Real Wedding: Jennifer & Matthew
Westhampton, New York
Cake: Cardinali Bakery
Catering: Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs
Entertainment: Ideal Entertainment
Floral Design: United Floral
Hair + Makeup: Studio 24
Invitations: New Horizon Printing, Etc.
Photography: Denisimo Photography
Their paths crossed several times, but it wasn’t love at first sight for Jennifer Pitkewicz and Matthew Pilewski. In fact, it took more than a few encounters before the two even remembered each other. Jennifer was best friends with Matt’s cousin, and they both attended the same family functions and parties, but it wasn’t until a mutual friend’s birthday party that hey truly “met.”
Matt didn’t catch Jennifer’s eyes through suave pick-up lines or killer dance moves. Quite the opposite, actually, as Jennifer approached Matt while failing horribly at an attempt in line dancing. The two spent the rest of the evening getting to know one another and “the rest is history.”
As a pilot, Matt was often away, but they stayed in touch, constantly texting and calling each other. When the couple did have time to spend together, they were so inseparable that friends and family members said the two were perfect for each other. After dating for two years, Jennifer and Matt realized that their friends were right.
Popping the big question turned out to be a lot trickier than Matt had predicted. Jennifer was living with her parents at the time, and would turn up unexpectedly whenever he was about to ask her parents’ permission. Finally, Matt had some alone time with Jennifer’s parents and grandparents. That turned out to be the perfect time to ask, as Jennifer’s grandmother had been planning on handing down her engagement ring.
The actual proposal hit a snag, as well. Planning on asking for Jennifer’s hand on New Year’s Eve in New York City, Matt was suddenly called out on a last minute flight. Being away for a few days felt like weeks for Matt, but he didn’t waste any time upon returning home. The two went out to the Hamptons to take a stroll along the beach. January is a pretty cold time for a walk on the beach, and Jennifer was ready to head back and get out of the chilly weather, but when she turned to leave, Matt wasn’t there with her. Upon turning around, she saw him down on his knee. Jennifer’s first reaction was “Are you kidding?,” but Matt quickly confirmed that he was not. Of course she said yes, and they returned home to celebrate with friends and family.
Both Jennifer and Matt had been going to the Hamptons their whole lives, so picking the Oceanbleu ballroom at the West Hampton Bath and Tennis Hotel was an easy choice. Coming from traditional families, the couple opted to hold the ceremony at the local Roman Catholic church, as opposed to any of the beach front locations. The church was one of the only traditional aspects of the wedding, however, picking popular rock songs such as “Unchained Melody” and various Beatles tunes throughout the ceremony. Inspired by one of Jennifer’s favorite movies, Love Actually, the couple walked out of the church to the Fab Four’s “All you Need is Love.”
A cocktail hour was held out at a tented area on the beach where guests enjoyed a singer-guitarist playing some of the couple’s favorite tunes. Fresh seafood, wonderful cocktails and a margarita and tequila tasting station were also shared by guests on that perfectly beautiful day.
The color scheme of French blue, pale yellow, cream and white was inspired by the decor of the Oceanbleu ballroom. They incorporated plenty of candles which worked well with the colors to create a lovely Atlantic theme. Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs catering service created an amazing menu, complete with appetizers like mini lobster rolls, and entrees such as a Gorgonzola-encrusted Filet Mignon and a fresh Atlantic sea bass. Desserts came in the form of luxurious red velvet cupcakes, fancy pastries and even little ice cream sandwhiches and M&Ms.
There were many memorable moments for Jennifer and Matt. Seeing each other for the first time that day as she walked down the isle, enjoying Jennifer’s father getting the guests going on the dance floor and witnessing a beautiful white horse galloping around in a nearby field created a perfect wedding day. It was the next morning, however, that ended a great weekend in style. The newly weds joined all the guests on the deck to enjoy a perfect sunrise over the Atlantic ocean.
Jennifer and Matt offer several pieces of advice to engaged couples. Getting everything done a few days before the wedding allows some time to relax, get a massage and just take it easy. Having friends or family members available to take care of any last minute emergencies helps reduce any unwanted stress. Having a good working relationship with the wedding professionals really helps when advice is needed and getting exactly what a couple wants in their wedding. Most of all, though, Jennifer and Matt stress the importance of enjoying the whole process of planning a wedding.