Jessica and Matan’s wedding was the perfect high-energy celebration, filled with personalised decor, designed by the bride herself. From the floral-adorned acrylic chuppah to the lively dance floor, every detail reflected the couple’s unique love story and culture. Captured masterfully by Ramses Garcia Photo, the day was filled with heartfelt moments and unforgettable surprises.
Location: East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
Style: Modern, glam, luxurious
Time of planning: 18 months
Number of guests: 290
Setting: Private estate
Season: Fall
Jessica never expected a single swipe to change her life. She met Matan on a dating app, and though their first attempt didn’t last, they reconnected during quarantine, this time, for good. Their years together were filled with adventure, leading to a breathtaking proposal atop Bali’s Mount Batur. Despite being sick before the hike, Jessica never saw it coming. With a wedding Pinterest board years in the making, planning was inevitable. The couple dreamed of organizing the most unforgettable celebration with their loved ones. And they did just that.
Inspired by an Italian destination wedding, Jessica crafted a celebration that felt both vintage and modern. A palette of white, ivory, black, and gold was chosen. Without a planner, Jessica took on 85% of the work, channeling her designing skills into every detail, from invitations to after-party t-shirts. Though stressful, seeing her vision come to life made it all worthwhile, creating a day she and Matan will cherish forever.
Bride's Look
As a fashion designer, Jessica knew her wedding dress had to be nothing short of extraordinary. A longtime admirer of Galia Lahav, she fulfilled a high school dream by finding her perfect gown at the designer’s New York flagship. After trying on six dresses, she became the very first bride to say yes to the Catalina gown from the 2024 collection. The corseted mermaid silhouette, decorated with intricate floral beading, was everything Jessica envisioned. To make it her own, she added removable sleeves for the ceremony, while the boutique gifted her a detachable skirt, making her dream dress even more special.
Jessica kept her shoes simple, switching to cozy bride slippers after the first dance. Her jewelry blended sentiment and style, diamond earrings from her mother, a tennis bracelet, and Cartier and Van Cleef pieces. The opted for the soft Hollywood waves, styled by Ashley Raibick, as well as the silver-accented natural makeup by Victoria Ferrulli. For her bouquet, she chose a refined, smaller arrangement by Peonies to Paint Chips, ensuring it complemented rather than overshadowed her gown.
"The whole morning was honestly surreal and it almost just felt like I was pregaming with my best girls. And then when I saw myself in my final look – it was the most unreal feeling and I’ve never felt more beautiful before."
Groom's Fashion
Matan opted for a classic tuxedo from Suit Supply, surprising Jessica by choosing a bow tie instead of a traditional tie. He completed his look with a vintage Rolex and Bleu de Chanel. His refined look was elevated by a delicate boutonnière featuring a white rose and baby-breaths.
"Getting ready with my dad, brother, and best friends on one of the most important days of my life was very meaningful. I’d have been 10 times more nervous if I didn’t have them all."
First Look
Jessica and Matan’s first look was a moment of pure magic, setting the tone for the unforgettable day ahead. Matan, admittedly the most nervous for this moment, felt an instant wave of calm as soon as their eyes met. Under the warmth of the sun, the couple exchanged genuine smiles, embracing the happiness that would carry them through the celebration.
After their first look, Jessica and Matan stole a quiet moment to exchange handwritten notes, a heartfelt reminder of their deep love for one another. The intimate exchange was beautifully captured by Ramses Garcia Photo, who masterfully documented the day with warm, elegant images. From sunlit embraces to genuine smiles and lively dances, each frame told the couple’s magical story.
Ceremony
Jessica and Matan chose to hold their ceremony on the beautiful grounds of Park Chateau. Rows of white chairs were neatly lined up on the green lawn, surrounded by vibrant pink florals and perfectly cut hedges. The stunning transparent chuppah with its sleek, acrylic structure created a dreamy effect. A lush decor of white and ivory flowers was placed on top, creating a romantic setting. As the golden sunlight beamed through the trees, the entire setting felt warmth and sophistication.
Blending their backgrounds, the couple opted for a modern reformed Jewish ceremony, with a Rabbi who delivered a short yet deeply meaningful service. Instead of traditional vows, they shared five things they love about each other, which the Rabbi beautifully incorporated into his speech. Live music by Sweet Harmony Music provided a dreamy background.
