The Palace at Somerset Park Christmas Wedding
Rebecca and Michael's Christmas-themed wedding at The Palace at Somerset Park was an epic celebration of their love and commitment to each other. The festive holiday season served as the perfect backdrop for their EPIC day, with the venue decked out in an abundance of Christmas colors and decorations, tailor-made by Rebecca’s mother.
Rebecca's bridesmaids, who I’ll refer to as her most perfect 'I Do Crew,' were a HUGE part of the day, bringing their boundless energy and love, not to mention some killer dancefloor moves! From the moment they arrived, they were bursting with excitement and joy, and what better way to get your ride-or-die bride to be even more pumped, am I right?
What was the one detail Rebecca couldn’t live without?
“The first look! Truthfully, I was very much against doing a first look, but ultimately I’m so happy that I took Daniel’s advice and we did one. Aside from reading our wedding vows to each other, this was the second best moment of our wedding day. It was so nice to be able to have some time for just the two of us. Seeing Michael’s face when I tapped him on the shoulder was priceless. It was such an emotional moment for both of us.”
One of the most memorable elements of the wedding was the stunning snow on the dancefloor (seriously…WOW!!!), which added a touch of magic and whimsy to the occasion. You couldn’t help but be enchanted by the sparkling flurries during their first dance, which made for an unforgettable moment; not to mention one-of-a-kind photos!
Rebecca's mother put together all of the decorations herself, which added a deeply personal and meaningful touch to an already perfectly laid out design for her daughter’s wedding. From the twinkling lights to the garlands of evergreens, every detail had been thoughtfully chosen and expertly executed, creating a festive atmosphere.
“Christmas has always been one of the most special holidays to us, so we decided to have a Christmas themed wedding. The goal was for the wedding to feel like a Christmas wonderland! Our colors were red and gold. We had an entrance sign that said “Welcome to Our Merrily Ever After”. My mom decorated the cocktail hour room with an assortment of Christmas decorations, which included personalized stockings that were hung off the fireplace, Christmas trees, reindeer, poinsettias, and many more! The name cards were each attached to a miniature Christmas tree that had little ornaments and a red bow on top. Our centerpieces were 2-foot Chritsmas trees that were decorated with ornaments, lights, and pine cones. We also had the florist add real red roses to each tree. The favors were small candy boxes with bows that looked like presents and each was filled with Lindt chocolates. Our cake topper was two little snowmen. For the photobooth, we had a few buckets of Christmas themed props. And last but not least, we had a snow machine!”
Why did you choose your venue?
We toured a couple different venues, but the Palace really stuck out from the rest. I loved everything about it, from the beautiful bridal suite, to the ballroom, and of course, the beautiful Christmas decorations that are displayed during the holidays. In New Jersey, there are tons of wedding venues so it can be a bit overwhelming at first, however, I felt that once I started visiting the venues in-person, it was much easier to make a decision. Similar to trying on wedding dresses, there’s just a gut feeling that you have when you find the right venue.
In the end, Rebecca and Michael's Christmas-themed wedding was a true testament to their love for each other and their desire to share their special day with those closest to them. It was a celebration full of laughter and love, and a TON of unforgettable memories. I will personally cherish this exceptionally detailed wedding forever.
How did you meet?
Michael and I met in a very non-traditional way. We met in jail . . . literally! When I was in college, I was studying criminal justice and interned at a county jail where Michael worked. He was on the night shift, but happened to come in early one day and was assigned to the post where I was working. One of Michael’s co-workers encouraged him to talk to me, which led to him giving me his phone number. I made him sweat it out for a bit… I waited about 2 weeks before texting him, but once I did, he responded within about a minute. We went on our first date and the rest is history, we’ve been together for almost 8 years!
How has your relationship grown over the years?
We’ve been together for many years so our relationship has grown quite a bit. In the past few years, we’ve both learned to appreciate and cherish every second that we spend together, even if it’s just sitting on the couch together after a long day of work or taking a walk to get ice cream. We have become so compatible and enjoy many of the same things. We tell each other all the time, we can’t wait to grow old together!
How did you get engaged?
