BC the Mag Occasions Spring/Summer 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OCCASIONS

CELEBRATIONS!

Stories and scenes from the latest and greatest BC parties

ARRIVE IN STYLE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The hottest clothes for spring and summer

Wedding Trends for 2015

www.bcthemag.com

Th e Wedding of S tep hanie A n n Sa le mme a nd Ra l ph J a mes Corrado SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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We are committed to providing each We are committed to providing each client, friendmember and family client, friend and family with member with an unrivaled an unrivaled experience of a lifetime.

experience a lifetime.

Hosting Hosting only oneof elegant event at a only one elegant event at a time and having over twenty years of time and having over twenty experience allows us to provide each years of experience allows us

of our patrons withour individual to valued provide each of valued service, affair and patrons withcustomization individual service, customization keen keenaffair attention to detail. Asand guests of to feel detail. guests our attention facility, we youAs deserve of our facility, we feel you nothing less.

deserve nothing less.

The warmth, comfort and charm ofand The The warmth, comfort

Estatecharm offers of a truly The unique Estatesetting offersfor a uniqueday. setting for your your truly most special Our Georgianspecial day.

Our Georgianstyle most mansion boasts expansive style mansion boasts expansive gardens, spacious and elegant rooms gardens, spacious and elegant and décor, world-class cuisine and

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expert and cuisine courteousand staff.expert and class

courteous At The Estate, staff. we are devoted to

At The areeverything devoted making yourEstate, specialwe day to making your special day you dreamed it would be… and much everything you dreamed it more. We would love the opportunity to would be... and much more. be a We partwould of your beautiful beginning, love the opportunity your to wonderful journey and abeautiful day you be a part of your beginning, will remember for ayour lifetime.wonderful journey and a day you will remember 97 Rivervale Rd.for a lifetime.

River Vale, NJ 07675 P: 201-666-0444 | F: 201-666-3032 River Vale, NJ 07675 florentinegardens.com P: 201-666-0444 | F: 201-666-3032 florentinegardens.com

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devoted

to making your special day

everything you dreamed it would be‌

and much more

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PUBLISHERS SHARON & STEVEN GOLDSTEIN ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BRANDON GOLDSTEIN EXECUTIVE EDITOR JUSTIN HENRY DAVIDSON DESIGN DIRECTOR DEANA IVORY MARKETING & SALES LINDA BARBA AMY SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JENNIFER BONAZZO-PETERS DR. DEANNA BRANN SARAH DE JESUS CARMEN DELANO TARA DELORENZO SHARON GOLDSTEIN MARIE HATHAWAY SCOTT HORNAK ELIZABETH HUNT SANDY MEYERS LAURA PETROCELLI CONTRIBUTING EVENT PLANNERS COUTURE CONCEPTS NY DREAMERS JOY EVENTS & DESIGN KRAFT EVENT MANAGEMENT NE OCCASION EVENT STYLING & DESIGN

BC the Magazine Occasions is published by BC the Mag Find us at www.BCtheMag.com For advertising and information, please call 201-265-2286 Copyright 2015. All materials are the property of Bergen County the Magazine, LLC., and may not be copied or reproduced without the written consent from the publishers.

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P UBLISHER’S LE TT E R

Spring is in full bloom and summer’s warmth is inching closer.

Friends, it’s event season. Finally!

Each and every night, Bergen County comes alive with galas, weddings, fundraisers and every party in between. Every year around this time, I marvel at all of the smiles that return to your beautiful faces after those long and dreary winters. It’s an amazing sight to behold.

This issue of BC the Mag Occasions encapsulates that joyful spirit.

You’ll see scenes from a wonderful mix of parties that took place all around town, as well as some great suggestions for the best ways to eat, drink and be merry in the sunshine.

I would write more but the party is starting and I don’t want to miss a thing. See you on the dance floor!

Cheers,

Brandon Goldstein

The Event of a Lifetime

Celebrate your dreams in our elegant ballroom and stately lobby, set amidst lavish gardens and the historic homes of Rockleigh.

Our unsurpassed personal service and custom menus enhance the magic of your wedding day.

26 Paris Avenue • Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647 • Tel. 201-768-7171 • www.therockleigh.net SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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C ONTENT S SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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MEMORABLE, NOT MISERABLE Making the most of family time

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ANNA ROSE FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN Named after owner Alexa Maniaci’s late grandmother, this one-of-a-kind shop in North Haledon emits a soothing mom-and-pop charm that you don’t find at many other places

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A BIRTHDAY PARTY TO REMEMBER Throw the perfect party for your son or daughter

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WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2015 Whether it’s you or someone you know who’s tying the knot this year, these helpful hints will make sure it’s unforgettable

WHY NOT WINTER? Rustic elegance and urban simplicity came together for this winter wedding styled photo shoot. This type of affair might be right for you!

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COCKTAILS Need a few ideas for some new drinks to mix up at your next party this spring and summer? Look no further

TIMING IS EVERYTHING When it comes to planning and executing music for the perfect wedding reception, the old adage holds true

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CONGRATS, GRAD! Celebrate the students in your life with these fun D.I.Y. projects

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FILL YOUR CUPCAKES WITH SPRINGTIME FUN These simple Carrot Garden Spring Cupcakes are an easy addition to any spring celebration

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ARRIVE IN STYLE The hottest clothes for spring and summer

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FIANCÉS AND FINANCES Five questions to ask before marriage

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FLOWER CROWN This popular countryside accessory adds a touch of simplicity, softness and femininity to anyone who wears one

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DESTINATION: ATLANTIS Embark on a journey to this blissful Caribbean resort for a wedding filled with intimate white beaches, pristine pools, amazing food and endless smiles

BC OCCASIONS

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Stories and scenes from all the great parties around Bergen County

Let us dazzle you with vaulted conservatories, hand-painted ceiling domes, a lavish ballroom, grand atrium, ornate fireplaces, fountains, and more picture-perfect settings for wedding photos than you can imagine. An ambience like no other, together with fabulous international fare by award-winning chefs and the finest wine, spirits and service, put The Brownstone— and your wedding reception—in a class of one.

351 West Broadway Paterson, New Jersey 07522-1978 Tel: 973-595-8582 Fax: 973-595-1141 1-800-464-8582 www.thebrownstone.com

Memorable, Not Miserable Making the most of family time

By Deanna Brann, Ph.D.

I

t’s that time of year where you will be spending more time with family. Whether it’s a holiday, vacation, wedding, graduation or any other event, family can often make these happy times a bit challenging. Things can get especially challenging when the event includes in-laws, adult children and their families, or siblings and their families.

With most families, there is typically one person who can set the tone—good or bad—for the rest of the family. Whether that means this person says or does something, or makes a big deal about not attending due to “issues” in the family, their actions can, and often do, impact everyone else who is present.

When you think about this person, you are certain he or she is going to cause an uproar that might even be directed at you. You begin to anticipate their actions to the point that you walk into the situation with trepidation and unease. You’re on edge and this affects how you interact with the rest of our family. The other family members are on edge as well, which affects how they interact with you. Before you and the other people have a chance to enjoy each other, everyone is encumbered with the anticipation of this person’s actions. Is there any way to avoid this all-too-familiar situation?

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www.Boutique811.com 201.485.8650 811 Franklin Lake Road Franklin Lakes SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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The key to making this time with family feel better to you and to them is as simple as shifting your perspective slightly. This allows you to shift your reaction to anything this person may say or do. Once you make a shift, he or she will have to make a shift as well, even if it’s only a small one. Trust me. Give these tips a try:

1. Don’t take things personally Remember, when you are around extended family for a specific event, you are creating an artificial type of “family togetherness.” This is bound to cause some stress and strain on everyone. Take a step back and consider that their words or actions speak more about them and how they deal with stress, and less about you.

2. Be a team player Even though one person may have planned and is hosting the get-together, it is important that everyone chip in and help out. Volunteer your help and show interest in the other people who are there. Remember to compliment your host or hostess.

