These New Jersey sweethearts found their dream venue at the last minute, and their big day was everything they could have ever imagined.
Joe and Mackenzie were thrilled to be tying the knot after rescheduling four times.
Mackenzie Waxman and Joe Gualtieri shared their first kiss at ages 15 and 17, respectively, as students at the same New Jersey high school. “Separated by two grades, we always had an interest in each other but didn’t start a serious relationship until we were both home from college in 2014. We have been inseparable ever since!” says Mackenzie. Joe proposed four years later on a fall day at Longwood Gardens—presenting Mackenzie with a stunning emerald-cut diamond in front of their cheering families.
With the bride’s mother, Sharon Phillips Waxman, being an esteemed event planner, they had expert help to navigate planning during the pandemic. “We had plans to go to Renault for a Saturday wine tasting,” says Mackenzie. “After moving our date four times, we needed the wedding [previously scheduled at a Philadelphia venue] to happen, and Renault was able to accommodate us based on N.J. guidelines.” A moody, romantic and whimsical theme with pops of red throughout set the tone for the spring wedding—one of the first larger weddings to occur for many post-COVID. “Being around our loved ones after a really tough year was by far the best part!” says Mackenzie.
Clockwise from top: Mackenzie’s lace gown was from Lovely Bride Philly; a moody, romantic, whimsical theme was executed by BeLovely with black details and pops of red; Joe and his groomsmen in tuxedos from Rudi’s Formal Wear; the couple’s rings; a classic vanilla cake with chocolate chip icing was created by The Bake Works and topped with the words “It was always you.”
Ceremony & Reception Renault Winery, renaultwinery.com
Wedding Planner Sharon Phillips Waxman, SPW Productions
Bride’s Gown Made With Love Bridal, Lovely Bride Philadelphia, lovelybride.com
Bride’s Veil Headpiece: Maria Elena, mariaelenaheadpieces.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Amanda Faia and Alexandra
Keating, Aadore Beauty, aadorebeauty.com; Makeup: Felicia Hines, FacesbyFe, facesbyfefe.com
Groom’s Tux Rudi’s Formal Wear, ruditux.com
Rings Hers: L. Priori, lpriorijewelry.com; His: Sydney Rosen Company, sydneyrosen.com
Florals BeLovely, blvly.com
Catering Renault Winery, renaultwinery.com
Cake The Bake Works, thebakeworks.com
Invitations Darling + Pearl, Lauren Reed, darlingandpearl.com
Linens Renault Winery, renaultwinery.com
Lighting DJ’s Available Sound & Light, djsavailable.com
Entertainment Cocktail Hour: Electric Strings, elegancequartet.com; Reception: DJ’s Available Sound & Light, Joe Moser, djsavailable.com
Videographer Elegance Imagined, eleganceimagined.com
Photographer M2 Photography , m2-photography.net
Favors Forget Me Knot Flowers, forgetmeknotflowers.org
Photography by: M2 Photography
