Royalty Redefined: Rachel and John's Majestic 'I Do' at The Venetian

Love Story

Amidst the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, fate brought Rachel and John together on an oceanfront Jersey Shore pier,where instant chemistry sparked between them. John approached Rachel as she was leaving, mustering the courage to ask for her number. “The connection we both felt in that brief conversation was something special, something worth exploring further,” Rachel confesses.

That night, they stayed up late texting like teenagers, and by the next day, they had already made plans for their first date at Felina Restaurant in Ridgewood, NJ. The bride shares, “From there, our relationship blossomed as we embarked on adventures together, exploring new restaurants and traveling the world.”

After nearly two years of dating, John proposed to Rachel during an enchanting Italian summer getaway in Florence, a city that held special significance for them both. On a private rooftop terrace, adorned with lush florals and candlelight, with a violinist serenading them, John got down on one knee and asked Rachel to spend forever by his side.

In Rachel's words, "Against the backdrop of the storybook city that had brought us together, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever by his side. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty and romance of Florence, I said "yes" without hesitation, knowing in my heart that this was the culmination of a love story written in the stars. Truly, that's amoré!"

In Rachel's own words, "My vision was a Royal Wedding theme, with lush white & ivory elegance, accented by gold features & supremely luxurious decor. The Royal Wedding theme is a unique tribute to our love. As someone who prides myself on fashion and luxury design, I did not take lightly to curating our extravagant wedding inspiration. Choosing the white and gold royalty aesthetic for our wedding was the perfect, sophisticated way to stand out, while also allowing our love to remain the center of attention."

Their intimate celebration with 200 guests allowed them to surround themselves with their closest family and friends, creating a sense of intimacy and connection that made their wedding day feel incredibly special. "Each guest played a meaningful role in our celebration, adding to the love and joy that filled the air," the couple shares.

Rachel and John spent slightly under a year meticulously planning every detail of their dream wedding. "'Elegant, sophisticated maximalism meets timeless, royal luxury' perfectly encapsulates the essence of my wedding style," Rachel explains. "It was a harmonious blend of opulence and refinement,where every detail was carefully curated to create a lavish, yet timeless atmosphere."

Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of royal weddings past and present, their celebration evoked a sense of majesty and regality. "Incorporating elements of maximalism added a sense of grandeur and extravagance to our big day. At the same time, our wedding exuded a timeless, royal luxury that transcended trends and fads," they recall. "Together, these elements created a wedding experience that is both sumptuous and refined, a celebration of love and romance that stands the test of time. It was a perfect union of modern luxury and timeless sophistication, creating a wedding day that was truly unforgettable."

The single greatest inspiration for Rachel during the planning process was her customized wedding gown. "About one week after booking our venue, I discovered a stunning, one-of-a-kind customized gown sample. It was a never-before-worn." Rachel adds, "Just knowing that I would be the only bride to wear this custom gown and veil was enough inspiration for me to design a uniquely luxurious wedding, like no other luxe wedding I'd seen before."

Morning details

For Rachel and John, every element of their wedding day was thoughtfully curated to reflect their love story and personal styles, right down to the smallest details.

As Rachel shares, "Our frosted-acrylic, baroque-gold font, mirror-shaped invitations were designed overseas by a talented custom stationery artist. I met with many other vendors in the States who could not accomplish my vision, so I decided to go the extra mile and work with an international vendor to create our invitation suite." By working with this artist, she was able to ensure that every detail was executed to perfection. "Each element came together to create a truly breathtaking piece of art that set the tone for our wedding."

Their journey with La Mirage Jewelers in Park Ridge, NJ, was a testament to the personal touch and attention to detail that made their wedding jewelry truly special. "From the moment my husband designed my engagement ring there to the selection of our wedding bands, our experience was one of thoughtful craftsmanship and genuine care," Rachel reminisces. "His hand-selected choice to perfectly complement my engagement ring speaks volumes about his dedication to ensuring our wedding bands were not just accessories but reflections of our love story."

John's choice of a white gold band with a unique, sleek cut further added to the significance of their wedding jewelry. As Rachel explains, "Its distinctiveness echoes the individuality of our relationship, while the white gold symbolizes the purity and timelessness of our commitment.”

