Daniela & Robert | The Rockleigh | Rockleigh, NJ

"Timeless Class"

Rob: One of my good friends was dating one of Daniela’s good friends and we met each other on a night out in NYC. We hit it off and had our first date a couple weeks later at a wine bar. I picked her up at about 7pm, but we talked so long I didn’t get home until 4:30 am. On our two-year anniversary, we took a trip to the Bahamas. I suggested we take a walk on the pier with champagne and proposed when we got to the end.

Daniela: When my friend found out we were engaged, she immediately raved about The Rockleigh and told me I must go see it. She said we would be stunned and she was exactly right! It has a timeless, classic look and beautiful features. Their crystal chandeliers, gorgeous fireplace, fountains, and lush gardens really create the picture-perfect setting.

Rob: During planning, Jeff Spivack, event manager, was by our side every minute. We had to postpone due to the pandemic and he was incredible at communicating everything to us and helping us find our best options. The Rockleigh was so accommodating and found wonderful solutions to the social distancing guidelines, such as serving everything tapas style rather than family style. The day of our wedding was absolutely amazing. We love to entertain, so we recognize quality service and appreciated that every one of our guests was paid the same special attention.

Daniela: Our ceremony was very traditional. Our big Italian families came together for our Catholic ceremony and we had paninis and espresso available at the church. One of our vendors even arranged to have gelato available outside.

Rob: One reason we chose The Rockleigh is their amazing food. We knew each dish would be spot on. Some favorites were the Italian station, complete with our favorite wine; the fresh mozzarella station; and the drinks made live at the ice luge. Daniela loved the risotto with mushrooms.

Daniela: Our reception was in the Grand Pavilion Ballroom with show-stopping features such as the round dance floor, the bar the length of the ballroom, an additional outdoor bar, and a working fireplace. French doors open to the patio and guests have gorgeous views in every direction they look. Our live painter painted our first dance and the setting is beautiful.

Rob: Dinner was excellent. Daniela specifically asked the maître d’ to make sure she had a chance to eat, because we knew how good the food was! The pasta specifically was out of this world. The Rockleigh was kind enough to give us one of each entrée, so we can attest that each was delicious. The meal began with a first course salad of butter lettuce, shaved fennel, toasted almonds and fresh strawberries. The second course was timbale of anelletti topped with micro basil. Entrée selections were a 10 oz. prime filet mignon in a madeira wine reduction with shallots, crispy skin striped bass, or Tuscan-roasted chicken breast with truffle butter and mushroom ragout.

Daniela: Dessert was equally impressive. Our wedding cake was served station-style and we had other stations to make sure every sweet tooth was satisfied. Guests enjoyed the Belgian waffle station, zeppoles and fried oreos, cookies and milk, a crepe station, a flambé station, a fondue fountain, and so many more mouth-watering options!

Rob: Our DJ was fantastic, mixing in old-school Italian and Vegas nightclub music seamlessly. He continued playing for our after-party. We had more food with food trucks outside and the Rockleigh servers brought hot dogs and pizza on a platter back in to guests. There was also more bar food provided by The Rockleigh.

Rob & Daniela: We thank everyone involved in making our day amazing. Thank you to Jeff, Susan, and Anthony from The Rockleigh for being absolutely incredible. Thank you to our parents, who were so supportive during this planning process, and thank you to all our guests for joining us and celebrating with us!

The Rockleigh, Rockleigh, NJ, 201.768.7171, www.therockleigh.net