Michele & Ryan | Grand Oaks Country Club | Staten Island, NY

Romantic Vintage With A Twist

I work for Burberry and Ryan is a police officer with the NYPD. We knew of each other for eight years, but it wasn’t until my best friend’s college graduation party that we actually spoke. We instantly had a connection. One week later, we went on our first date at Vola where we had drinks, dinner, and great conversation. It was very crowded but it felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. I remember feeling so happy and that I never wanted the night to end. Our relationship continued on for four blissful years.    

Ryan is a very thoughtful person and he knows I was very close to my late grandmother, who had a strong love of butterflies. One day he took me to the Bronx Zoo, and when we got there, he mentioned there was a butterfly room I might be interested in. As soon as we walked in, I felt so happy.  Maybe it was because it reminded me of Nanny or maybe I had intuited what was about to happen. Ryan does not like having his picture taken, but at that moment he asked a zoo employee to take our photo and said, “Let’s take a picture in here because I know you will want one.” I posed, and when I looked down, Ryan was down on his knee, with a blue box in hand and a smile on his face.

My sister had been married at the South Shore Country Club (now the Grand Oaks Country Club) for her wedding, and when Ryan and I were looking for the perfect venue it was the first to come to mind. When we walked into the Grand Oaks Country Club, we both looked at each other because we knew this was going to be our venue. We met with Margaret Addivinola, event planner, who gave us a tour of the property. It was gorgeous and the staff was so friendly and attentive. They made us feel like we were right at home and met every demand while exceeding our expectations. Everything felt just right.

We could not have asked for more perfect weather the day of our wedding. The church was full of our loved ones who were there happily supporting us.  When the doors opened, the only person I could see was my Ryan. Ryan had tears in his eyes and was the happiest I had ever seen him.

Our cocktail hour was stunning. We had guests in the Fairway as well as on the patio.  We had a combination of hot and cold passed hors d’ oeuvres and delicious carving stations. We also had a Tuscan table, a hot seafood station, and a Santa Fe station. Our specialty drink was the Damoratini, a rich and tasty chocolate martini. 

The ambiance in the ballroom was a romantic elegant style with a vintage twist.  The lighting was amber and the room décor was white with gold and ivory accents.

We were lucky enough to have all three of the entrees for our dinner and each one was absolutely incredible. Dinner began with a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and tomato with balsamic drizzle. The entrées were a New York strip steak with garlic olive oil, potato-crusted breast of chicken, or tilapia stuffed with artichoke and spinach. Our guests were raving about the food.

Our dance floor was crowded and people did not stop dancing all night thanks to our fantastic DJs. It was such an enchanting and fun night we did not want it to end.  

From the bottom of our hearts, Ryan and I would like to thank everyone for attending our wedding, sending warm wishes, and showing so much love and support. Special thank you to our parents for all their help and happiness for us, and to our beautiful/handsome bridal party. We were so honored to have you by our sides. Thanks so much to all our vendors, especially Margaret and the amazing staff at the Grand Oaks Country Club for setting up exactly how I envisioned it and taking care of everything. You all helped to make our wedding day the happiest day of our lives!

Grand Oaks Country Club
200 Huguenot Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10312
718.356.2771, www.grandoaksnyc.com/weddings