Their Elopement: Canopy by Hilton, Jersey City, NJ

Marissa and Paul knew they wanted a wedding day that was entirely their own and truly felt like them. Marissa told me from the start: “What we want to remember is that we just fully enjoyed it being our day. You know? All our friends who did big elaborate dream weddings always tell us how they got so wrapped up in it they didn’t get to fully enjoy and immerse themselves in the day. We knew we wanted this to just be about *us* – not the hubbub of the schedule, the politics of the plans and attendees, or trying to greet dozens of people through the night. We just want to look back and say our wedding day was just us, enjoying this next step we’re taking together.”

They truly did just that. Their celestial-inspired details had us all in awe! I loved all of Marissa’s badges and pins – especially the ones from her sorority! Her sorority means the world to her, and it’s amazing to see how loyal and dedicated she is to her sisters. Paul wore his grandfather’s cufflinks and rocked an awesome pocket watch that had so much character! Incorporating super unique details always makes the day that much more personal!

Marissa and Paul said I do surrounded by their nearest loved ones in front of a gorgeous live greenery wall at Canopy Hotel! This intimate rooftop ceremony was full of tears and laughter and they celebrated with an adorable cake for two and individual cupcakes for all! It was super important to M & P to spend time together getting portraits in the park until sundown. I loved that they prioritized everything that mattered to them and even ended the evening with dinner for 2, Polaroid selfies, and falling asleep before midnight. These two did the dang thing and they kept it true to them through and through. 🥰

Their Love Story:

Marissa and Paul’s love story is a wild ride and so adorable. Marissa said her and Paul met on November 14th, 2015 at her sorority little’s engagement party. Her little had been hoping to set her older brother up with Marissa, but his best friend happened to be at the party and they decided Marissa should meet the friend instead. She said, “After a very awkward intro and enough drinks, I decided to go back up to him and chat – about a month and a half later we were dating, and the rest is history!”

Paul popped the question on Marissa’s birthday in July! They planned to go out for the day so Paul could have his sister sneak into the apartment to decorate with prosecco, balloons, and a cute little banner. His sister thought they had left earlier in the day, so she tried to sneak in while they were still in the apartment! Paul panicked and basically tried to blockade the front door, and Marissa thought they were dealing with a break-in! It led to major panic, but luckily she brought a birthday balloon and cake so he was able to come up with a quick excuse that she was coming to drop them off for her birthday. He proposed at the end of the day when they got back home! Once he asked, she immediately asked him to tell her EVERY detail of the plan and go through the play by play of how crazy that ‘break-in’ was!

Marissa and Paul,

You two are such an amazing duo and I loved getting to know you two from your pizza-filled engagement session in Asbury Park to planning all the fun details for your big day! I’m so grateful to have been a part of such an intimate day, and I truly admire how thoughtful every little detail was! Wishing you two endless happiness and an incredible marriage! <3 Congratulations, love birds!

Inspired by this celestial elopement? Check out the vendors who made it all happen and snag the looks here:

Vendors

Photography Assistance | Alaina Elizabeth Photo
Venue | Canopy Hotel
Makeup Artist | Makeup By Monize
Florist | Bloomie Flower Studio
Dress Designer | BHLDN
Bride’s Shoes | Sam Edelman
Earrings | BHLDN
Hair Piece | Cayla Couture
Engagement Ring | Abramson’s Jewelers Inc
Bride’s Wedding Band | Shane Co
Groom’s Wedding Band | Manly Bands
Groom Attire | Indochino
Cake | Nury’s Cakes
Officiant | Keith Rennar Brennan

Celestial Fall Intimate Elopement, Jersey City, NJ | Marissa & Paul

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