Venetian Wedding Videography // Melissa + Michael // To the Moon and Back

Melissa and Mike actually met in a bar in Hoboken several years ago. Melissa spotted him across the room and needed an excuse to talk to him. After noticing his Yankees hat, she walked over and complimented him on it. He complimented her shirt and the rest of their conversation was easy… so easy that their friends thought they already knew each other!
Mike’s proposal was a surprise to Melissa. They had decided to make pizza from scratch that night in his newly remodeled kitchen. While Melissa was shopping for the ingredients, Mike was secretly setting the stage in his kitchen. As she set out the ingredients, she realized that they were missing the pizza stone. Mike let her know it was in the oven and when she opened the door, she found the engagement ring sitting on the stone. Mike was on one knee asking for her hand in marriage and although she can’t remember the exact words in all the surprise and excitement, she definitely said ‘yes’!
Melissa and Mike’s wedding was both romantic and regal in tone. Melissa’s gorgeous wedding dress was a strapless ball gown with a delicate embroidered overlay. Her lovely hair was worn down in beautiful waves and a mid-length tiered veil completed her elegant look. What a beautiful bride! She definitely looked like a princess and Mike, her dashing prince in his classic black tux with white tie.
Before the two got dressed for the day, however they set aside some quiet moments to exchange lovely, meaningful love notes and gifts. As they sat alone reading their cards, they were each filled with such emotion. And we were so touched by their gifts, including Mike’s gift to Melissa, a wonderful charm that read ‘To the moon and back forever’.
Melissa’s father got his first look at his beautiful daughter, a momentous moment caught on film and photographed by Laura Bruen Photography. The couple decided not to have a first look before the ceremony, making their first sight of each other in the church the ‘big moment’! Check out Mike’s face… there was no hiding his excitement and joy over seeing Melissa walk through the church doors at Church of Saint Mary in Closter, NJ.
After they recited their vows and were pronounced ‘husband and wife’, the wedding party moved along to Davis Johnson Gardens. They all had so much fun there posing for formal (and facetious!) photos for Laura Bruen Photography! And the park grounds were absolutely beautiful.
It was time then to travel on to their reception at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ. This opulent event location boasts a grand staircase, beautiful Italian marble, stately columns soaring to cathedral, intricately carved ceilings and massive sparkling chandeliers. This is definitely the place to be treated like a royal couple! Metropolitan Plant Exchange filled the room with gorgeous, lush flower arrangements in shades of pink and white, the chosen wedding colors. Melissa and Mike made their exciting entrance and then danced their first dance on a cloud… almost literally! A romantic ‘smoke’ cloud enveloped their feet during their beautifully executed first dance with each other.
The party then got a little louder, courtesy of Craig Scott Entertainment’s Matthew Friedman and Uptown Sounds! Their high energy performance kept the wedding guests on the dance floor for the whole evening!
Melissa and Mike have so many interests and values in common, including the priority of family in their lives. They’re such a sweet couple who, as Melissa’s sister pointed out, are better because of each other. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and love!
Photographer: Laura Bruen Photography www.laurabruen.com - Middletown, NJ
Floral Design: Metropolitan Plant Exchange www.metroplantexchange.com - Fort Lee, NJ
Hair Stylist: Party at Dolores‘ partyatdolores.com - River Vale, NJ
Makeup Artist: Facewear Makeup Studio www.facewear.net - Nanuet, NY
Entertainment: Craig Scott Entertainment craigscott.com/bands/matthew-f... - Matthew Friedman and Uptown Sounds - Rochelle Park, NJ
Cake: A Little Cake www.alittlecake.com - Park Ridge, NJ
Officiant: Father Paul Cannariato stmarycloster.org/people/rev-p... - Closter, NJ
Church: Church of Saint Mary stmarycloster.org - Closter, NJ
Venue: The Venetian www.venetiannj.com - Garfield, NJ
Accommodations: Saddle Brook Marriott www.marriott.com/hotels/travel... - Saddle Brook, NJ

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I love the consistency of the video. It was well made. I'm inspired good job!