A ROMANTIC, OLD WORLD NJ WEDDING AT THE ESTATE AT FLORENTINE GARDENS BY HILLARY MUELLECK PHOTOGRAPHY
When the bride is a wedding photographer by trade, you can pretty much guarantee a wedding day filled to the brim with heartfelt details. This gallery captured through the lens of Hillary Muelleck Photography is everything we would imagine an Italian-inspired wedding with old world charm to be here in the states. From the floral decorated Vespa and the lush garden setting of The Estate at Florentine Gardens right down to the grandeur of the ballroom, there’s so much inspiration you just have to see. Take a peek below.
From the bride…Our wedding day was magical. It really was such a beautiful and joyous day. From the sunny weather to the beautiful gardens with golden hour sun peeking through the trees swaying in the breeze during our ceremony all the way to the dancing and laughs during the reception..it was a dream I’ll never forget.
Barbara tried on over 14 dresses, but ultimately knew she wanted a feminine gown where she’d be able to twirl and feel like a princess. The Eddy K Italia gown featured a plunging V-neckline, exposed V-cut back, and romantic lace detailing. Barbara accessorized her wedding day look with a crystal headpiece, cathedral-length veil, her Nonna’s vintage engagement ring, drop earrings, crystal bracelet, and a diamond pendant her family gifted her.
The Estate at Florentine Gardens set the scene for Barbara and Danilo’s outdoor garden ceremony and ballroom reception. They loved the timeless elegance the venue emulates and found the staff to be accommodating and truly provided a personalized experience. Plus, the Florentine Gardens was where they went to prom 14 years prior, so they knew it was meant to be.
The ceremony décor was kept minimal to emphasize the beauty of the gardens. A flowy chiffon runner was draped over the wooden arch accented with floral bunches in pastel hues, while white chairs flanked the petal-lined aisle.
The couple brought a touch of Italy to the United States through various elements such as a vintage Vespa and an accordion player, who performed songs Barbara grew up listening to with her Nonni and family.
“The reception had a beautiful airy and timeless look with pastel florals on golden metal holders. Everything was simple and elegant with a clean yet old-world look. The linens were a simple cream and the chairs were gold,” Barbara shared on the ballroom decor.
Barbara and Danilo can thank their parents for moving to the same town the summer of sixth grade. The two were friendly and shared the same circle of friends throughout the years, but who would have thought a prom-posal would be the start of an everlasting relationship. “I didn’t know Danilo was ‘the one’ right away because he truly was a blessing I never expected in my life, but rather I grew to know and love his heart over the years and knew I was so blessed God placed him in my life. I knew I didn’t want to spend life loving anyone else,” Barbara shared.
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Estate at Florentine Gardens / Officiant: Pastor Paul Flores / Photographer: Hillary Muelleck Photography / Cinematographer: Frank Ahn Films / Entertainment: Sal Travis Entertainment with DJ Tony Gia / Photo Booth: S&N Creative Solutions / Floral Designer: Olivia Floral Designs / Limousine Service: Moonlight Limo & Party Bus / Cake Designer: Palermo’s Bakery / Wedding Gown Designer: Eddy K Italia / Veil Designer: MarryBridalUS / Headpiece: Dareth Colburn / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Formal Attire: Tuxedo by Sarno / Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie / Invitations: Minted / Favors: Roscato Wine Bottles / Hair Stylist: Styles on Location / Makeup Artist: MakeUp by Samantha Linn / Jeweler: Jewelry by Vincent / Honeymoon Location: Hawaii
