisman and his fantastic team. The rain held off just long enough for photos, only really spritzing during the ceremony, and even gave us all a fleeting but delightful rainbow! Be sure to check out the proof on his Facebook page!
The mothers of the bride and groom both participated in the wonderful Jewish tradition, the parental plate break, on this very special day. This custom symbolizes the cutting of primary ties between the children and their parents, as well as the fragility and importance of the commitment to the covenant of marriage. It was so wonderful to see the custom performed, and the joy that it brought everyone. We continued on to film the signing of the ketubah, the marriage contract, before the marriage ceremony was set to begin.
Laughter was definitely the theme for this day, and as the ceremony began, the excitement and pure joy was still overflowing! Marissa walked down the aisle on the arm of her parents to stand beside Dan under the gorgeous chuppah, decorated with bright fuchsia and purple flowers.
Their traditional ceremony was filled with beautiful symbolism and included the couple circling each other, the recitation of the seven blessings bestowed and Marissa and Dan lovingly wrapped in the tallit. And at the end, both the bride and groom participated in the breaking of the glass to celebratory shouts of ‘Mazel Tov’! After their ceremony had concluded, Marissa and Dan exchanged beautifully written, personal vows upstairs in the inn.
Then, Marissa and Dan’s reception commenced in the Grand Ballroom at Ryland Inn. All eyes were on the couple as they shared a romantic first dance together on the dance floor, followed by those sweet father and daughter and mother and son dances. And it’s always so fun to film the dance of the hora and feel the elation in the air, literally, as Marissa and Dan were lifted on chairs and their new marriage celebrated by their friends and family! Marissa’s parents also were lifted in celebration, too!
The blessing was given over the challah, and as dinner was getting ready to be served, we heard beautiful, sentimental speeches from Marissa and Dan’s fathers. The toasts from Marissa’s sister and brother and from Dan’s brother were absolutely perfect, straight from the heart, thoughtful and so sincere.
Then it was time to dance again! The Blake Band from Starlight Music totally rocked the house and all the guests had such a fantastic time laughing and dancing the night away. Marissa and Dan stepped away from the crowd to cut their fantastic cake from Northern Valley Affairs (secretly made of ‘lego’!) and at the end of their celebration, were given an exciting sparkler salute!
We absolutely loved working with this truly delightful couple and with their wonderful family. Their enthusiasm, joy, laughter and love was undeniably catching! Best wishes to Marissa and Dan for today and always!
Photographer: Jeff Tisman Photography – New Paltz, NY
Floral Design: Jardiniere Fine Flowers – Bedminster, NJ
Hair Stylist: La Sorella Bridal – New Jersey
Makeup Artist: Sonia Pacheco
Entertainment: Starlight Music – The Blake Band – New York, NY
Cake: Northern Valley Affairs Inc. – Closter, NJ
Officiant: Rabbi Joel Soffin – New York, NY
Venue: Ryland Inn – Whitehouse Station, NJ
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