Exquisite Bride New Jersey Spring 2016

Exquisite Bride The Region’s Preferred Wedding Magazine Serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey

Spring 2016: Premier Issue

Tie the Knot:

at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club

Any Other Day:

Alternatives to the Saturday Wedding

16 Page Essential Wedding Planner www.exquisitebridenj.net

Exquisite Bride

The Region’s Preferred Wedding Magazine

A word from the Publishers Congratulations! You are getting married! What an exciting time in life for you and everyone involved.

We at Exquisite Bride Magazine couldn’t be happier for you and it is our hope that you find this Premier Issue of the magazine helpful and inspiring as you plan your dream day. In this issue you will find articles to help guide you through some decisions that you will need to make as you plan your wedding. Things like picking your day, keeping your finances in order, how to choose the right gown for you and your mom and much more.

Tyler and I would like to thank everyone who has helped contribute to this, the first issue of Exquisite Bride for Ocean and Monmouth counties. We are so happy to have our second location of Exquisite Bride up and running. It took a lot of hard work and dedication and no one contributed more than our New Jersey managing partner, Malissa Walthall.

Without her encouraging us to come to this region and out in the community forging relationships, this magazine would not be possible. To all our advertisers who have come on board and have taken a chance on this new venture, we thank you so very much for putting your trust in us and we hope you like what we have done and will continue working with us long into the future. A special shout out to Jim at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club for all your assistance and believing in us, we can’t thank you enough! Finally, to all the people in the background that give us continued support in so many ways, we are so blessed to call you our friends!

Until next issue, enjoy the read!

Publishers: Jennifer K. Bergstresser R. Tyler Moorhead Managing Partner: Malissa Walthall Executive Editor: Jennifer K. Bergstresser Art Director: Paula Hannam Advertising Sales: Malissa Walthall Contributing Eagle Oaks Golf & Writers: Country Club Family Features Sammy Parks Susan Powell

Cover & Ali Ahmed & Amanda Feature Couple Saunders from Photography Untouchable Entertainment Fashion Casablanca Photography Mon Cheri Bridals

For advertising information, to submit a story idea or to request a free copy of the magazine please contact us at: Slappy Media Group Corporate Office 36 South 11th Street, Allentown, PA. 18102 Phone: 484-767-5850 or 610-730-4106 Email: jenn.exquisitebride@gmail.com Website: www.exquisitebridenj.net Exquisite Bride is a division of Slappy Media Group. Exquisite Bride is a free quarterly publication that is distributed throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey. Reproduction in part or whole without the consent of Slappy Media Group is strictly prohibited. Slappy Media Group reserves the right to accept any advertising or editorial and the final decision to accept or deny any information is the right of the Publisher. All advertising within Exquisite Bride is believed to be accurate and therefore Slappy Media Group assumes no responsibility for damages, errors or omissions in the magazine. All advertisements and their contents are the sole responsibility of the advertisers.

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Table of Contents 6 ~ Feature Couple: Tara Perrucci & Jordon Gaeta

6

8 ~ Venue Spotlight: Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club

Story Courtesy of Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club

12 ~ Fiance and Finances: Know what your partner owes Story Courtesy of Family Features

8

16 ~ Pick a Day: Alternatives to the Saturday wedding Story by Sammy Parks

18 ~ Fashion Spread

Courtesy of Casablanca Bridal and Mon Cheri Bridals

24 ~ Sizing it Up: Getting it right for Mom

24

Story by Susan Powell

28 ~ Bridal Show Guide

Cover Photo: : Our cover photo is courtesy of Untouchable Entertainment and comes from the wedding of our feature couple Tara Perrucci and Jordan Gaeta.

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Feature Couple Tara Perrucci & Jordon Gaeta

Wedding Date: September 6, 2015 Invitations: Wilton Invitations Caterer: Atlantis Ballroom Hair Stylist: Style Lounge Makeup Artist: Style Lounge Florist: Skips Florist

Ceremony Location: Windward Beach State Park - Brick NJ Reception Location: Atlantis Ballroom TR Hotel - Toms River NJ Gown Purchased at: Group USA Tuxedos/Suits from: Groom (Destination XL) Groomsmen ( JCPenney) Engagement Ring from: Corbo Jewelers Wedding Bands from: Kay Jewelers Bridesmaids Attire from: David’s Bridal Photographer: Ali Ahmed & Amanda Saunders of Untouchable Entertainment Officiant: Nate Shedlock DJ/Band: Mystical Entertainment Clifton, NJ & Crystal Vargas of Crystal Percussion Transportation: Santos VIP Limousine Avenel, NJ Videographer: Untouchable Entertainment Bakery: Chocolate Carousel Belmar NJ Ceremony Coordinator: Stefanie Zanetti of Untouchable Entertainment Reception Coordinator: Jennifer Marvel 6 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebridenj.net

How did you meet? I worked at a car wash my father owned. He used to come in with his friends once or twice a month and we became friends, best friends to be exact. Before you know if after a few years had gone by and we started dating which was a huge step for us.

