Love in the City: Stefania & Jason in Garfield, NJ
When the time came for high school sweethearts Jason and Stefania to marry on September 1st, 2013, there was no question where their ceremony would take place — the Regina Pacis Basilica in Brooklyn, New York, where the bride’s parents tied the knot 27 years earlier. After the ceremony, over 330 guests traveled to Garfield, New Jersey for a lavish reception at The Venetian. “It was surreal,” the bride says. “Our joy was indescribable.”
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The bride's bouquet perfectly complemented her look. 13th Avenue Florist created an arrangement with roses and mini calla lilies. A satin and lace sleeve from her mother’s wedding dress served as a bouquet wrap, complete with crystal buttons. It was embellished with rosary beads the couple had purchased when they studied abroad in Rome.
When the time came for high school sweethearts Jason and Stefania to marry on September 1st, 2013, there was no question where their ceremony would take place — the Regina Pacis Basilica in Brooklyn, New York, where the bride’s parents tied the knot 27 years earlier. After the ceremony, over 330 guests traveled to Garfield, New Jersey for a lavish reception at The Venetian. “It was surreal,” the bride says. “Our joy was indescribable.”
The couple chose a white and gold palette for a glamorous, classic feel, along with pops of purple in the bridesmaids’ dresses and flowers to bring more color to the décor. Picasso calla lilies and lavender stock made up the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
The couple had two maids of honor, two best men, four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer.
The biggest highlight of the day was when the newlyweds recited their marriage vows. "I felt like I was watching myself from an out-of-body experience. In the wedding video, you can see that I have a grin from ear to ear the entire time. Hearing the priest pronounce us husband and wife and kissing Jason was the happiest moment of my life," the bride recalls.
Jason and Stefania shared a ride on a carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“Taking photos on the carousel brought out my inner kid! I remember a little girl exclaiming to her parents that I was a real-life princess, which was so adorable," the bride says.
The couple's biggest splurge was their venue, The Venetian. "Our guests’ enjoyment was paramount to us and we knew that they would deliver amazing cuisine and service," the bride says.
During the cocktail hour, an electric violinist played instrumental versions of rock hits such as the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” as a nod to the groom’s favorite music. A storybook-themed seating chart, complete with vintage typography and weathered paper, was also a fitting tribute to the couple’s fairy-tale romance.