On her wedding day, Rachel wore over 25 carats of diamonds, from her rented necklace and earrings to her customized engagement ring and wedding band. "When I changed my hair look after the ceremony to an updo, I wore a Swarovski crystal tiara," she adds. "Every detail was meticulously chosen to make me feel like royalty. I truly felt like a princess!"

Their day-of-wedding stationery was an important part of their aesthetic curation, and Rachel worked closely with Verina of Designs by VH to create a visionary stationery and signage suite that brought their gold-baroque, royal inspiration to life. "The welcome sign and seating chart decals were elegantly displayed on oversized gold-baroque mirrors, creating a stunning focal point for guests as they entered the venue," Rachel describes. "Each detail was meticulously designed to complement the luxurious theme, from the intricate script of the welcome sign to the meticulously arranged seating chart."

The signature drink signs, showcased on gold-baroque mirror stands, added an extra layer of glamour to the beverage stations, presenting each drink option in a manner befitting the grandeur of the occasion. Even the menus placed on each charger plate and the table numbers exuded vintage charm, displayed on antique gold stands that added a touch of old-world elegance to the reception space. "Verina did such a breathtaking job mastering my vision!" Rachel exclaims.

Bride getting ready

For Rachel, finding the perfect wedding dress was a journey that began about 11 months before her big day. As she describes, "My wedding dress was inspired by a customized sample gown discovered at a bridal store. It was a never-before-worn sample that truly set the stage for my overall wedding gown inspiration."

The hand-beaded appliqué of 3D crystals and pearls sparkled majestically, adding an extra layer of magic and elegance to her vision. "The extended-train ballgown silhouette, paired with a back-laced corset, achieved my goal of regal sophistication," Rachel shares.

Working closely with a custom design team, Rachel's gown was created specifically to her measurements, complete with a customized, Royal-length veil to match. "The entire design production took place overseas, but I had the fortune of undergoing all alterations in a private bridal suite locally, once the gown was completed. I will say, the process to achieving the most "perfect" custom gown was not easy, but it was so worth it."

In addition to her stunning ballgown, Rachel had the privilege of wearing a customized reception dress by Milla Nova, a Ukrainian designer with impeccable attention to detail. "Milla Nova offered me the opportunity to take their "Miadonna" dress - covered in intricate beading and sequins - and completely customize the color. I chose a white base with ivory tulle rules to achieve more of the bridal look. This bespoke creation was a marvelous second-look dress!"

Rachel's getting-ready photoshoot took place in her bridal suite at the MC Hotel in Montclair, NJ,where the entire wedding party was onsite for the photos, making day-of photography coordination much easier.

To complete her regal bridal look, Rachel paired her custom, extended-train ballgown with glamorous "Spikaqueen" pumps by Christian Louboutin and over 25 carats of diamond jewelry. She also added a customized, Royal-length, matching veil that extended over 15 feet long.

While Rachel initially wanted a bouquet filled with cascading white orchids, as her wedding date neared, she left the ultimate design in the trusted hands of their incredible florist, Tom Sarcon of Sarcon Flower Couture. "Tom exceeded all expectations with his expertise and creativity," she praises. "He created a visionary bouquet that matched our wedding reception florals. With his skillful hands and keen eye for design, Tom created a bouquet that not only complimented our wedding theme, but also captured the essence of our love story. Each bloom and arrangement was thoughtfully selected and expertly arranged, resulting in a bouquet that was truly a work of art."

Groom getting ready

While Rachel's bridal look was the epitome of regal elegance, John's attire for the day was equally extraordinary, showcasing his impeccable style and attention to detail.

His primary tuxedo, designed and custom-made by Jack Victor, was a sartorial masterpiece. Paired with a butterfly bowtie by Tom Ford, custom cufflinks, silk suspenders from Saks, and black patent leather oxford shoes by Christian Louboutin, every element was meticulously chosen to create a look that exuded sophistication and refinement.

To add a touch of versatility and flair to his ensemble, John changed into an ivory tuxedo jacket from Biltmore Tuxedos halfway through the reception, ensuring that he looked dapper from start to finish.