Feature Couple (cont’d.) toward the bed and dropped his phone. When he went down to pick his phone up he looked up at me and took the ring out of his pocket and asked me to marry him. Wellllll I cried and then said omg does my mom know. He then replied with how about a yes or no and I cried happily saying of course yes. Then I told my mom ha.

The first two years were very hard since I was going to college and playing softball. From homework to having practice 3 hours a day 6 days a week and working one full day a week it was extremely hard, however, we overcame that and everything else from then to now we have done together.

How did he propose? It was right around our 5 year anniversary and he took me to Harrah’s in Atlantic City. I’m sure most girls know when it’s coming or at least have an idea. I on the other hand, did not have a clue! He designed the ring on his own knowing the style I have always loved. He was supposed to have DJ Pauly D announce our engagement but he didn’t come on until early morning and my husband did not want to wait that long because he knew “what’s the first thing a girl does” is call family and friends. He did not want that to happen at 1am on a Saturday morning. So as I got out of the shower to get ready to go down to the Harrah’s Pool for DJ Pauly D concert I was doing my hair in my pajamas. I sat on the bed and was straightening my hair. He was by the window looking outside and turned around and walked

Advice for future brides and grooms?

We are now together a little over 9 years. Time has flown by but our love continues to grow!

Our advice for future husband and wives is very simple. Continue to love and support each other. Never put each other down. Always hold one another high. Keep motivating each other and staying positive for each other. It’s work every single day. No one is perfect. Always make sure you wake up happy and go to sleep happy. Never give up. Work and push through the fights and arguments. If you get through them that will strengthen your relationship.

Overcoming each obstacle “TOGETHER” will also help strengthen your lives. Lastly , always listen to and respect one another.

Spring 2016 | Exquisite Bride 7

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Venue Spotlight: Eagle Oaks Golf

& Country Club

Courtesy of Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club Photography by David Todd Photography and Ben Ying

If you are looking to find a venue for your big day which your guests will be talking about long after you say ‘I do”, then look no further than Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club.

A stunning wedding venue which can accommodate up to 500 guests for your reception and a beautiful outdoor facilities to exchange your vows, this place has it all!

Eagle Oaks offers a variety of seated dining and buffet packages or you may choose to create your own personal experience with the assistance of our event planning professionals who will ensure your special day is everything you dreamt it to be. When you choose Eagle Oaks, you will be working with an experienced and caring team who understand the importance of your occasion. After all, this is the business we are in every day!

Want to make an impression on your guests while they are out dancing the night away?

Consider utilizing our state-of-the-art lighting system to accent your event and capture your guest’s imagination and we can even go so far as to have your favorite logo or monogram in lights as well.

Another stunning feature that we have at Eagle Oaks is our bridal suite. “We always get compliments about this” Says Helena Perri, Banquet Sales Manager at the facility. It has its own restroom, full length mirror and comfortable couch and chairs for the girls to primp and just relax before the

walk down the aisle or to freshen up after the ceremony. Another unique addition to Eagle Oaks is the newly added Grooms Suite because after all, the guys need a place of their own to do the last minute things that guys do too.

Eagle Oaks can accommodate both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. For a ceremony one can only dream of, the Rose Garden is the choice for those with an imagination.

Spring 2016 | Exquisite Bride 9

Venue Spotlight (cont’d)

We have seen many “works of art” created here with the assistance of one of our florists off of our “Preferred Vendor” list.

“Many wedding venues are beautiful in their own unique ways,” says Jim O’Neill, Banquet Sales Manager at Eagle Oaks. “But all the scenic views or the interior decorating means nothing if Mother Nature strikes and the power goes out, Eagle Oaks boasts a hard wired generator backup system that in case the unexpected happens, it will keep not only the lights on but can also handle ovens, emergency exits, and both heat and air conditioning.

So with all the amenities, our award winning culinary staff, planning professionals and service team which will provide you with turnkey solutions, unlimited menu options and white glove attention, your guests will enjoy the exquisite service and personal attention that only Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club can offer. It is simply magical!

