Jaclyn & Ibrahim | Waterside Events | North Bergen, NJ

Abe and I met as freshman in high school. We were acquaintances with friends in common, but we left high school without ever getting to really know one another. Eight years after graduating, I saw Abe at a mutual friend’s birthday in New York City. We spent the night laughing and discovered we shared a passion for traveling. Several years later we went on a vacation to the Maldives. We were staring out at the beautiful Indian Ocean when he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.

When we began planning, I already knew I loved Waterside Events. Abe had taken me there for dinner on my birthday a couple years prior, and the gorgeous view of the city made a lasting impression. When we went for a tour we fell in love. Aside from the views, we loved the charm of the ballroom and the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase the city skyline and give the room a magnificent aesthetic.

We knew “dressing it up” wouldn’t be a concern! From the start, meeting and working with Lesley Lovett, the banquet sales manager and event planner, Shantal Videla, the wedding coordinator, and Miguel Medrano, the event specialist, was easy and enjoyable. They made the process of planning fun by fully supporting our creative freedom. They helped us customize our menu and décor and arranged the room exactly to our desires.

Our ceremony was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Jersey. We proceeded to Waterside to take advantage of the skyline for our portraits and family photos. As soon as we got to Waterside, the staff greeted us and coordinated the arrival of our guests. They ushered everyone into cocktail hour and brought a tray of appetizers and drinks to the bridal suite for us to enjoy privately while our guests gathered. Our favorite dish was the fried chicken with dipping sauces. The meat carving station was a hit, the pasta station was delicious, and we were thrilled to have a Mediterranean station since we come from Lebanese and Italian families!

Our reception was in the already amazing ballroom, so we kept our décor simple with single white roses inside wine bottles. We surrounded the bottles with tea lights to reflect the sparkling lights of the New York views, which were unobstructed for every table. Our first course was poached shrimp and crab salad with creamy dijon dressing. The main course selections were chicken françese, succulent sirloin steak, and spicy seared tuna. We ended dinner with our custom wedding cake and several family style desserts, of crème brûlée, pastries, and chocolate-covered strawberries!

Shantal and Miguel were constantly checking in with us to make sure we had a drink or anything else we might need. Our DJ kept the dance floor packed. Everyone was singing and dancing the entire night!

We want to thank the entire staff at Waterside Restaurant and Catering for making our wedding night so incredibly special. Lesley, Shantal, Miguel, and all our guests made sure it was truly a night to remember!

Waterside Events
North Bergen, NJ, 201.861.7767
www.watersideevents.com