The highlight of the ceremony was Matan breaking the glass, marking the joyous beginning of their new chapter. “Our guests told us that the ceremony was beautiful and classy. For pretty much everyone on my side, it was a very different ceremony than they’re used to seeing, and they all loved it!”, the bride recalls.
As soon as the ceremony ended, guests eagerly gathered to congratulate the newlyweds. The bridesmaids, dressed in elegant pastel hues, stood alongside the groomsmen in sharp tuxedos, amid the lush blooms of the venue. At the center of it all, Jessica and Matan, glowing with happiness.
Reception Decor
The reception took place in the Park Chateau, where a striking black-and-white checkered dance floor took the center stage. The surrounding candlelit tables with gold-accented decor were dimly lit by the warm glow of a grand chandelier and dreamy lighting projections on the ceiling. A striking gold-framed mirror, designed by the bride herself, served as a welcoming statement piece. To keep the setup and decor dynamic, the couple used different decor shapes and arrangements for the long and round tables.
The decor featured a mix of towering glass candelabras and low floral centerpieces with ivory roses, baby’s breath, and greenery, accented by soft beige taper candles. Gold chairs and sleek black table numbers, fine cutlery glistening under the warm lighting, created a romantic and luxurious atmosphere. The ceremony aisle flowers were repurposed for the sweetheart table, surrounded by a sea of candles, while the fireplace backdrop featured pillar candles and a custom-designed canvas with the couple’s initials.
One of the most memorable moments for Jessica and Matan was walking into the ballroom together before the celebration began, taking in the beauty of their vision come to life. It was a quiet, intimate pause before the whirlwind of the night, allowing them to appreciate the countless thoughtful details Jessica had crafted for their special day.
Reception
As soon as Jessica and Matan stepped into the ballroom, surrounded by their loved ones, the room erupted in joyful cheers. Guests waved their napkins in the air, filling the space with energy of celebration, marking the unforgettable start of the night .
The couple shared their first dance to ‘Lost With You’ by Matt Sky, making the moment even more special with a choreographed. Remarkably, they learned it in just one session, only practicing once the night before and again 30 minutes before stepping onto the dance floor. The dance ended up looking flawless, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
The dance floor stayed packed all night, pausing only for dinner. Heartfelt toasts from Jessica’s sisters, her father, and a groomsman added to the celebration, but an unexpected highlight stole the show. A playful drink challenge between tables quickly escalated into a full-room competition, with guests standing on chairs and cheering.
During the reception the pizzas were served in custom boxes, designed by the bride. It was a playful late-night treat. Resembling a classic pizzeria style, it featured bold lettering with whimsical illustrations of hearts, rings, and pizza slices. The phrase ‘That’s Amore!’ added a fun, romantic touch.
The wedding cake was a featured three sleek, white tiers with slight textured detailing. A bold ‘J&M’ monogram added a personal touch, while delicate white roses and baby’s-breath provided a romantic accent. The cake perfectly complemented the couple’s aesthetic, mirroring the black-and-white palette.
DJ Barr kept the party alive with an incredible set, while guests danced under the glow of vibrant lights. From the joyous Hora that had Jessica and Matan lifted high above the crowd to the packed dance floor, every second radiated pure excitement. It was a night of pure magic.
The final moment of the wedding and its biggest hit was the Jersey Shore-inspired t-shirt giveaway. The bride recreated the iconic Belmar bar’s tradition, designing custom shirts based on one she won in 2018. With two friends leading the giveaway, guests eagerly danced to win, and the 100 shirts disappeared fast. Unlike their lottery ticket favors, the shirts became a lasting souvenir, a cherished memory of an unforgettable celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• We agree that communication and support is important during this stressful process. There is so much that goes into this you truly don’t understand until you’re thrown in and in the midst of it all. We definitely did not agree on everything but as a couple you come together and work out all the kinks. In the end, it was the most beautiful day we could have ever dreamed of. We’ll be thinking about it for our entire lives
PHOTOGRAPHER Ramses Garcia Photo | VIDEOGRAPHER Victoria Lovaglio Films | VENUE Park Chateau | FLORALS & DECOR From Peonies to Paintchips | HAIR Ashley Raibick | MAKEUP Victoria Ferrulli | DRESS Galia Lahav & Clio Peppiatt | SUIT Express | MUSIC Sweet Harmony Music | DJ & ENTERTAINMENT DJ Barr | DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY Jacqueline B. | SEATING CHART Socially Scripted | FLOOR WRAP Go To Shout | PHOTOBOOTH Mystical Entertainment |