3. Find the humor Decide to find humor in what this person who creates the strain within the family says or does.

When you do, you create an emotional distance that helps you take his or her actions less seriously.

It also is a way to help the rest of the family feel more at ease in what could be a stressful situation.

Don’t forget about the great stories you’ll have to tell your friends.

4. Find some down time for yourself Being around people constantly—even ones we love—can take its toll on us. Take a few minutes to go for a short walk, step outside for a bit or linger by yourself for a time will help you stay calm and collected. Do whatever you need to take that few minutes to re-energize yourself. It will do wonders for you and everyone else.

5. Establish a plan of action Playing things by ear sounds like a good idea, but it really isn’t. Think about who will be at your family gathering, how the person you are most concerned about might behave, and how you can respond so that you can feel good about your response. Planning in advance what to expect and how to respond allows you less of an opportunity to be caught off guard. For those moments that might catch you off guard, think about a more general response, such as humor, walking away and so on. This allows you to cover as many possibilities as you can.

Family time is often what we make of it. Allowing another person to influence how much you enjoy this time with your family is letting them be in control of your experience. This is not fair to you or to other family members. No matter how much someone tries to affect your experience (and maybe everyone else’s experience) show him or her a different way.

Show them that you have the ability to create the experience you want. Now you’re ready to enjoy that family time!

Dr. Deanna Brann is the author of Reluctantly Related: Secrets To Getting Along With Your Mother-inLaw or Daughter-in-Law. Find out more about her at www.DrDeannaBrann.com.

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ANNA ROSE FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN Named after owner Alexa Maniaci’s late grandmother, this one-of-a-kind shop in North Haledon emits a soothing mom-and-pop charm that you don’t find at many other places

By Jennifer Bonazzo-Peters Anna Rose Floral & Event Design isn’t your typical flower shop. Located next door to Nicholas Markets in North Haledon, a family-owned store that was formerly operated by Nick Maniaci, Anna Rose’s husband and Alexa’s departed grandfather, the shop honors the Maniaci family history with every chic, rustic and environmentally conscious product and style that suits your budget. Alexa and her family fill the shop with the fiery, entrepreneurial spirit of Anna Rose in all that they do, and they will most certainly warm your heart and your home.

Alexa Maniaci began her business with her father David when they were purchasing flowers for Anna Rose’s funeral in 2007. The services they received at this time did not exceed their expectations and they decided it would help others who were grieving to have the comfort of a truly personalized arrangement and the much needed encouragement and sensitivity they had hoped for. David had already owned the market next door after his father passed away. His desire to apply all that his parents had done for him combined with Alexa’s passion for carrying on the family name and her artistic abilities provided them with the foundation for starting the shop.

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“I have the same characteristics that my grandmother had, especially her ambition,” Alexa said. “We have embodied that spirit in our work and it is now a certified woman-owned business. Taking pride in our team, we provide impeccable customer service, while every member contributes to going above and beyond every individual’s expectation.”

Alexa went to design school in New York City, but she started getting her feet wet in the business when she was only 16. Her mother Nancy handles all of the merchandising and only buys products that are environmentally friendly and made in America.

In addition, Nancy does her best to find eclectic and tasteful elements that always portray the current fashion trends.

At Anna Rose, customers receive high-end service with artistic value, along with the loving energy the family extends freely from their hearts.

It’s a much better option than simply running to the supermarket to pick up a quick and easy gift. When someone arrives or calls that has recently lost a loved one, the Maniaci family looks up the obituary to find out more about who this person really was in order to honor him or her in a compassionate way through their design. Or, they will include a bouquet of a bride’s grandmother’s brooches that was handmade so that she may feel her spirit on her wedding day. When customers visit to plan a wedding or bar and bat mitzvah, they are invited to spend time Courtesy of Dove Photography with a team member to describe their vision or ask for assistance in creating one. The staff treats everything as an exact science that goes beyond how they meticulously care for their flowers. They have a “recipe book” at the shop that contains all of the clients’ information, special requests and every detail imaginable to ensure that an already stressed host or bride will have one less thing to worry about. If customers arrive with family but cannot leave their children, the younger ones can watch television or snack on delicious pastries from the market next door.

Keep in mind that when you come for just one item, you will be tempted to treat yourself as well while browsing around the shop. Aside from the stunning event centerpieces suitable for any theme, products sold at the shop also include homemade wood barrel burns perfect for Yoga studio owners, organic soaps for the skin conscious, dried lavender to create a relaxing scented room, hand-crafted vases, soy-based candles, wooden greeting cards for an unforgettable way to send a message to a loved one and their own line of lotions. Four honeybee hives sit on top of the shop’s roof and employees work with master bee keepers to extract fresh honey in order to place it in bottles and jars right in the store. The designer silk flowers, gorgeous orchids, hydrangeas and every flower you

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WESTCHESTER'S FASHION ADDRESS 7 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY at the Ritz Carlton

mjdenzer.com (914) 328-0330 Validated parking at the hotel SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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can imagine all begin with the family’s artistry as well. They plant their own fresh flowers regularly in order to guarantee a longer flower life for their customers. The seasonal window displays at Anna Rose attract frequent visitors that are blown away by the lavish presentations. In the month of April, they displayed a wedding gown made of pure silk flowers that the team made by hand. People have even rented the eye-catching piece of décor that reflects current bridal fashion for bridal showers.

Anna Rose Floral & Event Design is already a blossoming business. The team has worked for Audi and Porsche dealerships. When the Super Bowl was played at MetLife Stadium, Anna Rose was selected to provide arrangements for parties at MetLife Stadium and the Izod Center. While Alexa and her team are currently thriving in the design world, they will soon partner up with Nicholas Markets.

The partnership will allow event hosts to cover catering and décor in one stop. Until then, enjoy the unlimited services they have to offer for your next event. If you want a meaningful and beautiful gift or if you just need to stop and smell the roses, just swing by.

Anna Rose Floral & Event Design is located at 1068 High Mountain Road in North Haledon. Alexa and her staff may be reached at (973) 636-6535. For more information, visit www.annarosefloral.com.

Escape from the Ordinary…

Ridgewood’s Newest Special Events Venue 38 Oak Street, Ridgewood NJ, 07450

201 445-5400

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a birthday party to remember throw the perfect party for your son or daughter

by sandy meyers

It’s even easier to plan a colorful soirée with a laid-back atmosphere inspired by summer when your child’s birthday occurs in a warm weather month.

First, you want to pick the perfect party theme that will impress guests and make your little one feel special. Sticking with a common theme throughout the party planning process is a great way to let your hosting skills shine through while highlighting your child’s interests. Start by making a list of your child’s favorite things. Does your little birthday boy or girl have a special toy, book or hobby? Maybe there is a movie character or animal that your child finds inspirational. Once you have a few ideas in mind, give your child a short list of options and let him or her ultimately choose the party theme.

“A birthday party that truly represents your child’s passions will leave lasting memories,” said Valerie Gimre, the owner of Charming Touch Parties, an event planning company based in the Chicago suburbs. “Focus on a few key elements to spotlight the theme and let the creativity flow.”

Of course, a special party deserves a special invitation that will create a great first impression of the event. From the color of the paper to the font, it’s the fine details that count. Skip the electronic invite and opt for the personal touch of sending

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homemade invitations with special details like an eye-catching stamp that coordinates with the party theme. For example, if you’re choosing a car or circus theme, use a limited-edition hot rod or vintage circus posters forever stamp from the U.S. Postal Service. If you want to save on paper, a postcard design is a fun way to announce your party.

While designing the invitations, remember to keep the language as simple and concise as possible, while including all the specifics, such as the date, time, venue name and address. Also, be sure to include details about the RSVP, including an email and phone number, as well as a deadline for their response.

Beyond invitations, a great birthday party also includes creative home decorations as well as fun food and dessert ideas. For example, you can build on the circus theme by creating a concession stand table, complete with popcorn, animal crackers and other treats that kids love.

