A MICRO OUTDOOR WEDDING AT PORTOBELLO RESTAURANT BY BARBARA MARCELLA PHOTOGRAPHY
Michele and Michael met in second grade when he moved to Waldwick, and they started dating the summer going into their senior year of high school. They were together for nine years, and while everyone around them was getting engaged, Michele was left thinking, “Why not us?” Michele had a bad day at work and when she got home there was a sign that said “Will” hanging in their parking spot. Thinking she would have to call management, Michele grabbed the mail and went upstairs to a dark apartment lit with romantic candlelight and another sign with the word “you” written on it. As Michele called out to see if anyone was home, their dog Edgar came running out wearing a shirt that said “marry.” Michael then appeared, got down on one knee, and proposed with a custom engagement ring making this occasion one of the best days of Michele’s life.
Michele and Michael initially were using the beach as their inspiration, but once they had to change their wedding plans due to covid, they also modified their vision to complement the setting of their celebration. Continue reading below for more details from this couple’s boho tropical wedding at Portobello Restaurant captured by Barbara Marcella Photography.
Despite getting engaged in 2018, securing vendors by early 2019, and initially having plenty of time to wedding plan, the coronavirus threw this couple for a loop, leaving them to make new arrangements in the middle of a pandemic. “COVID-19 made it very difficult for us to plan anything. We had multiple plans before we came up with the wedding day we had,” Michele shared. “I guess the pressure of getting everything done in such a limited amount of time was the real exciting part!”
Michele and Michael both agreed that seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony was their favorite memory of the day.
Michele walked down the aisle in her parents’ backyard wearing a form-fitted, beaded dress from Lulus. She accessorized her look with a beaded embellished veil, a necklace borrowed from her mom, earrings, and a simple silver bracelet.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their closest loved ones headed to Portobello Restaurant to celebrate with an intimate outside dinner. Palm trees, string lighting, centerpieces, and wicker-style chairs were just a few details that harmonized with the locale’s tropical atmosphere.
Ceremony Location: Parents’ Backyard / Officiant: Evermore Officiant / Reception Location: Portobello / Photographer: Barbara Marcella Photography / Cinematographer: Danny B Productions / Ceremony Music: Royal Strings Duo / Floral Designer: Serendipity Floral and Event Design / Limousine: Ultimate Party Bus / Cake Designer: Melanie’s Desserts / Wedding Gown: Lulus / Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie / Invitations: Zazzle / Favors: The Paper Shoppe / Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Leah Michelson & Lita Zurka / Jeweler: David Jewelers / Mini Moon: Cape May, New Jersey