One Saturday night, Michael made a reservation at one of the restaurants that we love. Before we went inside, he popped the question. I was absolutely shocked, and spent the entire night crying my eyes out. Michael kept asking me if he did something wrong and I told him they were tears of happiness and I couldn’t help it! We went home that evening and couldn’t wait to see our parents and closest friends the next day, but that night Michael felt very sick. He ended up testing positive for COVID in the morning and we had to quarantine at home for two weeks. We joked with each other that this was the true relationship test. Ultimately, it ended up being the best two weeks of uninterrupted quality time together!
What are some fun things you do together as a couple and with friends?
We both have pretty crazy work schedules, so we value the little bit of free time that we have together. We are pretty simple - we enjoy going for bike rides, having date nights, and watching some of our favorite shows together.
What’s new since being married? What’s solidified/bonded/grown in your relationship since?
This one is tough to answer because truthfully not much has changed since we got married. Although I do love referring to Michael as my husband now, it never gets old!
What was your menu, what was your cake flavor?
For cocktail hour, there were a bunch of different hors d’oeuvres that were being passed around, and a variety of different stations, including hibachi stir-fry, sliders, fresh seafood, and carving station to name a few.
For dinner, the appetizer was an arugula and burrata salad. There were 3 entree options, which included filet mignon, prosciutto and basil stuffed chicken, and salmon.
We had a lemon wedding cake, and probably any other dessert you could imagine. Personally, I have a huge sweet tooth, so this was my favorite part of the food. The cannoli station was by far my favorite!
Before the dessert room was opened for everyone else, Michael and I were brought in there to the fire and ice station where they made Belgian waffles with bananas foster. This was so much fun and made for some awesome pictures!
We also had two signature drinks. Mine was “Santa’s Milk” which was a chocolate martini and Michael’s was “Jingle Juice” which was a french martini. We wanted to have fun signature drinks that matched the theme of our wedding!
Description of your gown? Why was this “the one”?
I know everybody says this, but I truly felt like my dress was made for me. It was a fit and flare with long sleeves. It had a lot of beading and it really sparkled! I knew this was the one as soon as I put it on. I walked out of the fitting room and within seconds, my mom and I made eye contact and both agreed this was absolutely the one. It fit me like a glove and I’ve never felt so beautiful. Every time I put the dress on (including on the wedding day), I did not want to take it off!
What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?
Reading our wedding vows to each other in front of all the people that we love. We decided to write our own vows, which is something that we’re both so happy we did. This was such a special moment that neither of us will ever forget.
Did anything go wrong?
Not that I knew of, and even if it did, it wouldn’t have mattered :)
First dance song?
Everything by Michael Buble - perfectly captured our relationship!
Where did you honeymoon?
Switzerland and Paris. This was the first time that either of us had been to Europe and it was truly a trip of a lifetime! Switzerland was a magical place at Christmas time, especially with all of the charming Christmas markets! And of course, the cheese and chocolate did not disappoint!! We both gained 10 pounds on this trip :)
How did you find out about me? What was it about me and my services that told you I was the one?
NJ Bride Group on Facebook - everyone had nothing but amazing things to say about you!
Before meeting you, I just loved how vibrant all of your pictures were, which is exactly what I was looking for to capture my Christmas-themed wedding.
When we met, I clicked with you immediately. You instantly made us feel comfortable and I loved how passionate you were about photography. Your photography style was exactly what we were looking for and honestly, I just loved how much you loved love!
Advice for other brides?
To never lose sight of the fact that the most important thing is that you will be marrying your best friend!!
Officiant- Ben Hickey
Planner- My mom!
Gown- Seng Couture (Martina Liana)
Shoes- David’s Bridal
Jewelry- Macy’s
Hair- Ashley Raibick
Makeup- Mary Belford
Bridesmaids Dresses- Bridal Suite Boutique
Groom’s Attire- Dante Zeller Tuxedo
Groomsmen Attire- Dante Zeller Tuxedo
Flowers- A Touch of Elegance
Cake- Palermo’s Bakery
Videographer- Live Picture Studios
Invitations- Paper Princess by Melissa
Music- POSH DJs