End your perfect party by giving each child a gift that they can take home as a memento. Opt for something that might seem a little less traditional like a stationary kit, complete with paper, envelopes and pens adorned in the party’s color and theme.

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Wedding Trends for 2015 Whether it's you or someone you know who's tying the knot this year, these helpful hints will make sure it's unforgettable!

By Laura Petrocelli

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C

ookie cutter weddings are a thing of the past. In this day and age, almost every bride or groom is in a Pinterest frenzy. It's important to craft the perfect wedding with personality so it really stands out. You can spend $100 or $1 million on décor, but if your party doesn’t have thoughtful, personal touches, it might be forgettable. Nobody wants that. This wedding season is all about telling a story.

When we meet a couple for the first time, it's just as important for us to try to get to know them on a personal level as it is to get a feel for their style and taste. What types of things make the couple unique? What do they like to do together?

How did they meet? What do they do for a living?

Where do they like to travel together? Believe it or not, the answers to these questions and more can help create a beautiful story that can be told throughout their wedding day details. If you do not have a wedding planner who can help you bring these ideas to life, go online and browse different wedding sites for guestbook ideas, escort card displays, D.I.Y. signage, table numbers and other details that reflect who you are as a couple.

"Outside the box" venues are also on the rise.

New Jersey is chock full of hidden gems. There are all sorts of beautiful barns, vineyards, enchanting woodsy areas, seaside escapes and historical properties that are not necessarily on the map. If you want to go this route, check out “The Un-Jersey Bride” at www.unjerseybride.com. This blog has an amazing collection of unique venues that you might have never even known about.

More and more of our brides and grooms are opting to get custom-made wedding day attire.

Imagine being able to be a part of the entire design process so you can wear something completely original and special that is made just for you.

Coming up empty-handed after tirelessly searching for “The One,” or not being able to pay the price of a car to have the same “One” as so many others can take a toll on the excitement of planning a wedding and nobody wants that. Going the custom-made route is a great way to incorporate a special piece of fabric or other detail from a loved one into your look. Mom's giant puffy-sleeved wedding dress may not necessarily be your style, but she would surely appreciate it if you incorporated a piece of her love

Photos Courtesy of White Pear Photography Studios Inc. SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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story into yours.

As far as colors and flowers go, 2015 is going to be a beautiful year. Deep reds and rich berry hues are at the top of the color food chain. Pantone named “Marsala” its Color of the Year, so we can expect lots of that. These colors are being accented with antique gold, bronze and other soft metallic hues, as well as lots of dreamy greenery which helps create those natural silhouettes that we are seeing everywhere. Many couples now stick with a local theme and choose handpicked "wildflower" looks. Checking out what is in season and fresh at your local market is a great way to accomplish this.

There is definitely a new fairytale look in town. Couples have been adding more “bohemian glam” and whimsical “garden party” flair to their big day. Lower floral pieces with draping wild flowers and greenery have become the most coveted look. Instead of one high candelabra centerpiece, many couples are requesting multiple smaller pieces and displaying them in eclectic mismatched vases in various heights with tons of lanterns and candles.

This year’s wedding season will be one for the ages. Just remember to think outside the box.

Laura Petrocelli is the co-owner of Couture Concepts NY. For more information, visit www.coutureconceptsny.com.

Gift baskets & Custom Cookies for all Occasions Shower and Wedding Favors Gourmet Cookies and Treats by the Pound Personalized Cookies and Cakes Corporate Logos and Gifts New All Natural Dog Cookies CONTACT US:

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COCKTAILS Need a few ideas for some new drinks to mix up at your next party this spring and summer? Look no further.

AMERICAN BEAUTY 2 oz. Bluecoat American Dry Gin ½ oz. fresh lemon juice ¾ oz. simple syrup 3 fresh raspberries 3 fresh blueberries 4 to 6 mint leaves 1 oz. club soda 1 lemon wheel and raspberry (as garnish) GENTLY MUDDLE LEMON JUICE, MINT AND BERRIES IN A MIXING GLASS. ADD GIN AND SIMPLE SYRUP ALONG WITH THE ICE AND SHAKE VIGOROUSLY. FINE-STRAIN INTO A ROCKS GLASS FILLED WITH ICE AND TOP WITH A SPLASH OF SODA. GARNISH WITH LEMON WHEEL AND A RASPBERRY.

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BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA 1 oz. blood orange purée 1 ½ oz. Casa Noble Crystal tequila 1 ½ oz. sour mix 2 Serrano peppers COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A ROCKS GLASS WITH A SALTED RIM.

CLOVER CLUB 1½ oz Bluecoat American Dry Gin ½ oz. simple syrup ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ oz. grenadine 1 egg white 1 lemon wheel and raspberry (as garnish) COMBINE THE INGREDIENTS IN A SHAKER FILLED WITH ICE. SHAKE VIGOROUSLY TO EMULSIFY THE EGG AND STRAIN INTO A COCKTAIL GLASS. GARNISH WITH A LEMON TWIST OR RASPBERRIES.

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CUCUMBER UNO 1 ½ oz. Casa Noble Crystal tequila 1 English cucumber, peeled and juiced 1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced for garnish 1 teaspoon fresh basil or opal basil ½ fresh lemon ½ oz. simple syrup ADD LEMON JUICE TO THE CUCUMBER SO IT WILL NOT OXIDIZE. WITH CUCUMBER JUICE PREPPED, ADD TEQUILA TO A GLASS. ADD 1 ½ OZ. CUCUMBER JUICE. ADD FRESH SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE AND A FEW BASIL LEAVES. MIX WELL, TASTE, AND SERVE ON THE ROCKS GARNISHED WITH CUCUMBER SLICES AND A SPRIG OF OPAL OR REGULAR BASIL.

THE NORTHERN PEACH 1 ½ oz. Crystal Head vodka 2 ½ oz. natural peach juice ¼ oz. basil simple syrup Fresh basil leaves BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE: ADD EQUAL PARTS SUGAR AND WATER IN A POT, ALONG WITH 4 TO 5 BASIL LEAVES. BRING TO A BOIL ENSURING NOT TO SCORCH THE SIDES. REDUCE HEAT AND SIMMER FOR 5 MINUTES. STORE AND COOL MIXTURE BEFORE USING. WILL LAST UP TO TWO WEEKS IN THE REFRIGERATOR. POUR ALL INGREDIENTS INTO A SHAKER FILLED WITH ICE. SHAKE WELL THEN STRAIN INTO A GLASS. GARNISH WITH A FRESH BASIL LEAF. 28

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PINA ESPADINA 2 oz. Casa Noble Reposado tequila Pineapple purée 2 oz. fresh lime ½ oz. Agave 2 Fresno chilies (sliced into rounds) MIX EVERYTHING TOGETHER WITH THE WHOLE CHILIES AND SHAKE WELL. STRAIN OVER FRESH ICE INTO A COLLINS GLASS AND GARNISH WITH THE CHILIES FLOATING RIGHT ON TOP.

PALOMA 2 oz. Casa Noble Reposado tequila ½ oz. fresh lime juice 4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice Splash of club soda POUR THE FIRST THREE INGREDIENTS INTO A GLASS AND STIR. TOP WITH A SPLASH OF CLUB SODA.

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PRIVATE PARTIES CORPORATE EVENTS WEDDINGS 路路路 UNPARALLELED SERVICE FLAWLESS EXECUTION ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

inthyme.com info@inthyme.com

97 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ 07675 (201)666-3353

RASPBERRY BLACK PEPPER GINGER MARGARITA 1 ½ oz. Casa Noble Crystal tequila ¾ oz. raspberry syrup ½ oz ginger liqueur ½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon Agave nectar Rosemary Black pepper MAKE A RASPBERRY SYRUP BY COMBINING ¼ POUND OF RASPBERRIES WITH ¼ CUP OF SUGAR AND BRING TO A BOIL. STRAIN AND PUSH THROUGH A FINE SIEVE AND RESERVE. COMBINE TEQUILA, LIME JUICE, GINGER LIQUEUR, AGAVE AND THE RASPBERRY SYRUP AND SHAKE WELL. POUR OVER ICE INTO A COLLINS GLASS AND TURN FRESH COARSE GROUND BLACK PEPPER 3 TO 4 TIMES. GARNISH WITH A SPRIG OF ROSEMARY.

