1. Real Weddings

Gabriella & Michael: A Black and White Wedding in Princeton, NJ

Years after their first meeting, Gabriella and Michael wed with formal flair (and one heck of a party!) in Hamilton Square. The Bride Gabriella Juray

Years after their first meeting, Gabriella and Michael wed with formal flair (and one heck of a party!) in Hamilton Square. The Bride Gabriella Juray, 24, community payables coordinator The Groom Michael Kelly, 29, assistant project manager The Date October 16 Gabriella and Michael met by chance through a mutual friend. Gabriella and the friend were on their way out when her friend said she had to drop something off at Michael's. Gabriella remembers her friend playfully teasing her when Michael came to her defense. As they locked eyes, Gabriella could hardly get herself to say thank you -- it was an instant connection, she says. The two soon began dating. Though they later broke up for some time, Gabriella never stopped thinking of Michael. Years later, Gabriella's mother, who had been stricken with breast cancer, passed away, and, after all they'd been through together, Michael was there for her. He helped me pick up all of the pieces that I needed to go on with my life, Gabriella says. We've been together ever since. After four years of dating, Gabriella and Michael finally found the time to go on a trip together to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. While there, they headed out on a catamaran for a cruise to an island two hours out from the coast -- once there, each couple got their own private cabana, complete with a waiter and bartender. Since the two finished their dinner a bit early, they decided to walk down to the shore before taking in some Mayan dancing. As they sat on some rocks, fireworks exploded into the night sky. Michael started talking to Gabriella, who had been silently enjoying the moment. He began telling me about a dream he had about my mother who had passed away a few years ago. He said she came to him and told him she knew how much I loved him and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him and that she had thought it was time, Gabriella remembers him saying just before he proposed. It took Gabriella a moment to compose herself through tears of joy, but of course she said yes!

Michael and the little ring bearers wore black mirage tuxedos by Jean Yves Paris featuring a satin stand-up collar and satin piping with an ivory vest and tie. The nine groomsmen had a similar look, save for black vests and ties.
Gabriella gave her girls a formal look by choosing Belsoie black satin strapless gowns that featured an ivory-trimmed sweetheart neckline and an ivory sash at the waist.
The Reception Decor
Gabriella walked down the aisle in an ivory strapless gown with a full skirt, drop waist, and chapel length train from the Jasmine Collection. Beading and embroidery embellished the bodice and a satin band gathered in a bow just beneath the bust for a sweetly romantic style.
The Ceremony
The Bridesmaid Looks
The Bridal Bouquet
The Ceremony
The Wedding Party Looks
Gabriella and Mike cut a four-tier vanilla cake with strawberry mouse filling covered in ivory fondant adorned with red roses and the couple's initials.
The Couple
Though Gabriella and Michael tried to plan everything to a tee, there is one element no bride or groom can control -- the weather. Gabriella woke up extra-early to try to see if the chance of rain forecast looked like it was coming, but of course it was still pitch black outside since it was five in the morning! she laughs. Luckily for the two, the day finally dawned bright and clear, and stayed that way until the end of the post-ceremony photo session, when there was a last-minute dash for the limos as the sky finally opened up.