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For more information, contact

732-938-9696 Jim O’Neill (ext. 316) joneill@eagleoaks.com Helena Perri (ext. 352) hperri@eagleoaks.com www.eagleoaks.com

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Fiancé and Finances Five Questions to Ask Before Marriage

By Family Features

Marriage is a milestone in life; yet, many enter into the next phase without asking their spouse some vital questions about money. If you are among the soon-to-be wed, consider starting a conversation using the questions below.

Couples who plan their expenses ahead of time are more likely to enjoy their earnings, and less likely to need credit repair intervention.

Men, women and weddings

Females are often portrayed as materialistic or over-the-top when it comes to their big day, but recent findings from an online Harris Poll tell a different story. Surprisingly, the study found that twice the number of men stated they would or did go into debt to pay for their dream wedding.

The study also found that both men and women valued financial responsibility. In fact, 91% indicated a preference for entering marriage debt-free as opposed to having a dream wedding.

“Marriage is a lifelong commitment built on trust, clear communication and honesty,” said John Heath, Directing Attorney for Lexington Law. “While some may find financial discussions unnecessary, understanding each other intimately in terms of what you both bring to the table – be it wealth or debt – will strengthen your relationship and help to avoid potentially serious friction to your marriage down the road.”

Discussing money matters

So how does one go into a marriage with a solid financial standing? Those soon-to-bewed couples who converse openly about their finances are more likely to enjoy their big day with an understanding of their mate’s views on money. The experts at Lexington Law offer these questions every newly engaged couple should ask before the big day:

1. How do you view money?

This is a loaded question, but your fiancé’s answer will help you understand their perspective and how it aligns with yours. Here are a few conversation starters on the subject: • How do you budget your money?

• Are you meticulous about your bills and expenses, or are you comfortable to just “wing it?”

• What’s the most you would ever spend on a home, car, piece of clothing, etc.?

Continued on page 14 12 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebridenj.net

Spring 2016 | Exquisite Bride 13

Fiancé and Finances (cont’d.)

2. How should we budget for a family?

Kids are expensive, especially if you haven’t planned for them. Talk to your partner about how many kids you would both like to have.

Plan for child living expenses and how they will impact your budget, i.e. clothes, food, activities, medical expenses, schooling, etc.

3. How should we communicate about money?

Some couples are content to let one person handle the finances, and others like to split up the bills and share household responsibilities.

Regardless of what you decide, it is important to have a plan in place before getting married.

4. What should we do when we disagree about spending?

You and your spouse won’t agree on everything.

In fact, you may completely disagree on how to spend, save, and generally manage your money.

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The question is: What should you do when these disagreements arise? Avoiding the subject will put you at greater risk for financial (and marital) trouble. There’s no easy answer for this one, but presenting the topic during your conversation is a good start.

5. Do you have any debts that I should be aware of?

Secrets aren’t the best addition to a marriage, especially when it comes to debt. Be sure you and your soon-to-be put the credit cards on the table before walking down the aisle. Marriage is a life partnership; start by dealing with your debt together.

You’ll head into your new life as a married couple with ease when you have an open and honest dialog about your financial situation.

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Pick A Day Alternatives to the Saturday Wedding

By Sammy Parks

Some women start thinking about their dream weddings from a very young age.

As a child, the white ballroom gown, horse and carriage and Saturday full of flowers and dancing play big roles in the fantasy. You yourself are probably guilty of this to a degree and secretly still have this in the plans for your big day.

Sometimes, however, this dream isn’t always a practical one and may limit you and your options when it comes to what you want for your dream wedding.

When thinking about your day, no doubt, most brides will look at a Saturday without a second thought to any other day of the week. Why is Saturday the most important and usually the only considered day of the week to get married?

16 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebridenj.net

The biggest factor is that it is in the middle of the weekend and most people do not have to worry about taking time off from work. It is more convenient for people who are traveling to get into town and have a little time to relax before all the activities begin.

Popularity does however come with its problems. Saturday is often a very hard day to book a wedding, at least the date you want.

Reservations need to be made years in advance to get the venue you just can’t live without.

In addition, the venue, caterer and other vendors you choose will most likely come with a higher price tag on a Saturday because of the competition. The wedding industry is an $86 billion dollar industry, according to statistics from the Association of Wedding Professionals International, and those involved with making the wedding day happen know this so the price tag is larger for their services.

Pick A Day(cont’d.)