AVION PALOMA 1 ½ oz. Avión Silver tequila ½ oz. lime juice ¼ oz. lemon juice 3 oz. grapefruit juice 2 slivers muddled jalapeño Soda water Ancho chile salt, jalapeño, and grilled lemon wedge for garnish COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS AND SHAKE. SALT RIM OF GLASS WITH CHILE SALT. POUR CONTENTS OF SHAKER INTO GLASS AND TOP WITH SODA. GARNISH WITH GRILLED LEMON AND JALAPEÑO.

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EXPECT EXCELLENCE IN E V E R Y D E TA I L

For a truly spectacular event, look no further than the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe.

Elegance, sophistication, and personalized service harmoniously blend to make your evening an affair to remember. Our creative and knowledgeable Sales & Events team can easily guide you through the entire process, whether it be a unique cultural or ethnic flair, a gourmet dining experience, or anything special you might have your heart set on.

Conveniently located 15 minutes from NYC and Newark Airport, you’ll find over 26,500 square feet of newly renovated event space, perfect for hosting up to 1000 guests. Indulge in the authentic Italian flavors at recently renovated Pancetta, sip fine wines and craft beer at Wine Bar or unwind with a massage at our on-site spa. With elegant spaces, custom catering and personalized service, we’ll take your wish list and transform it into an event to remember.

CALL 201.836.060 0 AND ASK FOR O U R S A L E S & C AT E R I N G O F F I C E TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PL ANNING YO U R D R E A M S O I R E E T O D AY.

TEANECK MARRIOTT AT GLENPOINTE 100 FRANK W BURR BLVD, TEANECK, NJ 07666 201.836.0600 MARRIOTT.COM/EWRGP

© 2014 Marriott International, Inc.

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THE MARIACHI 1 ½ oz. Avión Reposado tequila ¾ oz. black peach tea ¼ oz. white peach purée ¼ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. brown sugar ¼ oz. cranberry juice 3 blackberries 1 blackberry and lemon wheel for garnish MUDDLE BLACKBERRIES AND BROWN SUGAR IN SHAKER. ADD ALL INGREDIENTS AND SHAKE. DOUBLE STRAIN AND POUR INTO A GLASS OVER ICE. GARNISH WITH 1 BLACKBERRY AND A LEMON WHEEL.

PARTY THYME PUNCH 1 ½ oz. Avión Reposado tequila ¼ oz. lime juice ¼ oz. lemon juice ¼ oz. grenadine ¾ oz. simple syrup ¾ oz. pomegranate juice 1 teaspoon allspice 1 sprig thyme for garnish COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS AND ICE INTO A SHAKER EXCLUDING THE ALLSPICE. SHAKE AND STRAIN INTO A GLASS OVER ICE. SPRINKLE ALLSPICE ON TOP. GARNISH WITH SPRIG OF THYME. 34

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Available for Weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, Christenings, Corporate Events.

We can accommodate small intimate gatherings to large affairs in our many unique rooms.

281 Polifly Rd. Hackensack (201)342-4085 StonyHillInn.com

Fiancés and Finances Five questions to ask before marriage

By Marie Hathaway

C

ouples who plan their expenses before getting married are more likely to enjoy their earnings. If you’re getting ready to say I do, it’s important to discuss some vital questions about money with your spouse.

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 almost 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."

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. If you are planning on getting married soon, consider starting a conversation using the questions below.

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.?

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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. You need to factor in things like clothes, food, activities, medical expenses and schooling.

3. How should we communicate about money?

Some couples are content to let one person handle the finances. 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. 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. If you have debt, start by dealing with it together.

“The Little Shop that does Big Things!”

973-636-6535 annarosefloral.com

@annarosefloral

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It’s All About the Flower Crown

This popular countryside accessory adds a touch of simplicity, softness and femininity to anyone who wears one

By Sarah De Jesus

A

h, the flower crown. If you’ve been to a wedding in recent years, then you’ve probably encountered one of these wreath-like halos made of fresh, beautiful flowers. I am sure that you have seen them in blogs, magazines, D.I.Y. YouTube channels and all over Pinterest. Brides-to-be, bridesmaids and flower girls love them. They’re everywhere.

The idea of using a flower crown as a wedding hairstyle accessory is nothing new. They have been used in weddings of various cultures for centuries to symbolize love and fertility. Although they carry different meanings in each culture, flower crowns were re-introduced in America in the 1960s when hippies wore them at music festivals to symbolize peace and love. Thereafter, flower crowns quickly became a part of the fashion mainstream, and eventually weddings.

Not everyone is a fan of them these days, especially if the flowers are fake, but flower crowns are here to stay and they have become a standard not only at rustic weddings but at bridal and baby showers as well. If your wedding or event has an earthy, bohemian or woodland theme, I’m sure you might have considered wearing a flower crown. They are a delicate and romantic accessory that can be incorporated into weddings or events held all year round, but especially in the spring and summer.

Flower crowns are easy to make and can be personalized with flowers that match the event color scheme, theme and style. There is no right or wrong way to make or wear them and the amount of flowers used is pretty much up to your personal preference. You can use flowers such as baby’s breath, spray roses, wax flowers, eucalyptus and any other green leafy foliage to make one. If your wedding gown and attire is simple and chic, you may want to go for a flower crown style that’s bigger and bolder by using a mixture of textures and blooms such as garden roses and football mums. However, if your wedding gown and attire is more elaborate, with a lot of lace or ruffles, you may prefer to go for a flower crown style that carries fewer flowers for a more simple, romantic and elegant look. When you adorn your hairstyle with a flower crown, you will make a statement whether your hair is in soft wavy curls, braided or straightened. Don’t be afraid to give them a chance. I can assure you that whatever style you go for, you will be making an impact at your wedding or special event.

Sarah De Jesus is a certified event planner and the founder of Dreamers Joy Events & Design. Her company offers planning and design services for all social events in the Northern New Jersey and New York City area. Her work has been recognized and featured in many popular blogs such as The Martha Blog, Hostess with the Mostess, Parentables and Disney Baby. Visit her online at www.dreamersjoy.com.

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DESTINATION: ATLANTIS EMBARK ON A JOURNEY TO THIS BLISSFUL CARIBBEAN RESORT FOR A WEDDING FILLED WITH INTIMATE WHITE BEACHES, PRISTINE POOLS, AMAZING FOOD AND ENDLESS SMILES

BY SHARON GOLDSTEIN

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E

veryone knows that destination weddings are all the rage these days. While checking out some Caribbean venues, I wanted to find something a little closer to home, so I set my sights on the Bahamas and a new wedding and party venue at Atlantis: Ocean’s Edge at The Cove.

I knew that there were 18 different venues sprawled across Atlantis, but none offered the privacy and beachfront location I was looking for, though each space offered its own uniqueness.

Ocean’s Edge, however, lived up to its name.

Perched on a sand dune just steps from the ocean, this venue’s pavilion and beach decks offered the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for a magical affair. The pavilion can be turned into an intimate chapel, a rehearsal dinner space or a lounge-style after party. Any type of celebration can be held here. The outside areas are surrounded by soft grass, lush landscaping, and big, beautiful decks made of teak. Audio boxes are placed discreetly throughout the venue, which allow for premium sound that doesn’t distract from the space. The pavilion can accommodate 120 guests for a ceremony or 60 guests for an intimate dinner while the

beach deck can accommodate 200 guests for a ceremony and 100 guests for a reception. There is also a lit walkway from The Cove and The Reef hotels, so your guests will have no difficulty finding the way to the venue.

