PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ROMEO CREATIONS

BY DAMIAN BERGAMASCHI

VENUE: THE VENETIAN, GARFIELD, NJ

We met at an after work get together in Manhattan. A friend from college was having a going away party, and Eleni [Ekonomakos], as it turned out, worked with another college friend and was there. I got stuck at work late, so ran 10 blocks to make it.

When I walked through the front door, it was almost as if the seas parted around her. I tried to play it cool, but a friend of hers said, “That’s not how you say ‘Hi,’” so I stopped, re introduced myself by kissing her hand, and prayed that I didn’t get slapped for kissing a stranger.

We spoke for hours that night. There was a connection that neither of us had felt before. The next day, I remember thinking, “She’s the one,” and so didn’t waste any time asking her to go out again.

We met one more time after work before going on our official first date. I was simply awestruck, and said, “You really are so beautiful…I mean really beautiful.”

Fast forward one year. After designing her engagement ring, I proposed to my future wife in front of the Woolworth Building (where we had our first kiss), and had her uncle, a photographer, capture the entire moment while in disguise. I then suggested we go to 230 5th Rooftop Bar to celebrate. When we got there, Eleni was surprised by about 40 of our family members and closest friends to toast our new engagement at the top of the world.

Our wedding day was a complete blast! One of the most memorable moments, actually, was on the night before, as Eleni and I were in the cocktail room of The Venetian until 2 a.m. assembling and adding the final touches to a seven foot wedding cake which she’d custom designed and made. It was an intense but exhilarating moment, and when we were done, we were elated with what we’d accomplished. It made for an amazing story on the magic day.

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Romeo Creations
michaelromeocreations.com

VIDEOGRAPHER
Blue Moon Video
Productionsbluemoonvideoproductions.com

LIMOS
Santos VIP Limousine
santoslimousine.com

FLORIST
Eva Madeleinatofny.com

CHURCH
Saints Constantine and Helen
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
stconstantinecathedral.org

VENUE
The Venetian
venetiannj.com

GROOM’S/GROOMSMEN’S TUXEDOS
Jack Silver Formal Wear, Inc.
jacksilverformalwear.com

BRIDE’S HAIR
Senada Ceka
Follow on Instagram @senadakxo

BRIDE’S MAKEUP
House of Trends
thehouseoftrends.com
(Makeup artist was Michelle)

WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER
Pnina Tornai
(Purchased at Kleinfeld)
kleinfeldbridal.com,pninatornai.com

FLOWER GIRL DRESS
Christie Helene
christiehelene.net

WEDDING CAKE
Designed and made by the bride.
customcakegirl.com/portfolio-items/my-wedding-cake

MUSIC/ ENTERTAINMENT
Ultimate Sound DJs
ultimatesounddjs.com