A Classic, Sophisticated Fall Wedding at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey
It didn’t long for Amanda Fey (26 and an IT business analyst) and Justin Devery (25 and an equity research marketing associate) to find the perfect place to say their “I dos.” The moment the couple stepped foot onto the grounds of Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ, they were completely blown away. “We felt ourselves enveloped in the magic of Pleasantdale from the very first moment. There was no other choice for us — it was the only venue we looked at,” says Amanda. “It’s fashioned after various European locales, but most predominantly features the styles of Northern France. Since we had traveled throughout France together after graduating college, we felt that it encapsulated a beautiful experience we had together.
With the location settled, the pair began planning a sophisticated soiree steeped in timeless elegance and old word glamour. The day began with a traditional ceremony at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in nearby Montclair, and was immediately followed by a swinging cocktail hour at Pleasantdale. “The cocktail hour was held in multiple rooms of the chateau, allowing our guests to explore and immerse themselves in the atmosphere,’ says Amanda. The couple blew their friends and family members away with a mouth-watering menu jam-packed with decadent eats like pumpkin risotto, tuna tartare, lemon sole and beef tenderloin, as well as specialty cocktails like caramel apple martinis and sangria.
The decor celebrated the Pleasantdale Chateau’s refined style with tall, lush centerpieces of classic ivory blooms, tufted dining chairs, warm candlelight and gilded accents woven throughout. “The element that best reflected us as a couple was the two of us dancing the night away to the excellent musical stylings of Hank Lane's Spotlight Band,” says Amanda. “We danced to every song that played at our wedding. Our dance floor was filled throughout the whole celebration and there was a great upbeat energy.”
A tip for the taking from Amanda and Justin: “If we could share a piece of advice with future couples it would be to make sure you stay by each other's side and share the experience of your wedding together.”