An apple a day may keep a doctor away—or it could lead to an engagement. Such is the case with Christina Bonitatibus and Matthew Vezza, Westchester natives who met and started dating at Loyola University in Maryland. One fall afternoon, after a day of apple picking at Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights, Matthew proposed.
“Afterwards, we drove to my parents’ house, where both of our families were waiting for us to celebrate,” Christina says. “Later that night my entire extended family came over as a surprise and it was a really wonderful time.”
 |
 |
 |
|
The invitation with ribbon detail came courtesy of Always Impressive in Mamaroneck; Christina chose a lush bouquet, made by Arcadia Floral, also in Mamaroneck, with a traditional palette of ivory and pale pink flowers. - Advertisement -
|
The couple, who today lives in Eastchester, wanted a traditional, classic June wedding. They had no problems deciding on the C.V. Rich Mansion in White Plains as a venue. “It was important that the day feel like us—we wanted it to feel like it was just a gathering at our house,” the bride says. “The C.V. Rich Mansion was able to provide us with exactly that kind of feel.”
As a color palette, the couple chose timeless cream, ivory, and pastel flowers, along with navy blue for the bridesmaids’ dresses. “I think the color looks good on everyone, and I wanted my bridesmaids to feel good in the color they were wearing,” Christina says. “I also really liked the classic feel of the color with the cream/ivory/pale colored flowers.”
 |
|
Bridesmaids wore long navy gowns by Bill Levkoff. |
 |
 |
 |
|
Tables alternated tall and short centerpieces, with other flower arrangements gracing the escort-card table; During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed signature drinks—through straws bearing the wedding motto of “Haircuts and Cold Cuts”—outside in the mansion’s gardens; A cake by Lulu Cake Boutique in Scarsdale came elegantly decorated in the same ivory/pale pink colors as the bouquets and centerpieces. |
The wedding had a motto that’s unlikely to be found at any other wedding: Haircuts and Cold Cuts. It’s a nod to two family trades. “Matt’s family is in the haircut business—they own Astor Place Hairstylists in Manhattan,” Christina explains. “And my family is in the cold cuts business—we own Fradeli’s in Yonkers.” The motto was emblazoned on drink-straw banners (that went with the signature cocktails of Arnold Palmers with vodka), and also on a custom-made cornhole set that guests used during the cocktail hour.
 |
 |
|
The signature cocktail of the wedding was the Arnold Palmer—Grey Goose, iced tea, and lemonade; floral arrangements featured the wedding’s color palette. |
Guests also spent the night dancing to the Ernest Mills Band of Hank Lane Productions. “A band was one of the things we really wanted to have as a couple,” she says. “It was important for us to have everyone dancing all night.” And, after everyone was tuckered out, they left with a sweet treat (and one last dose of the couple’s sense of humor). The favors were mini crumb cakes in the shape of a heart, baked by the groom’s mother, that came with a tag that read: “Hope you didn’t have a crumby time.”
RESOURCES
Photographer
Lindsay Madden
New York, NY
(845) 323-3090
Reception Venue
C.V. Rich Mansion
White Plains
(914) 948-0958
Flowers
Arcadia Florist
Mamaroneck
(203) 629-6090
Music
Ernest Mills Band
Hank Lane Productions
New York, NY
(212) 767-0600
Invitations
Always Impressive
Mamaroneck
(914) 698-4088
Cake
Lulu Cake Boutique
Scarsdale
(914) 722-8300
Videography
15 Minutes of Frame
New York, NY
(212) 327-1577
Bridal Attire
Alvina Valenta dress purchased at
Wedding Atelier
New York, NY
(646) 638-3263
Bridal Accessories
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Earrings: BHLDN
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Bill Levkoff purchased at
Macy’s
Multiple Locations
(800) 289-6229
Groom’s Attire
Brooks Brothers
Multiple Locations
(800) 274-1815
Groomsmen’s Attire
Men’s Wearhouse
Multiple Locations
(877) 986-9669
