A GLAM WEDDING AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM BY MIKE ZAWADZKI PHOTOGRAPHY
Cathy didn’t think much of Joe in that instance when he sparked up a nonchalant conversation with her in their work café in March of 2011. “He asked if I had been to Webster Hall in the city, and they called him Mr. Fun. I got a kick out of it,” Cathy reminisced. “I loved him pretty early on when he started opening up to me, but it grew throughout the years in learning what a great and interesting person he was.” Cathy knew the proposal was coming when he told her to paint her nails. “I laugh about it now,” she mentioned. Sure enough, Joe proposed on the beach they frequently go to following dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Selecting the venue was an easy decision for Cathy and Joe after visiting the Crystal Ballroom in Freehold, New Jersey. The staff was not only warm and welcoming, but they also loved the idea of having the ceremony and reception in one location without having to worry about guests commuting. Their wedding day proved to be a fancy, ballroom celebration and you can see it brought to life through the lens of Mike Zawadzki Photography below.
Cathy stopped in Nicole’s Bridal Boutique with her now cousin-in-law just to get an idea of what kind of dress she would want. During that appointment, she tried on six dresses and ultimately fell in love with the second gown she slipped on. The form-fitted gown featured a low-cut front, open back, and intricate lace over a nude lining. She accessorized her wedding look with cubic zirconia chandelier earrings, a floral hair clip pinned to the left side of her hair, a gold bracelet, and Badgley Mischka shoes. As for the groom? Joe sported a gray suit from Men’s Wearhouse with a cream-colored tie, white shirt, and amber-brown shoes with a matching belt. His best man and groomsmen complemented his look in gray suits with dusty blue ties, which matched the matron of honor’s and bridesmaid’s dresses.
The two decided on having a first look to eliminate any pre-ceremony jitters and tears, but walking down the aisle escorted by her dad was the bride’s favorite memory of the day. “He had gone through some health scares, and it was truly a very special moment for the both of us.”
The ceremony décor was kept simple with rose petals lining the aisle and florals displayed on a geometric arbor behind the officiant.
The ballroom for the reception was decorated with arrangements–supplied by the venue–on ivory linens and gold napkins. Gold-framed table numbers and a photo booth picture frames were also placed on guest tables.
When asked if they had any advice for future couples, Cathy shared, “Don’t get too hung up or stressed with the planning. Things will fall into place, and rain won’t stop a party. Enjoy the time you have with everyone there. It goes by fast. Take in as much as you can.”
See more from Cathy and Joe’s wedding day in the latest
Spring/Summer 2023 print edition of Contemporary Weddings Magazine
Ceremony & Reception Location: Crystal Ballroom / Officiant: Reverend Ben Hickey / Photographer: Mike Zawadzki Photography / Cinematographer: Victoria Lovaglio / Ceremony Music: The Piano Guys / Entertainment & Photo Booth: Elite Sound Entertainment / Floral Designer: Blossom and Bee Floral / Cake Designer: Chocolate Carousel / Wedding Gown Designer: Chic Nostalgia and Nadine Merabi / Alterations: Giana Scanelli Bridal / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Invitations: DIY / Signage: Simply Dunn Designs / Favors: Love Picture Frames / Hair Stylist: Lindsey Holup Hair / Makeup Artist: The Beauty Suite / Jeweler: Corinne Jewelers / Honeymoon Location: Disney