So, what are your options? What are the advantages of giving up the Saturday wedding for another day of the week? For the bride on a budget there are many! Supply and demand for Saturday weddings means that a Friday or Sunday would generally be cheaper and more readily available. Skipping the weekend totally would be even more beneficial.

Things like your dream venue, that caterer you must have and that photographer who you know will capture all your memories but was booked every Saturday for 2 years straight are now options you have. Just keep in mind, you will want to check with your Church or ceremony site to make arrangements if you choose a non-weekend wedding.

Fashion Fancy: Top designers share a few of their Spring 2016 collection with Exquisite Bride

Soft Romantic styling is featured in tiers of organza ruffles. French Alencon Lace and beadwork adorn the bodice enhanced by silk floral accents.

Designed by David Tutera for Mon Cheri Bridals.

A ball gown silhouette highlighted in Swarovski crystals with gold and silver embroidered lace, this gown was created for the New 2016 Couture Division of David Tutera.

By David Tutera, this new A-line cage dress is created with three dimensional lace over a satin slim A-line. This elegant romantic style features a chapel length train and scalloped hemline trim.

Created by Desiree Hartsock for Maggie Sottero, this Bohemian inspired styling features the new beaded caplet of lace crystals and seedpearls. Removing the caplet, you can also create a new look with a beautiful a-line strapless featuring a soft sweep train.

A flat laced delicate fit and flair design for Casablanca Bridals is highlighted with princess seams and a fitted shaped bodice.

Sizing it Up Knowing How to Pick the Proper Dress for Mom.

By Susan Powell Owner at Bridals by Sandra “Mom, I’m ENGAGED!” Three little words that come with so much excitement and anxiety for all mothers. Planning a wedding and helping a daughter through this fun and exciting time of her life is what a mother dreams from the time she is a little girl. However, along with the joy comes serious frustration for many mothers of the bride and groom.

Time and time again we see mother’s assisting with the wedding helping to select the wedding gown and also the bridesmaids’ styles. Yet finding just the right style for themselves can be challenging. It is important to remember that the Mother of the Bride, along with the father of the bride, will be giving their daughter away in marriage and that they are an essential part of this wedding party. Mother’s shop for themselves last with many indicating a desire to lose weight or tone up before being measured for their gowns. Today’s styles are very flattering, less matronly and often figure flattering with rouching at the waist to create an amazing waistline. Open necklines will help to help to minimize a full bust line and Spanx become your very best friend to create a smooth body image. Your personal bridal consultant will show you various styles that are suitable for all shapes and sizes.

What is important to remember is that you will be photographed with the wedding party and that the color your select should blend with the other colors your daughter or future daughter 24 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebridenj.net

in law has selected. Navy, Aubergine, Platinum and Black are the most common colors ordered for fall weddings. They are not only slimming colors but will also blend easily with most color themes. For a formal wedding, with the men in black tuxedos is it always safe for all mom’s to wear black and blend. Gone are the days that black is not acceptable. It is nicer for a mother to wear black and focus on the bride’s theme color rather than to clash with the rest of the wedding party. It is also important to follow suit with regards to the length of the gown or dress. If the wedding is more casual and the men are wearing suits, it is proper to wear a t-length or short style. If the men are wearing tuxedos, regardless of the color, please dress as formally as your escort and select a long evening gown rather than dress in the same attire of your guests.

Sizing for a mother of the bride or groom’s style depends on the manufacture of the gown.

Beware of the gown that is available in a “Junior Ticket”. A missy size is a size geared to the body type of most mothers. A more simplified

Sizing it Up (cont’d.) style, often known as a bridesmaid style, may also be worn by a mother, however, is available only in a junior ticket size. This means you will need to order at least one to two sizes larger than your normal missy sized ready to wear dress. Confusing? Perhaps. But your personal consultants will assist you.

You will also want to be aware of the delivery schedules on special orders as the Mother’s Gowns are the number one item that is placed on a RUSH order. Best time to look for a mother’s style is right after the maids select the gown and color theme for the wedding.

Planning your daughter’s wedding can and should be one of the most fulfilling time of a mother’s life. Just remember that without YOU, this entire celebration would not be happening.

So the bottom line is that you, the mom, deserves to be looking and feeling amazing too!

Thinking PAPER

LLC

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Spring 2016 | Exquisite Bride 25

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Spring 2016 | Exquisite Bride 27

The Oyster Point Hotel invites you to join us to preview an array of local wedding professionals

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32 Exquisite Bride | www.exquisitebridenj.net

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