John's pre-wedding photoshoot took place in his private suite at the MC Hotel, a luxurious and memorable experience that perfectly set the tone for the day ahead. "Surrounded by his closest friends, including his groomsmen and Best Man, as well as his parents, the groom enjoyed a private and intimate moment before the ceremony," Rachel recounts.

The MC Hotel's rooftop provided a stunning backdrop for photos, with panoramic views and a picturesque setting that added to the excitement and anticipation of the day. As they posed for photos, John and his entourage were treated to a full breakfast spread, complete with all their favorite foods and drinks. "Champagne flowed freely, adding a touch of celebration and elegance to the occasion," Rachel adds.

First Look

In keeping with tradition, Rachel and John chose to wait until the ceremony to see each other, reserving their first look for that magical moment when she walked down the aisle. As Rachel explains, "Keeping our first look traditional and waiting to see each other at the church was a beautiful way to honor tradition and added an extra layer of anticipation and excitement to our wedding day."

In Rachel's own words: "My husband's reaction to seeing me walk down the aisle was truly a moment of pure and heartfelt emotion, one that will be etched in my memory forever. As I made my way down the 100-foot-long aisle, supported by the loving presence of my parents, all eyes were on me. But it was my groom's reaction that truly captured the essence of the moment."

She continues, "When I locked eyes with him at the altar, I witnessed a flood of emotions wash over him. His tears, streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably, were a testament to the depth of his love and the overwhelming joy he felt at the sight of me. In that moment, surrounded by the solemnity of the church and the anticipation of our union, my husband's raw display of emotion spoke volumes about the profound connection we share."

Rachel eloquently captures the power of that moment: "It's moments like these that remind us all of the power of love, the beauty of vulnerability, and the magic of weddings. As we stood before each other, on the threshold of a new chapter in our lives, I think I speak for us both in saying, we knew that this was just the beginning of a lifetime filled with love, laughter, tears of happiness, and cherished memories."

Ceremony

For Rachel and John, their traditional wedding ceremony took place at the historic St. Lucy's Roman Catholic Church, a majestic setting that perfectly embodied the romance and reverence of their union. As the couple describes: "The 100-foot-long aisle, which was covered by our custom white aisle runner, and the Romanesque Revival architecture, along with the intricate interior ornamentation, surely provided a majestic backdrop for exchanging our vows."

The church itself was beautifully adorned for the occasion, with their florist decorating the pews and altar with "the most elegant display of white roses and hydrangeas, accented with delicate baby's breath. It was the perfect blend of romance and reverence," they recall.

As Rachel made her way down the aisle to the traditional strains of the "Bridal Chorus," also known as "Here Comes The Bride," their flower girls and ring bearers preceded her, adding a special touch of family involvement. Their flower girls, Vienna and Olivia, daughters of Rachel's best friend, looked like princesses in matching tulle gowns decorated with beaded appliqués, satin back bows with pearl details, and slight trains.

Meanwhile, their ring bearers, Aidan and Gavin, cousins of John, wore matching tuxedos. As the couple shares, "Having family members involved in our wedding, especially as ring bearers, added such a special touch!"

With every element carefully chosen to reflect their love and personal styles, Rachel and John's ceremony was a beautiful celebration of their commitment to one another.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following the ceremony, Rachel and John took family and wedding party portraits at the church before proceeding to their venue for additional portraits. “My favorite photos were taken in our reception ballroom during our "first look" of the completed decor,” Rachel shares.

Wedding Venue & Decor

“With meticulous planning, our wedding was a vision of pure, timeless elegance with an all-white and gold floral palette complemented by lavish gold decor accents,” the couple states.

Their wedding florist, Tom Sarcon of Sarcon Flower Couture, truly outdid himself in bringing Rachel's vision to life in the most grand and opulent way possible. "Each table was decorated with almost 20 tall floral centerpieces, each centerpiece being more extravagant than the next. On either side of the marble dance floor, we had gold rectangular estate tables paired with white & gold chairs," Rachel marvels. "Atop these tables were oversized, luxurious floral bridges accented by gold stands that only enhanced their grandeur. The addition of candles underneath the bridges created a warm and romantic glow, adding to the timeless elegance of the setting. All our centerpieces were absolute showstoppers."

