Elegant Winter Wedding in Garfield, NJ: Patricia + Kirklan

Patricia and Kirklan stunned guests with their glamourous black and white wedding at the ultimate wedding venue in Northern New Jersey, The Venetian. The two met during college and didn’t exactly start off walking tall, but the ice was quickly broken as the two got to know each other. Cut to Patricia in her absolutely breathtaking Vera Wang”Lillian” gown for her oh so cool wedding. Picture perfect. For a winter wedding done right, look no further. 

Wedding Date: February 22, 2015
Wedding Location: The Venetian in Garfield, NJ
First Dance Song: “Spend My Life” by Eric Benét ft. Tamia
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: The bridesmaid received wedding jewelry, bridesmaid robes, and personalized tote bags while the groomsmen received personalized flasks.

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
We met through Kirk’s cousin, whom I met in college. He told me that he knew an amazing, tall man (being that I am 5’9″) that he thought was perfect for me. Kirk called me and we set up a meeting a few days later. I wore my tallest heels thinking I’d be a little shorter than him, but when he got out of his car, he was short. I was visibly upset and I told him, “You’re short…” He smiled and replied, “And you’re tall, what’s the problem?” His smile was captivating and I just couldn’t stop blushing. We went on our first date in 2010 and have been together ever since.

Kirk proposed to me on Friday, March 28, 2014. I had a feeling he was going to propose so I prepared all day for our date. I painted my nails, did my makeup, picked up an outfit…I even oiled up my ring finger for easy gliding should the ring get stuck. So here we are at dinner, at this new restaurant I’ve never been to and…nothing. The check comes and still nothing. So we’re leaving the restaurant and I am visibly annoyed. Kirk, knowing me so well, turned to me and said, “I am not proposing to you tonight, stop with your attitude.” At first I was disappointed but then I couldn’t help but laugh at how well he knew me. After that, we walked to our favorite fondue place, where we surprisingly got seated right away. So we’re sitting in the cutest corner of the restaurant, surrounded by beautiful candles and Kirk turns to me and says, “Damn, this would’ve been the perfect night to propose…” I replied, “Yeah, you should’ve thought about that…” As I was saying that, the waitress brings out our fruit platter, and Kirk says, “Lucky for me, I did.” I looked up and there was the ring…next to grapes and strawberries in the fruit platter. The entire restaurant started clapping as Kirk got on one knee and as my mascara ran down my face from all the tears.

Wedding Style
My wedding dress was the Vers Wang “Lillian” dress. It was simple and elegant. The detail was more so in the bottom. I wore it with a silk black belt and wore small crystal earrings. Wedding dress shopping was a horror. I was studying for the NY Bar and was so unfocused. I think I tried on at least 50 dresses before I found my dress.

Memories
My best memory is seeing Kirk cry as I walked toward him in the church. Kirk isn’t the emotional type so it really melted my heart.

Help a bride-to-be out!
Skip the favors. People throw them away anyway. Also, two weeks before the wedding, confirm your guest list and give the venue ten people less than what you have on your list.

Vendors:
Prep Location: Hampton Inn & Suites Fairfield
Ceremony Location: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Montclair, NJ
Venue: The Venetian
Photography: Ben Lau Photography
Cinematography: NST Pictures
Dress Designer: Vera Wang
Hair Stylist: Dawniece Woods
Makeup Artists: Nadia Tayeh and Charmaine Elcock
Shoes: Brian Atwood
Groom’s Wear: Hugo Boss
Planner: Lory Comeau
Florals: Flowers by Leslie
Invitations: Jupiter and Juno
Photo Booth: Portable Fun Booth
Entertainment: TLC Entertainment