Part of the appeal of Ocean’s Edge is that it allows your imagination to soar. The pavilion is a beautiful stone, wood and glass windowed space with wrought iron fixtures that exudes elegance on its own. You can decorate it with flowers and rose petals if you so choose; the same goes for the lush lawns and teak decks. In addition, there are several honeymoon enhancements that you can add, as well as a myriad of options and packages available to personalize your special day. The fabulous wedding pros can help you customize the affair of your dreams. Also, I might add that this is one of the only destination venues in the Bahamas that specializes in Indian wedding planning.

Atlantis is made up of several different hotel options and The Cove is the most luxurious of them all. It features two beachfronts, cabana service (for an additional fee), Cain at the Cove (an adult-only pool that’s only accessible to Cove guests), a pool café and bar, and an open-

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air gaming pavilion. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. As a guest at the hotel, you can enjoy every water feature and restaurant in any of the Towers or Marina Village. In terms of food, Atlantis features 21 marvelous restaurants. Want something special from a celebrity chef? Head over to Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill or Todd English’s Olives. There’s something for everyone.

At Atlantis, there’s no shortage of activities that you simply can’t experience anywhere else. Dolphin Cay is one of the largest dolphin habitats in the world. Here you can experience a shallow water interaction where you can splash, touch and get to know a bottlenose dolphin. You can even purchase a photo of your experience. Think sea lions are cuter than dolphins? Take the marine habitat and rescue center tour or snorkel with the stingrays. Maybe you want to get up close and personal but don’t actually want to touch some of nature’s marvels.

If that’s the case, head over to the Digs and Ruins Lagoon where you can view over 20,000 marine animals. This 2.7 million-gallon exhibit is the largest open-air marine habitat in the world.

Atlantis also boasts one of the greatest water parks in the world. Aquaventure, an 141-acre water park, includes a mile-long lazy river (a personal favorite of mine), nine waterslides and over 20 million gallons of water.

The Splashers and Ripples section is geared

exclusively toward the very young crowd. If your guests have young children, they can enjoy some fun slides, nets and bridges. There is also a teen nightclub and movie theater to keep everyone in the family entertained.

What’s a vacation or honeymoon without some serious spa time? Check into Mandara Spa for a couple’s massage or a facial in a calming tropical environment. Like any great resort, golf is available a mere five minutes away and if you feel the urge to go shopping, there is an abundance of stores to browse.

Recently, Atlantis added a personalized service for small groups to assist in planning the dream celebratory vacation called Atlantis Celebrations. This service will assist you with any family reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or bachelorette parties that you wish to plan. They specialize in making your time there painless. Just tell them what you and your guests are into and they will organize and plan your itinerary to keep everyone in your party happy.

The Bahamas is all about relaxation. If you choose to just hang out, Atlantis is the perfect place to savor every moment on the beach or by the pool before the big day becomes just a sweet memory.

For more information, call 1-888-877-7525 or visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.

TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA COME TO ATLANTIS World-class entertainers and multi-Grammy Award winning recording artists Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga will be performing an intimate concert at Atlantis, Paradise Island on Saturday, June 13, 2015 as part of the resort’s Atlantis LIVE concert series. The two artists kicked off their “Cheek To Cheek” concert tour in Las Vegas back in December with two sold-out shows.

This once in a lifetime performance will feature tracks from their Grammy-nominated album “Cheek To Cheek” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts after it was released to wide critical acclaim on September 23, 2014. At 88, Bennett remains the oldest artist in music industry history to have an album on the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. “Cheek To Cheek” marks Lady Gaga's third consecutive #1 album release in just over three years and Billboard named it the #1 Jazz Album of 2014.

“Cheek To Cheek” features classic jazz standards sung by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in a combination of vocal duets and solo performances. From the title track to “But Beautiful” and “I Won’t Dance,” the record showcases the chemistry between the two artists, who span 60 years in age. As Bennett says, “What I really love about being a jazz singer is that jazz artists are very creative, very honest, from phrase to phrase” and Lady Gaga adds, “We wanted to make something that sounded perfect because of the quality of the emotion…the honesty.” The performance in June should be quite the experience in a locale that cannot be beat.

For more information on tickets and reservations, call 1-800-Atlantis or visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.

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WHY NOT WINTER? Rustic elegance and urban simplicity came together for this winter wedding styled photo shoot. This type of affair might be right for you!

By Brandon Goldstein

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Nicole Montecalvo and Jaclyn Auletta had a vision. The two innovative women, and the respective owners of NE Occasion Event Styling and Design and Jaclyn Auletta Photography, assembled a dream team of vendors who could help them combine two elements that typically don’t go together. They descended upon The Green Building in Brooklyn with the goal of incorporating elegant pieces into a simultaneously rustic and urban setting to craft a styled shoot that would showcase the marvels of a winter wedding. With some help from In The Garden, Maggie's Bake Shoppe, Bits & Pieces, Kelly from Melissa D'Aloia & Co., Rebecca Schoneveld, Vintage Rentals and Trunk Vintage Rentals, the shoot turned out fabulously.

“Styled shoots are an excellent way to show potential clients what a professional planner is capable of achieving,” Montecalvo said. “Bridesto-be who have an idea in their head about a themed wedding but aren’t sure which direction to go in can see our portfolio and it will just click. I love showing prospective clients how

by adding my signature touch, elegance and uniqueness can be achieved with their event.”

Using fresh evergreen garlands, gold sequin runners, LOVE marquee letters and natural candlelight, the combination of the two elements created a true wintry bliss. The Green Building is a raw space venue where everything must be brought in for the event. This gives the design team full-range to showcase its creativity.

With brick-faced walls, chandeliers and a high open ceiling, the possibilities were endless.

NE Occasion took a “less is more” approach in deciding on the color palette—eventually opting for dark green, gold and ivory. Gold sequin accents added instant glamour to the shoot, while the candlelight around the natural birch arbor evoked a feeling of warmth and romance.

In The Garden draped the arbor in lush greenery and pinecones that brought it to life even more.

“I took advantage of the industrial feel of the venue and ‘glammed’ it up a bit,” Montecalvo said. “By incorporating farm tables draped with sequin runners, gorgeous greenery

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and florals, gold tableware, green linens and vintage champagne glasses, the venue was transitioned into a wintry paradise.”

Some couples are skeptical of getting married during the winter months, but as the shoot demonstrated, the final result can be truly beautiful. During this shoot, a surprise snowstorm arrived which only added to the romantic landscape. Sometimes it’s best to step a little outside your comfort zone if you want to achieve extraordinary results, and NE Occasion encourages clients to do just that. For instance, most weddings do not feature a lavish dessert table. That wasn’t the case here. Illuminated LOVE marquee letters and a wide array of dessert choices added a touch that you don’t typically see. Maggie’s Bake Shoppe created a stunning textured cake that imitated snow with seasonal berries, detailed snowflake cookies, miniature red velvet cakes and New York cheesecake bites. These items added individual character and deliciousness to the dessert table.

Guests could toast to the bride and groom by sipping on glasses of champagne adorned with blackberries and cranberries.

“Recently, I have grown to thoroughly enjoy working on styled shoots. I love collaborating with other industry professionals and bringing to life what can sometimes be a really simple idea,” Auletta said. “When I first contemplated this styled shoot, I wasn't sure how big or small I really wanted it to be. I did know that it needed to include a ton of winter elements, a few pops of color and an awesome venue.”

For now, enjoy the warm and beautiful weather. It’s wedding season, and that’s a wonderful thing. Still, don’t rule out the possibilities of a winter wedding. You might be surprised by how magnificent and beautiful it turns out. It’s never too early to start planning ahead!

THE DETAILS: Event Styling and Design: NE Occasion Photography: Jaclyn Auletta Photography Venue: The Green Building Floral: In The Garden Gown Designer: Rebecca Schoneveld Hair and Makeup: Kelly O'Neil from Melissa D'Aloia & Co. Baked Goods: Maggie's Bake Shoppe Vintage Rentals: Bits & Pieces Vintage Rentals Tableware Rentals: Trunk Vintage Rentals NE Occasion is a boutique business that specializes in creative event styling and design, including comprehensive party planning services. Whether you're looking for complete event design, a bit of inspiration or help with crafting, NE Occasion provides as much hands-on creative direction and organizational service as the client desires. For more information, please visit www.neoccasion.com.

