1. Real Weddings

Liz & Anthony: A Traditional Wedding in Spring Lake Heights, NJ

Anthony knew he was ready to take the plunge with Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas—the only challenge was getting her into the water. Anthony and Liz met while

Anthony knew he was ready to take the plunge with Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas—the only challenge was getting her into the water. Anthony and Liz met while studying at Seton Hall Law School. The Bride Elizabeth (Liz) Thomas,33, matrimonial attorney The Groom Anthony Vinhal, 30, litigation attorney The Date October 21 The couple was spending a day on Long Beach Island where they hoped to go surfing, a hobby they’d taken up together. “I’d planned to propose in the water on our surfboards,” Anthony says, “but I couldn’t get her in the water that day because the waves were too big.” Instead, Anthony proposed safely on the shore, and after Liz excitedly accepted, the two took off to celebrate in Atlantic City.

The couple’s four-tiered cream-colored cake was decorated with cascading roses made of icing. The white cake featured delicious, black cherry filling.
Liz and Anthony exchanged vows at the same church Liz had attended in high school. Since the interior was so beautiful to begin with, the couple didn’t need to add much decoration -- the altar was adorned with two arrangements of white and ivory flowers, including hybrid lilies, hydrangeas, roses, and lisianthus.
To help create a warm and romantic atmosphere, some of the reception tables were topped with black, wrought iron candelabras with ivory pillar candles in clear glass globes.
Too add contrast to their deep red satin dresses, the bridesmaids carried ivory roses and mini calla lilies accented with deep red hypericum berries.
Each table also included French wire baskets with different arrangements including a passionate mix of Black Magic roses, hydrangeas, chinaberries, apples, and lime accents, along with small black terracotta pots filled with moss and lady apples, votives, bundled rosemary, and different sizes of ivory pillar candles.
Each place card was attached to an apple with a black pearl–headed pin.
Liz's bouquet featured various shades of deep red roses.
The bride wore an ivory duchesse satin gown with a fitted bodice and a modified mermaid skirt. “The dress had a beautiful sheen,” Liz says.
Liz complemented her wedding day attire with cream satin pointed-toe heels.