No detail was overlooked, from the diligently selected gold and white chair pairings per table to the place settings that featured gold-beaded, glass charger plates with custom round menus in the center, baroque-gold flatware, and lush, white cheesecloth napkins with gold napkin rings.

The sweetheart table, designed by Tom Sarcon, was an impeccably magical and dreamy creation. "Featuring a golden arch and white drapery, the white and gold floral palette was exceeded by the volume and beauty of Tom's creation," Rachel describes. "Tom took his majestic design efforts even further by designing voluminous staircase decor to the right of the sweetheart table area. To the left of this area was our gorgeous, gold cake table with our 6-tier cake towering almost 8 feet high. "

Rachel and John also incorporated personalized touches throughout their decor, including the groom's customized cufflinks with his initials, Rachel's personalized wedding ring box with her initials, vow books engraved with their wedding date and names, and a wedding cake knife and server engraved with "The Picyks ~ June 11, 2023." As a gift from her Maid of Honor, Rachel also received a bridal bouquet pin with a blue sapphire gem as her "something blue," attaching a photo of her and her late grandfather.

When it came to choosing their venue, the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, was the perfect choice for Rachel and John. "Prior to our wedding, I had attended multiple weddings and events at the Venetian, so I knew the Venetian certainly would not disappoint our guests," Rachel explains. "The Venetian is one of the only wedding venues that truly provides your money's worth by offering exceptional value, leaving each guest marveled in awe by the end of the event. From the food and presentation, to the decor and overall aesthetic, the Venetian was the perfect venue for our special day."

Reception

Rachel and John's reception was a true celebration of indulgence and sophistication, from the incredible food and drinks to the interactive experiences and stunning decor.

Their first dance as husband and wife was an enchanting and dramatic moment, set to the lyrics of "Amazed" by Boyz II Men. As the couple shares, "This song's lyrical meaning truly encapsulated the essence of our love story." For months leading up to the wedding, they attended a professional dance studio to learn customized choreography that perfectly captured the romance of the evening. "We danced on clouds and ended the dance with a romantic dip, sealed with a kiss," they describe.

The night kicked off with a 90-minute cocktail reception that was a true feast for the senses. "As guests arrived at the venue, they were greeted by a stunning display of opulence and elegance, featuring a feathered showgirl, three custom ice sculptures, and over twenty captain's stations of international cheeses, cured meats, and seafood, as well as a 360-sushi and sashimi bar," Rachel recounts. White-glove waitstaff circulated among the crowd, offering trays of gourmet hors d'oeuvres prepared by world-class chefs, while a live saxophonist serenaded guests with smooth melodies.

Following the cocktail hour, guests were escorted to the grand ballroom for a four-course, seated dinner reception,where they were captivated by a ballerina adorned in a gold costume with crystals, gracefully performing on the dance floor as they found their seats.

As the reception neared its peak, the walls of the ballroom dramatically opened, unveiling a breathtaking Viennese dessert extravaganza room. "The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and decadent treats, drawing everyone further inside," the newlyweds describe. "The room revealed an array of dessert stations fit for royalty."

A dancing showgirl flaunted her LED disc skirt, carrying mini desserts for guests to savor while towering chocolate fountains cascaded velvety streams, and tables groaned under the weight of artisanal pastries, miniature cakes, and delicate confections.

As a final surprise, Rachel and John treated their guests to a row of elegant carts offering coffee, gelato, and donuts to go, adding a final touch of magic to an unprecedented night.

The centerpiece of the dessert extravaganza was their wedding cake, a six-tier masterpiece created by Palermo's Bakery in Little Ferry, NJ. Incorporating appliqué details inspired by the Bride's custom hand-beaded gown, Palermo's Bakery in Little Ferry, NJ customized a six-tier cake, with a pearlized finish, fondant pearl decoration, and gold foil accents. This grand cake, separated by tiers of luscious, off-white florals, and featuring a champagne-gold "P" monogram, soared nearly eight feet high atop its gorgeous, crystalized table," Rachel shares.

From the incredible food and drinks to the interactive experiences and stunning dessert displays, Rachel and John's reception was truly a night to remember, filled with indulgence, sophistication, and pure magic.