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Timing Is Everything When it comes to planning and executing music for the perfect wedding reception, the old adage holds true

By Scott Hornak The ability to skillfully coordinate and pace all of the many moving parts at a reception isn’t necessarily rocket science, but it’s not an exercise in triviality either.

Pulling off a perfect party requires lots of thought from the very beginning as well as attention to detail. A healthy dose of flexibility on the big day probably won’t hurt.

Doing it right will make all the difference between a nice, simple event and a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.

There’s another old adage that says time flies when you’re having fun, and that will never be more apparent than during your reception. Compared to the weeks and months that have gone into planning the big day—and the inevitable feeling that it may never actually arrive—it will almost seem unfair how quickly the time passes.

Over the last 31 years, the Craig Scott Entertainment team and I have played an integral role in literally thousands of weddings. We have provided all kinds of music from DJs and string quartets to rock bands and even full orchestras. All wedding receptions are unique, so this timeline is just a general reflection of what we know to work well. Putting on a memorable event is truly an exercise in time management.

The average reception, not counting a cocktail hour if you’ve opted to have one, is usually four hours long. That’s only 240 minutes and the clock starts now!

Minute 0

Minute 15

Guests begin to wander in, either directly from the ceremony or from the cocktail hour. Upbeat music should already be playing.

Whether you’ve chosen to have a DJ or a full band, remember that your goal for the entire event is to keep the energy high and the guests engaged. How you set the tone at the very beginning will carry all the way through the day.

After about 15 or 20 minutes, the music pauses as the bride and groom are introduced for the first time as husband and wife. Your wedding song plays and you enjoy your first dance together. Remember, all eyes will be on you, and it’s up to you to help maintain the energy level. After you’ve danced to approximately one half of the song, invite everyone to join you on the dance floor and keep them moving.

When the song ends, you’ll probably want the band to play two or three faster tunes to carry you toward the end of the first hour. (That went quickly, didn’t it?)

Minute 120

Minute 90 As your guests are finishing their first course, it’s time for the bride to dance with her father.

After about half the song, the groom will begin dancing with his mother. Then, invite everyone up for a short dance set. Experience has shown that starting off with a ballad here is more likely to get the guys up on the dance floor, but that doesn’t need to be the case. In any event, build the energy back up and keep the people moving until it’s time for the main course.

Minute 60 At around the start of the second hour—and remember, all times are approximations—it’s time for more formalities. Ask everyone to be seated for a blessing, grace or perhaps a few words of welcome from the father of the bride. The toasts follow, usually first from the maid of honor and then the best man. These are usually heartfelt and humorous but they should be kept relatively brief. Receptions have been ruined (or nearly so) by toasts that go on and on—even if the one toasting had good intentions. Discuss this with the toasters beforehand so that everyone is on the same page.

It’s already the start of the third hour of your party and hopefully your guests have worked up an appetite by now. The main course is served, again accompanied by some nice background music. More dancing follows.

Minute 180 You’ve reached the end of hour number three but you have no intention of winding down quite yet.

Start off your final hour by cutting the cake and serving dessert. Then it’s time for one last round on the dance floor accompanied by an even more upbeat set from the band or DJ if that’s even conceivable. An experienced bandleader or DJ makes all the difference here. He or she will read the crowd and play just the right set list to keep things hopping.

Minute 240 The end! Your guests say goodbye and head home.

Everyone is tired but still exhilarated after sharing your special day with you. It’s a day that no one will ever forget.

When the toasts are done, it’s time for the first course to be served. It’s generally a good idea to bring the music volume down a bit, perhaps using only one or two musicians to provide some nice background. We like to think of it as the “coffee shop” effect. A word on timing: It may seem a little out of the ordinary or even counterintuitive to not serve the main course directly after the first one.

We’ve found, however, that separating them allows for better pacing and the ability to maintain that all-important energy level.

Scott Hornak is the CEO and co-founder of Craig Scott Entertainment. For more information, visit www.craigscott.com.

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Congrats, Grad!

Celebrate the students in your life with these fun D.I.Y. projects

By Elizabeth Hunt

D.I.Y. Graduation Balloon Superlatives Borrowing the “Graduation Balloon Superlatives” idea from Kelly Mindell will make any graduation party all the more special.

Mindell, author of the “Studio DIY” blog, looked to the yearbook committee for inspiration with this activity and it’s a great way to make your party décor ultra personal and a little more whimsical.

The project uses pictures of guests to give each one a special or funny recognition such as “Best Hair” or “Most Likely to be President.” Get creative and recognize all your guests. It’ll be a blast watching everyone discover his or her very own piece of the party.

Supplies:

Photos of guests Printer 11-inch (or larger) latex balloons Balloon Time Helium Tank Twine or other string Tape Thin cardstock (optional) Marker (optional)

Instructions:

Drop photos from your computer into a text editing program and crop/resize them to same or similar sizes. Leave a large white border (at least ¼ inch on sides and top, and about an inch on bottom) around each photo. Below each photo, type the superlative and then print photos. (Or, print photos first and trim, leaving the same white border. Then handwrite superlatives with a marker.)

If your photos are already printed, cut them down to same size and tape to cardstock. Cut them out, leaving the same white border above, and write superlatives.

Inflate balloons with the Balloon Time Helium Tank and tie with twine or other string. Attach superlatives to twine using tape.

Let balloons float on ceiling if you’re indoors, or attach a weight to the bottom of string behind superlative and display around party.

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Tip: If you want superlatives to be visible from all sides, make two copies of each photo and tape them back to back when attaching to twine. Use a thinner cardstock or paper if you want balloons to float on ceiling. Latex balloons will typically float for five to seven hours.

Temperature, humidity and altitude may affect float time.

Baked in a cup is a gourmet cupcakery located in Ramsey, New Jersey.

We use the freshest and finest quality ingredients like Valrhona Chocolate and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla to bake our cupcakes and cakes.

D.I.Y. Surprise Money Confetti Poppers When you can’t attend the festivities but still want to honor a deserving student’s accomplishment, surprise them with a “Money Confetti Popper” instead. This easy-to-assemble popper, also created by Mindell, is filled with money and confetti and creates an instant celebration.

Custom Cakes and Cupcakes • Cake Pops • Seasonal Flavors Gluten Free and Vegan cakes and cupcakes • Cocktail Cupcakes Cupcake Decorating Party Packages and Catering

You have tasted the rest, now come taste the best 70 East Main St., Ramsey, NJ 07446 Open Sundays! www.bakedinacup.com

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Confetti Poppers Confetti Money

Instructions:

You can create your own confetti poppers by picking up some clear cake push-pops at the grocery store and filling them with confetti.

Book Centerpieces with a heart In ! ou fY

ro no ho

If you have pre-filled poppers, empty them. Then, put a thin layer of confetti on the bottom and drop in the cash (not too much or it won’t be able to “pop!”). You can always give multiple poppers. Cover completely with confetti and close them up. You’re ready to go!

email: info@bakedinacup.com

For your special Birthday Sweet 16 Corporate event Bar/Bat Mitzvah Retirement Party Centerpiece proceeds fund Bergen Reads, providing reading buddies to local public school children who need reading assistance.

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Fill Your Cupcakes with Springtime Fun

These simple Carrot Garden Spring Cupcakes are an easy addition to any spring celebration

By Carmen Delano It’s time to spring into the season and host an outdoor party on the patio or in the garden if you haven’t already. Your guests will enjoy the fresh air and the sweetly decorated desserts. Shake things up with a new twist. Try filling your cupcakes with refreshing lemon meringue, raspberry mousse or peanut butter and jelly cupcake fillings. The best part about this party trick? It’s easy. You’ll be digging this one out of your recipe repertoire for every spring soirée. No matter how you slice it, fill it or serve it, this recipe is a party pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress.

