Crystal Plaza Wedding : Marnie & Brandon : Livingston, NJ

Marnie & Brandon were married in April at Crystal Plaza: a converted turn-of-the-century mansion in Livingston, NJ — over thirty crystal chandeliers, a gold-detailed ceiling, a round marble dance floor. For a Jewish wedding with big families and a full evening of dancing, it's nearly impossible to beat.

The day started the evening before, at Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange for the rehearsal dinner. By the time wedding morning arrives, the families already know each other a little better, the nerves have been burned off, and everything runs warmer.

Planner Carrie Gold of Carrie Gold Events has been with Marnie's family for twenty-five years — she planned Marnie's bat mitzvah, and here she was again for the wedding. That kind of history is rare, and you feel it in how a day like this runs. Carrie brought me on board, and the day reflected her in every detail.

The morning began with Marnie's father David seeing her before anyone else. He came through the door and just stopped. Marnie reached out to steady him and he laughed, which made it worse, which made it better. Her mother was around the corner wiping her eyes before it was even over.

Ceremony was in The Atrium — Crystal Plaza's glass-skylighted upper space. Pedestals built a chuppah that ran wall to wall: hot pink, magenta, purple, coral — roses, orchids, ranunculus, cherry blossom. The aisle matched it all the way to the front. Steve Rimland performed live, Marnie processed in to "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" on violin, and Rabbi Amar officiated. The ketubah signing was warm and surrounded — both families crowded close, hands held.

Portraits moved between the atrium and The Vault downstairs — low ceilings, dark paneling, a wall of wine bottles — which photographs completely differently than the ballroom and gives the set a nice range.

Pedestals scaled everything up for the reception: towering centerpieces, taper candles, rose petals, hot pink and deep red against all that gold and crystal. Unique Musique had the floor moving from the first song. Brandon dipped Marnie at the end of their first dance and the room erupted — flower girls front row, completely losing it. The hora ran long. David ended up in the air, arm raised, fully committed. After party until 1:30am.

The cake cutting: Marnie smashed it into Brandon's face with full conviction. His reaction said he probably had it coming.

Congratulations, Marnie and Brandon!