Sterling Ballroom Wedding
It was definitely a great experience capturing Lauren & Juan’s dual themed, Anchor/Superhero wedding day. Whether it was their family and friends, their awesome makeup/hair pros, Danielle & Gina or the staff at Sterling Ballroom, the atmosphere was so relaxed and fun. So much so, that we decided to have a second photo shoot on the beach in their wedding gear when it was much less crowded.
**Lauren & Juan Sterling Ballroom Wedding**
~How did you choose your wedding day look?
My first dress shopping trip to David’s Bridal, we picked out 6-8 dresses. I tried them all on but there was one in particular that just felt like a better fit, so I tried it on again. The DB consultant brought over accessories and that is where I found the jeweled belt that was sewn onto my dress. I chose an Ivory A-line strapless dress that has ruching from top to bottom. The Groom chose a charcoal Calvin Klein suit with an Ivory vest from Macy’s.
~Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette?
To combine the interests of the bride & groom, we had two themes for our wedding. Our invitations and the front of our cake revolved around anchors which symbolize strength, Juan served in the Navy and we both like going out on the boat. The second theme revolved around superheros, where the groomsmen were given superhero cufflinks, the back of our wedding cake was decorated with the Captain America & Wonder Woman symbols and our cake topper was superheros as well. The color palette was Navy and Gray.
~How did you decorate your space for the ceremony & reception?
Bride’s house had a flower centerpiece similar to that of her bouquet. The place card holders at the venue were DIY, cork base where we wrote our names and the date of the wedding. During the cake cutting, the children were given masks to wear as if they were superheros.
~What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
Our favorite part of the wedding was EVERYTHING!! Even with being nervous walking down the aisle or saying our vows, those two moments were two of the best parts of our day. Taking pictures at the beach was amazing, especially since we had beautiful weather. Once at Sterling Ballroom, the food was delicious, the wedding cake looked amazing from Chocolate Carousel and our first dance was perfect. The time went extremely fast and we wish we could live that day all over again.
~What was your most anticipated or special moment for your wedding day?
Most anticipated for the bride was seeing the grooms reaction when I walked down the aisle, saying my vows to him and our first dance. For the groom it was seeing the brides dress and hearing her vows.
~Any advice for couples?
Map out your due dates, keep a list of things needed to be completed, don’t sweat the small stuff and keep an eye on the bigger picture. Enjoy every minute of planning and don’t rush the time away because the day of your wedding will go extremely fast and even if there are hiccups along the way, brush them off and have fun because the important part is that you’re marrying the love of your life.
Venue: Sterling Ballroom // Entertainment: Off the Chart Entertainment
MUA and Hair: Danielle Ruth & Gina Diane // Cake: Chocolate Carousel
Church: St. Clements // Transportation: D&G Limo // Florist: Isabel Silva
Stationary: Vistaprint // Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein @ Macys // Jewelry: Vera Wang @ Zales
Cufflinks: Amazon
Top of the Rock Proposal
Proud to share Mariam & Peter’s featured proposal on 
MARIAM AND PETER’S NYC ROOFTOP PROPOSAL
how we met
Mariam and I first met at our Alma Mater, NJIT. There was a bowling event for one of the clubs we were both members of, Coptic Society. Unfortunately, Mariam and I didn’t bowl in the same lane or anywhere next to each other. As a matter of fact, I was bowling in the first lane while she was bowling in the very last lane. The only reason I knew this was because I couldn’t stop staring at her, while trying to not creep her out. As the night went on, I tried to approach her area numerous times and start up some small talk but I couldn’t get myself to do it. Funny part here is that I can usually spark up a conversation with anybody about any topic without hesitation.
As the night came to an end and I still had not said one word to Mariam, the club announced the highest scoring individuals. To my surprise, Mariam’s name was called and all I could think to say was, “Wait, a girl won?” Yeah, I know … real mature! As she gave me a not so pleasant look and said, “Yes a girl won!” I used that to my advantage to spark up a conversation, which we continued until after the event was over, and even for a couple of hours after that since I decided to ask her to dinner … luckily she said yes.
I don’t think I could ever forget how much I laughed that night and how conversation with her was so enjoyable. I didn’t want the night to end. All I knew was I had never felt like this towards anyone and I knew I would chase after this girl for as long as I had too in order to make sure she was mine.