Carrot Garden Spring Cupcakes Makes 1 dozen cupcakes

Ingredients:

Favorite chocolate cake mix or recipe Chocolate decorative icing Leaf green icing Orange icing Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place baking cups in standard muffin pan.

2. Prepare cake mix following package instructions. Bake in prepared muffin pan 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on cooling grid.

3. Use spatula and chocolate icing to ice tops of cupcakes smooth. Sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.

4. Use knife to cut out center of cupcakes almost to bottom of cupcake. Fill in center of cupcake with orange icing and pipe about ¼ inch above cupcake; pat smooth. Pipe green icing on top to make the carrot tops.

K R A F T EVENTS & DESIGN 908 221 0448 WWW.KRAFTEVENTS.COM

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ARRIVE IN STYLE

The hottest clothes for spring and summer LOCATION: The Estate at Florentine Gardens, River Vale PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicholas Gagliano, Studio Uno Photography & Video, Paramus STYLISTS: Candace Rosenberg, Candace Kristin Styling Amy Schwartz HAIR: Alexis LaGrotteria, Salon Salon The Suite, Hawthorne Dominick LaGrotteria, Salon Salon, Oakland MAKEUP: Cori Colonna Leontaris MODELS: Missy, Noelle and Tim

Clothing by Boutique 811, Franklin Lakes Hartly Fashions, Westwood Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park Watches by The Timepiece Collection, Englewood

NOELLE: White floral patterned dress available at Boutique 811 56

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MISSY: Black fringe cocktail dress available at Boutique 811 TIM: Grey suit & accessories available at Sal Lauretta for Men. Watch available at The Timepiece Collection SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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MISSY: Blue gown available at Hartly Fashions TIM: Navy tux available at Sal Lauretta for Men

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NOELLE: Gold sequin gown available at Hartly Fashions SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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MISSY: Black gown with beige accents available at Hartly Fashions 60

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NOELLE: Pale pink skirt set with beaded accents available at Boutique 811. Watch available at The Timepiece Collection SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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NOELLE: Pink floral dress available at Hartly Fashions 62

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MISSY: Multicolored cocktail dress available at Boutique 811 SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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MISSY: Black gown with floral accents & necklace available at Hartly Fashions

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NOELLE: Black gown with sheer cutouts available at Boutique 811 SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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MISSY: Black cocktail dress with black piping and lacing available at Boutique 811

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NOELLE: Black and white print cocktail dress with beaded halter available at Hartly Fashions SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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NOELLE: Light pink patterned cocktail dress available at Boutique 811 68

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MISSY: Black lace and sequined dress available at Hartly Fashions SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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C ELEBRAT ION S

The Wedding of Stephanie Ann Salemme and Ralph James Corrado

By Tara DeLorenzo

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It was June 2013 and Stephanie and her boyfriend Ralph were just wrapping up dinner at Harry Cipriani on Fifth Avenue. Ralph was craving something sweet and he kept insisting they look at the cake selection. It turned out to be something much, much sweeter.

When the cake came by the table, Stephanie saw those fabled words: “Will You Marry Me?” “I thought it was for someone else,” Stephanie said. “I looked at him, and he’s kicking back the chair to get down on his knee. I was shocked. Never before have I been so surprised in my life.”

This couple’s romance started back in March of 2012. The pair just so happened to be connected through friends. (Ralph’s best friend is married to Stephanie’s best friend’s sister.) Still, they met through chance, even though their friends had tried to set them up multiple times. They soon went on their first date at Beauty & Essex, a hip restaurant on the Lower East Side. Just a short time after that, Stephanie was convinced that she had found the one with whom she knew she could build a future.

For instance, Stephanie’s favorite movies are “Goodfellas” and “A Bronx Tale.” One night when they got back from dinner, Ralph put a song on from one of the movies.

“I remember just thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this can’t even be real.’ It was cute. It was nothing that I ever would have expected knowing what my standards were,” Stephanie said.

“He is just a true gentleman, and it’s hard to find that knowing all of the distractions of our generation.”

A little over a year later, Ralph and Stephanie were engaged and the planning process began. She didn’t have a planner, and since she did so much of the work, it got to be a bit stressful at times. With a little over a year to prepare, however, and with the help of her brother and mother, she was able to put together a

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beautiful wedding with a vintage, classic theme.

“I love vintage, so I really wanted the vendors— starting from where the reception was to my dress—to reflect my passion for vintage,” she said. “In a nutshell, I love the ’50s and early ’60s, especially the fashion.”

With that vision in mind, Stephanie began to prepare and research. She found the perfect mix of vendors that would be able to successfully produce her vision. Everything from the venue to the flowers matched the ’50s style she wanted.

The wedding took place on September 13, 2014 at Rockleigh Country Club. The magnificent venue had recently been redone and according to Stephanie, it has an antique feel. The ceremony and reception space was decorated with primarily champagne-colored orchids and other flowers that evoked the classic motif. Bridesmaids were adorned in black fit and flare dresses with mesh appliqués.

Stephanie wore a stunning strapless vintage-styled white wedding gown.

MPW Media Group, the company that provided photography and cinematography services for the couple’s big day provided some of the other wedding essentials as well. Stephanie used hairpiece. com to create a custom-made hairpiece based on her ideas and how she styled her hair. Websites like Etsy and Pinterest were also useful in finding inspiration, but they also ended up being one of Stephanie’s biggest challenges. It was difficult for

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her to achieve exactly what she wanted, but her bridesmaids, mother and brother helped her out.

“I definitely took a lot of projects on, which was very time consuming,” she said. “Like my seating arrangement, where I created a board, and on the board I had keys for everyone, like it was a key to your seat. Everything that was made, whether it was the envelope bin [where people added notes of advice for the newlyweds], or the seating arrangement, I wanted to do by myself.”

Adding to the beauty of the day was the influence of her late grandmother, one of her inspirations for her vintage passion. Her grandmother’s ring was featured prominently in both her engagement pictures and on her wedding day.

“It was important because even though my grandparents may not be here, I like to have a little piece of them with me,” Stephanie said. “It’s a little form of comfort.”

Stephanie also incorporated the “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” rule into her big day. She wore her grandmother’s old earrings as her something old, a new bracelet that was a gift from her mother, a purse that she borrowed from her mother-in-law and her powder blue garter belt.

With lots of hard work and adherence to tradition, Stephanie said the wedding turned out to be 100% what she wanted it to be. Besides the rain

on the wedding day, everything went as well as she had hoped.

“I heard that’s supposed to be good luck. It was absolutely serene,” Stephanie said. “The day could not have been more perfect.”

In the midst of her wedding and the extensive planning, it was her future with Ralph and building their home that excited her most. After their engagement in June, the couple closed on a house where they would start their lives together.

However, because of Stephanie’s traditional Italian background, they had to wait until after the wedding to move in.

“It was so exciting walking into this home thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this is where you’re going to

live,’” recalled Stephanie. “Making this house a home was so exciting and was such a transition. I’m 25, so it was really just a ‘Wow, your life is really going to change before you know it.’ It was bittersweet.

Leaving my parents, coming to the new house—it was exciting.”

To future brides, Stephanie suggests taking a step back from the process so they can enjoy the time ahead of them, as she did with her friends and loved ones. She recommends letting everything resonate and says that even if you don’t like being in the spotlight, the day is about you and your husband.

“Enjoy that, and make it last,” she said.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony: St Mary’s Parish – Pompton Lakes Reception: Rockleigh Country Club Planner: The Bride!

