Melissa & Eric | Northern Valley Affairs | Closter, NJ

Historic Dome

Eric and I met on Cinco De Mayo at a bar in downtown Manhattan. Shortly after, we went to a wine bar where we spent the whole night laughing and getting to know each other. I am a special education teacher and he works in advertising. Years later, on a Friday afternoon leaving work, I noticed a crowd of other teachers outside. As I walked down the steps of my school, Eric turned the corner, wearing a black suit and holding a red rose. He got down on one knee, gave me the “final rose,” and asked me to marry him. Both our families were waiting back at our apartment to celebrate!

To honor my grandparents, who were both Holocaust survivors, I wanted to get married in a synagogue. The breathtaking antique stained glass dome in Temple Emanu-El originally belonged to the Brooklyn synagogue that my mother and grandfather attended many years ago, so Eric and I decided to visit Northern Valley Affairs. We loved the modern, elegant venue and its special connection to my family. We knew we were in good hands with Les Friedman, the owner, and Marty Maged, the general manager. It was quickly evident how experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic the entire staff is in wedding planning. Their attention to detail, exquisite taste, and exceptional service made our wedding the most special night of our lives.

Our traditional Jewish ceremony included sentimental words from our rabbi and beautiful singing from our cantor. Eric and I selected our favorite Beatles ballads for the precession, a touch which was enjoyed by all our guests.

We worked closely with Les and Marty to personalize our cocktail hour menu. Eric’s favorite station was the deluxe sushi display, prepared by authentic Japanese sushi chefs. My favorite station was the Coney Island Station which included franks in jackets, French fries, and Dr. Brown’s soda. Guests also enjoyed many passed hors d’oeuvres, including baby lamb chops, Philly steak sandwiches, and mini mahi-mahi tacos with tequila shooters — to name a few.

Our ballroom exuded romance. We had alternating centerpieces. The tall centerpieces were branches with hanging votives and white flowers with pink accents wrapped around them. The low centerpieces had scattered pink roses in small vases, surrounded by candles and mercury glass.

For dinner, our guests could choose between chateaubriand, sea bass, horseradish-crusted salmon, chicken roulade, or eggplant rollatini. We had butlered chilled shots and desserts served on the dance floor! Some of our favorites were the fried oreos, ice cream cones, and cookies with shake shots. Our energetic, interactive band kept everyone on their feet the entire night. As guests were leaving, they were offered hot roast peanuts and cashews and New York style soft pretzels!

We are so grateful for our parents’ love, support, and guidance. To our family and friends who traveled from near and far, thank you for sharing in our special day. To Les, Marty, and the entire Northern Valley Affairs staff, and to our top-of-the-line vendors, thank you for making wedding planning so enjoyable and for making our wedding the most magical experience!

Northern Valley Affairs at Temple Emanu-El
180 Piermont Road, Closter, NJ 07624
201.750.0333, www.northernvalleyaffairs.com