Jaclyn & Mark
By Sandra Mardenfeld
Photography By Glenmar Studio
Jaclyn and Mark knew each other casually prior to their formal introduction at a friend’s Long Island fundraising event. They first met at the same 7:30 am class at Pure Power Boot Camp in Jericho - The two early risers also shared an interest in entrepreneurship: Jaclyn owns The Bath Design Studio in Mineola and Mark is the owner of ESSA Salon & Spa in East Norwich.
When it came time for Mark to pop the question – Mark arranged the perfect night. Mark proposed after dinner at The River Café in DUMBO, Brooklyn. In retrospect, Jaclyn admits she should have known something was happening when he picked her up early. After the meal, Mark suggested they take advantage of the beautiful evening and take a walk. As they looked at Manhattan’s skyline, “Mark started to tell me how much I meant to him and that I was the only woman to show him true love,” said Jaclyn. He then got down on his knee and asked her to marry him.
The two celebrated their engagement with a party on August 29, 2010, with 150 friends and family at The Chateau Caterers. “The vibe was laid back with an all-white décor with light, lavender flowers,” said Jaclyn. “It truly was an amazing evening.”
Their wedding ceremony on June 11th incorporated elements from both of their religions, Catholic and Jewish. Held in The Mansion at Woodside Acres’ ballroom, the bride and groom stood under a chuppah full of flowers while both Rabbi Melvin May and Reverend Vincent Sica read prayers and blessings, and a Ketubah was signed, before Mark participated in the traditional shattering of the glass. The bride and groom also wrote their own vows for the occasion. The ballroom offered a romantic feel with its soft-colored blush flowers and the dim light coming from a beautiful chandelier hanging in the center of the room.
The bride wore a one-of-a-kind ball gown designed by Vera Wang with a corset covered in pear-shaped crystals and a bodice detailed with such small beads and crystals it resembled a fishnet design. The cathedral-length veil, secured by a diamond headpiece, complemented the eight-carat teardrop earrings and Cartier diamond Love bracelet donned by the bride. Jimmy Choo limited edition jeweled peep-toe shoes completed the look. Jaclyn’s hair and makeup came compliments of her new husband—from his ESSA Salon & Spa!
The bridesmaids, also clad in Vera Wang, had mermaid-fitted black gowns. The groom sported a tuxedo from Hugo Boss, with a custom shirt and silk tie.
For the reception, also held in the ballroom, the neutral color theme featured soft pinks, blushes, whites, and off-whites—resembling an English rose garden. Pedestals, who also created Victorian like blush-colored rose bouquets for the ceremony, designed centerpieces featuring tall vases filled with overflowing blooms. The menu consisted of beefsteak tomato and Buffalo mozzarella salad with a balsamic glaze, a choice of either aged Chateaubriand beef with burgundy peppercorn sauce, pan-roasted mahi mahi over a bed of Jasmine rice, or chicken and spinach in a puff pastry, topped with a marsala reduction.
A five-tier wedding cake finished off the meal, designed by Dortoni Bakery. Each layer mimicked the bride’s gown: the bottom dripped with pearls and drapery, mocking a vintage effect; the second and third layer contained a lacework of diamonds and beads, imitating the dress’ pattern; the fourth and fifth tier looked like the bodice. Flowers placed at the cake’s top and middle complemented the floral arrangements at each table. Inside the confectionary was dulce de leche and dobash filling. Guests danced the night away to a 13-piece band, NYC Swing, and in lieu of traditional favors the American Cancer Society received a donation. “Great memories were made that night,” said Jaclyn.
The newlyweds honeymooned for two weeks at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts in Anguilla and St. Barths’ Eden Rock. “The whole honeymoon was a highlight,” said Jaclyn. “We stayed in a gorgeous villa and the service was second to none. Anguilla is a great destination for any couple. St. Barths was also amazing—great shopping!”
Both Jaclyn and Mark suggest that brides and grooms rely on family and friends while planning their nuptials—and, of course, a wedding planner always makes it easier. “This was, by far, the most important day of my life and you want it to be perfect,” said Mark. “I was a little anxious and stressed that day and I think allowing others to take care of those items would have made my day a little less stressed.” So, remember, when organizing your special day be sure to lean on your best man/maid or others for help!
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