Photography and Cinematography: MPW Media Group Entertainment: The Stingers Floral: Wine & Roses Gown Designer: Victor Harper Couture Invitation Designer: Etched in Sloane by Sloane Zane Favors: Olive oil dispensers Hair: Maha Daghestani Makeup: Leah from Cafface Beauty Bar Jeweler: Hartgers Jewelers Honeymoon: Three weeks that covered all of Italy (Milan, Tuscany, Rome, Capri and Positano) SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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the wedding of ashley lerche and ricky balaban It’s the perfect story of two college sweethearts. Ricky always had his eyes on Ashley, and they had mutual friends in common. At the beginning of the fall semester of their sophomore year, Ricky finally built up the courage to ask Ashley to be his date to a fraternity formal. The rest is history. As he says, she was perfect in every way. They dated for the next seven amazing years before he finally proposed. On May 24, 2014, the couple tied the knot.

the proposal, as told by ricky “Ashley came home from work on Friday, May 10, and there was a note waiting for her at the front desk along with a bouquet of red roses asking her to meet me on the building’s roof deck. The roof has an amazing view of New York City and it’s the place where we decided to buy our first apartment together. That was the moment I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and I knew no better place to ask her to join me. When Ashley arrived up there, I was waiting for her with candles lit and flowers spread everywhere playing our song: ‘Oh Darling.’ I confessed my love and she said yes! Our families joined us for dinner and the celebration continued all night long with our friends as well, some of whom traveled far distances to be with us. It was a night that Ashley and I will never forget.”

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THE DETAILS: Ceremony and Reception Location: The bride’s parents’ home in Woodcliff Lake Caterer: In Thyme Catered Events Planner: Carrie Gold Photography: Jeff Mosier Photography Cinematography: Your Cinematic Wedding Studio Entertainment: The Russ Bennett Band from Hank Lane Floral: Debbie’s Designs Cake Designer: A Little Cake

Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier Suit Designer: Hugo Boss Invitation Designer: Suite Paperie Hair: Vanessa from Mania Hair Studio Makeup: Khuraira from Khuraira Cosmetics Jeweler: Gold Star Jewellery Honeymoon: Bangkok, Thailand, Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Koh Samui, Thailand Katherine Gressel, who paints a scene from your wedding live, was hired as a gift to the bride and groom SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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the wedding of lucia petullo and daniele pitti

It’s a true love story for the Internet age. Lucia was about to delete her online dating profile, but before she could do it, Danny messaged her.

“It was fate,” recalled Lucia.

They met at Sushi Lounge for drinks and it was pretty much love at first sight. Since that first date, the couple has pretty much been inseparable.

“He is my dream come true and my soul mate,” Lucia said. “I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

After dating for about two months, Danny and Lucia got a puppy named Rocco. On March 18, 2014, a seemingly ordinary Tuesday night, they had plans to go to Danny’s parents’ house. Lucia was

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sitting on the couch in his apartment waiting for him to get ready, but first he told her to call Rocco over. As Rocco ran toward Lucia, she saw the red collar and a heart on it that said “Will You Marry Me?” Danny came around the corner with 18 longstem red and white roses with the ring in his hand.

He got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.

“Of course I said ‘Yes!’ It was and will always be one of the most memorable moments of my life,” said Lucia.

On April 11, 2015, the couple celebrated a beautiful wedding in front of family and friends.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart - Newark Reception: The Venetian Photography and Cinematography: Studio Uno Photography & Video Entertainment: DJ Express Entertainment Floral: Crest Florist Cake Designer: The bride’s father Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai Invitation Designer: Invitations by Danielle (the bride and Danielle designed custom invitations together) Favors: J&S Italian Imports

A FAMILY AFFAIR

“My mom made my cathedral veil. We chose a design to match the crystal pattern in my dress and she spent countless hours handplacing over 5,000 Swarovski crystals. It was amazing. My mom is very talented! My dad and I designed the cake together. I wanted it to match my dress, so of course it had to have a lot of crystals and he ‘pearlized’ it to match the silk satin of my dress. He brought the design to life bigger and better than we could have ever dreamed of. He is truly an artist and our cake could not have been more perfect!”

Hair: Patty from Antonio’s Salon & Spa Makeup: Nicole from Melissa D’Aloia & Co. Jeweler: Labelle Jewelry Limousines: Danaro Limousines Honeymoon: Antigua Pipe and drape behing the bride/groom table: Lounge It Up Custom crystal name plaque for bride/ groom table and custom crystal bird cage holder by Che Bella Creations SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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SETH'S GRAND SLAM BAR MITZVAH

THE DETAILS: Event Planner and Event Production: Kraft Event Management Venue: Provident Bank Park Caterer: Laurence Craig Catering Entertainment: MC Shiran & DJ David Event Rentals: Party Rental Ltd. Tent Company: Almar Party and Tent Rentals Teen Games: Creative Games Inc. All photos courtesy of Andre Maier Photography

When Seth told Kraft Event Management how much he loved baseball, they knew they had to deliver on their promise of producing a baseballthemed bar mitzvah in an environment that would knock Seth and 150 of his friends out of the park.

The event planners spared no detail for the oncein-a-lifetime experience under a large tent situated in centerfield of Provident Bank Park, the home of the Rockland Boulders, in Pomona, N.Y. After the guests stepped onto the field, they were ready for a magical night. Inside the tent, hundreds of orange metallic-treated bats hung from a steel chain link fence. If that wasn’t enough, hundreds of orange and silver metallic-treated baseball helmets were shelved behind bars and on table tops—complete with digital LED scrolling baseball word displays

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and food stations that were complemented by custom logo baseballs. Huge artistic black and white baseball images with touches of orange accents hung as backdrops.

Wherever you turned, you saw guests enjoying a more sophisticated and innovative twist on ballpark food, practicing speed pitching, Eurobungeeing with friends, and of course, dancing to the latest club music. To top off the night and celebrate Seth's big moment, guests watched his video montage on the stadium's gigantic jumbotron through the clear top tent. As the guests departed, they were treated to stadium-size boxes of candy displayed on orange reflective custom bleachers. It was a night Seth’s fans won’t soon forget.

catherine’s sweet 16 back on february 27, the dance floor was a smash hit at catherine’s club-themed bash.

THE DETAILS: Venue: Stony Hill Inn Entertainment: Finesse Entertainment Cake Designer: Nicholas Markets with help from Catherine’s mother, Chrissy Invitation Designer: Checkerboard Favors: Chocolates Hair and Makeup: Jess from Chateau Salon Colors: White, silver, black and a touch of red Lounge furniture, popcorn machine, photo booth and Step & Repeat provided by Finesse Entertainment

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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DOMINIQUE PETRUZZELLA’S SWEET 16 On April 4, 2015, Dominique celebrated her Sweet 16 in style with a classy Great Gatsby affair. For the first dance, father and daughter joined in a swing dance straight from the ’20s.

THE DETAILS: Venue: The Estate at Florentine Gardens Planner: Patty Petruzzella (Dominique’s mother) Photography and Cinematography: Studio Uno Photography & Video Entertainment: DJ Express Entertainment Floral: Hillcrest Garden

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Cake Designer: Palermo’s Bakery Invitation Designer: Zazzle Favors: Cookies from Franca’s Homemade Specialty Cakes and Cookies Hair: Atelier Country Salon and Spa Makeup: Cafface Beauty Bar Swing dance instruction by Arthur Murray Dance Studio

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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the wedding of katie marie scully and joseph robert ventrella katie and joseph are both members of the oakland first aid squad. they met when she joined nine years ago and they were married on november 28, 2014.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Oakland, N.J. Reception: The Brownstone Photography: John Agnello Photography & Video Entertainment: A Pure Blend Entertainment Floral: Laurelwood Designs Cake Designer: The Brownstone and Laurelwood Designs Gown Designer: Lazaro Suit Designer: Biltmore Tuxedos Invitation Designer: Minted.com Favors: Candy buffet from Pretty Sweet Candy Buffets; Cookies from Market Basket Hair: Studio 107 Makeup: Mona Rai from Mona’s Makerie Jeweler: Oro Diamanté in St. Maarten Honeymoon: Iberostar Grand Hotel Bávaro - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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ches & Jewelry at W st ne Fi e th of rs le ea D ed iz Author

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.collectionltd.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT www.facebook.com/TimepieceCollection SPRING/SUMMER 2015 83

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