An Elegant Park Chateau Spring Wedding
When the bride runs her own bridal hair and makeup company and is in charge of her own styling on the day of her wedding, you know it’s going to be one chic wedding to watch. From the Vogue-like portrait sessions and white bridesmaid dresses to the stunning ballroom setting at one of our favorite New Jersey wedding venues to film at, Michelle and Ryan’s Park Chateau spring wedding was nonstop dreamy!
We loved how every detail of the day was carefully planned. Michelle’s Christian Louboutin shoes were tracked down from a shop in Canada, and even her gift to Ryan was elaborately schemed. Taking inspiration from one of those nesting doll set-ups, Michelle presented his gift as boxes within boxes, with a special watch box inside an empty shoe box to throw Ryan for a loop, who was ecstatic at being able to add a new watch to his collection and also to wear on his wedding day.
The wedding day happened to fall on a monsoon day, so any hopes of taking outdoor photos were dashed. But that didn’t dampen Michelle and Ryan’s spirits, as Park Chateau’s interior is unbelievably beautiful and set the perfect elegant backdrop, as you can see from the photos by photographer Jennifer Larsen and the trailer film we created for the happy couple!
Her company, Michelle Elise Artistry, is the Preferred Hair & Makeup vendor for Park Chateau, but did you know that she had booked the space for her wedding before it was even built? After working so many weddings at the venue’s sister properties, such as Park Savoy and Nanina’s in the Park, Michelle understood the quality of service and had zero doubts that her experience as a bride would be flawless, and so she and Ryan became one of the first couples to be married at Park Chateau. Building upon the venue’s French style architecture, sky high ceilings and ornate French antiques, the bride and groom knew they didn’t need to do much to enhance the space, so they kept their decor simple and understated with a black/white/grey color palette.
Having white bridesmaids dresses can be tricky, but Michelle made it work by standing out in a gorgeous beaded Sottero & Midgley ballgown with a modern twist, which she had found at I Do I Do in Morristown. “I knew I wanted straps and some kind of illusion, so my wonderful consultant, Lex, put me in the perfect gown. It was so light to wear and felt so special when I put it on. I had never felt more beautiful and special!”
Of course, with such a breathtaking wedding full of stunning details, we had to find out Michelle and Ryan’s absolute favorite moment of the day. “After ceremony, Ryan and I were taken upstairs to the bridal suite to have a sampling of all the cocktail hour food and to have a private moment during the chaos of the day,” Michelle said. “It was so fun to sit privately and discuss everything about the day and prepare for reception! And also — it was the only time we actually got to eat the fabulous food at Park Chateau!”
When asked whether she had any advice for couples planning their weddings, Michelle offers a lesson she learned from her own experience. “Also, take a second during reception to look around the room and realize all of these people came from near and far to celebrate your love and union. It is the most warming and crazy feeling in the world!”
Photography: Jennifer Larsen
Videography: NST Pictures
Venue: Park Chateau
Florist: Cresskill Flowers
Stationery: Minted
Wedding Dress: Sottero & Midgley
Groom’s Attire: Armani
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lovers + Friends
Hair & Makeup: Michelle Elise Artistry
DJ: Pure Events
Jazz Trio: Matthew Rybicki Music
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