Definitely the smartest decision I’ve ever made in my life!
how he asked
Peter had mentioned to me that his job was having a “New Years” party on January 9th. I thought this was suspicious since the party was about a week after new years, but I went along with it anyway. Peter could sense I was doubting his story so he said he would send me the invite to show this was a valid event. He created a fake e-invite of the “party” and included all of the information he had mentioned to me. After seeing this, I believed him and was excited because he tells me the party is on the 70th floor at Top of the Rock, which has amazing views of the entire city.
The “party” was supposed to start at 8 p.m. but since we got there a little earlier, we decided we would both check out the views and take some pictures. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted on the 67th floor by a man named Will, who claimed to be a photographer for Top of The Rock, and asked if we wanted to take photos. We agreed and took a couple pictures on that floor. As soon as we finished taking pictures, a woman walks up to me with a small card inside of an envelope and asks if we are going to the 70th floor. After saying yes, she asks me “Would you please give this to the girl in the blue dress?” Even though I remembered thinking this was extremely odd, especially since I was also wearing a blue dress, I agreed. Next, we went to the 69th floor which had an even better view of the city. As we were taking a selfie, the same photographer comes up to us and asks if we wanted to take more pictures, and again we agreed. As soon as Will finished taking pictures, a man walks up to us and again asks if we are going to the 70th floor. After saying yes, he hands me a small envelope and asks if I would “please give this envelope to the pretty girl in the blue dress on the 70th floor?” Thinking this was odd, I asked Peter what was going on and attempted to open them to see what was inside the envelopes, but Peter wouldn’t let me and told me they are not for me and not to open them.
Finally, we decide we would go upstairs to the 70th floor where I assumed the party was taking place. As Peter and I were standing looking at the incredible views, a woman approaches us and hands me a third envelope and says “This is for you” and walks away. At this point, Peter looks at me and admits I was the girl in the blue dress and that the cards were meant for me. As I started to open the envelopes and read them, I couldn’t help but smile and started to tear. The last note read, “I can’t imagine my life without you”. Peter handed me a small photo album which had pictures going as far back as 8 years prior,which was the beginning of our relationship.
As we stood together looking at the album, I couldn’t help but cry at how many memories we have had together and how special that moment felt. As soon as I felt like this moment couldn’t get any better, Peter grabbed me and told me he had something to tell me. We stood on the roof deck with a beautiful view for a beautiful moment. Peter got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
special thanks
PHOTOGRAPHER
Priscilla & Henry’s NJ Civil Wedding Ceremony
It was my pleasure to be a part of Priscilla & Henry’s civil wedding at the Perth Amboy Municipal Court as they shared their vows with their parents and siblings.
Thankful for being featured by Norah Sleep Wedding Style
I am thankful to be featured by this incredible wedding planner from “across the pond”, UK
http://www.norahsleepweddings.com/georgous-bridal-details-photographed-by-will-rodriguez/
Gorgeous Bridal Details Photographed
By Will Rodriguez
The amazingly talented Will Rodriguez lets his lens tell the wedding story and captures some gorgeous, stylish bridal details in the process. Here is just a little insight into his beautiful bridal images.
Bridal dress shots.
For a wedding it is the little details that will make a wedding unique and special. Even if several brides choose an identical bridal gown, it is the personal touches that make each wedding gown different to the eye and I think Will captures these little bridal details via his camera. Often these little details are the bride’s favorites because they are those little bridal indulgences that we allow ourselves on this very special day.
Will provides close up shots to show everyone the fabulous bridal details, like these beautiful bridal nails.
Oh the bridal shoes! Brides just love to capture the image of their wedding shoes, as they can look back over time to see the beautiful heels they wore.
Will captures beautiful wedding flowers
Will gets up close and personal to capture every bridal detail. Here it is hair and makeup time.
Here Will capture Indian bridal details; nothing is missed.
The transformation is complete and the blushing bride is ready for Will’s lens.
Just add the gorgeous wedding bouquet.
Finally, after the ceremony Will captures a beautiful wedding moment.
‘You may kiss the bride’ A picturesque memory from Will Rodriguez.
The affordable NJ Wedding Photographer Will Rodriguez is available to ensure gorgeous customise wedding pictures.
