Their Story
Kelly Anne and Vittorio were just two “adults”—more like kids—figuring out the world on the new dating apps in 2018, she explains. “Swiping right wasn’t the end-all for us either. After connecting through an app, Vittorio and I went on living our ‘single’ life for another year. Trips down the Shore, nights out with friends, enjoying what we now know would be the end of our ‘single’ life.”
After a year of being friends and staying in contact, all it took was a lunch with Vittorio’s nanny to seal the deal. On January 25, 2019, Vittorio asked Kelly Anne to meet up for a drink at the infamous Plank Road Inn in Secaucus. “Rolling my eyes as what type of place is this to please a girl, little did I know the rest would be history,” Kelly Anne says. “Vittorio and I spent every weekend together since that night, learning and growing through Sunday dinners, our families, trips down the Shore, Italy vacations, Caribbean vacations, nights out, two back surgeries and even a pandemic. I would be lying if I said I thought this wouldn’t be in the cards for us. I knew that winter night, this would be a forever thing, and we are so ready to start our journey as husband and wife!”
Will You Marry Me?
For their engagement, Kelly Anne and Vittorio had plans to go out to dinner at their favorite restaurant, Me & Tommy’s in Belleville, NJ. “I was expecting a quick, simple dinner since we were getting ready to leave for Turks and Caicos the following week,” Kelly Anne says. “When he picked me up, he mentioned that he needed to stop at the park to drop off work keys to a co-worker—something he does often because he always forgets them in his pocket. I didn’t think anything of it.”
When they arrived at Branchburg Park, Vittorio asked if Kelly Anne wanted to walk with him. As they strolled through, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom on April 27, 2024, making everything feel extra magical. Then, under the last cherry blossom tree, Kelly Anne noticed a dozen red roses on the ground. “As I walked toward them and turned around, I saw my now-husband down on one knee. He said, ‘I know you’ve waited a long time for this.’ It was such a special, emotional moment.”
Afterward, they went to their dinner reservation and were surprised to find both sets of parents and siblings waiting for them for an intimate celebration at their favorite place. “Later that night, when we got back to his parents’ home—where we were staying—we walked into another surprise: Our family and friends gathered to celebrate with us,” Kelly Anne explains. “It was the perfect ending to an already unforgettable engagement night, and the sweetest way to begin such a special chapter in our lives.”
Details of the Day
Kelly Anne and Vittorio’s wedding aesthetic was classic, elegant and timeless with a bold modern twist. The entire bridal party wore black, which beautifully contrasted with their all-white floral palette.
“Every floral element—from my long-stem white-rose bouquet to the matching bouquets carried by my bridesmaids—was kept clean, chic and sophisticated with touches of greenery throughout the décor,” Kelly Anne explains. “Our moms and my husband’s grandmother each carried a delicate three-stem white rose bouquet, and all the men wore classic white rose boutonnieres to tie the look together.”
Their cake was a stunning four-tier design from A Little Cake, complete with a custom black acrylic “K&V” charm that matched their aesthetic perfectly. Each tier had a different flavor: vanilla with cannoli cream, funfetti with Oreo filling and vanilla with Bavarian cream and fresh strawberries.
The Rockleigh’s Trio Dessert—chocolate lava cake, a chocolate milkshake and chocolate mousse—was another crowd favorite. “To keep the energy high and the dance floor full, we brought in The Cannoli Guy so guests could enjoy dessert without ever stopping the party,” Kelly Anne says.
They kept the entrances fun: The bridesmaids, maid of honor and best man came out to “Party Till We Die.” Both sets of parents entered together to “Sweet Child of Mine.” “It all came together to create a stunning atmosphere with sentimental touches, incredible energy and a dance floor that never slowed down,” Kelly Anne explains.
“One of our favorite moments of the entire day was the quiet time right after the ceremony—just the two of us, soaking everything in while enjoying our cocktail hour,” she adds. “It felt so special to step away together and really absorb the excitement of finally being married.”
Their cocktail-hour standout was the Tomahawk steak station, which guests could not stop talking about. They also offered signature drinks—Espresso Martinis and Johnnie Walker Black neat—which added a personal touch.
Another favorite detail was the outdoor cigar and cordials bar. “My father-in-law had saved a special bottle since the day my husband was born, and it was displayed alongside Johnnie Walker Blue and a full selection of cigars,” Kelly Anne explains. “Guests loved gathering in the Rockleigh’s beautiful heated gardens, enjoying a cigar with the breathtaking fountain as their backdrop. It created the perfect blend of elegance, sentiment and celebration.”
First Dance
Their first dance was to a beautiful mash-up of “From This Moment” and “You’re Still the One” by Caleb and Kelsey—romantic, emotional and perfect for them.
Why Did You Choose the Rockleigh?
Kelly Anne and Vittorio chose The Rockleigh as their wedding venue because it truly felt like stepping into a modern-day fairytale. “The grand chandelier gives the space that princess-like sparkle I always dreamed of, while the white, natural, sun-filled design keeps everything feeling fresh, airy and timeless,” Kelly Anne explains. “Every elegant detail feels intentional, creating a beautiful balance between luxury and simplicity.
“The grounds are just as stunning—beautifully maintained, peaceful and perfect for photos,” she adds. “From the greenery to the charming outdoor spaces, everything adds to that magical, romantic atmosphere. And beyond the look of the space, the venue is known for its incredible food and outstanding service—everyone raves about it. It just felt like the perfect place to celebrate a day that’s meant to feel magical from start to finish.”
Favorite Moment
“There were so many favorite moments,” Kelly Anne says. “Getting ready in the dreamy bridal suite at the Rockleigh with my girls is a core memory I’ll always hold onto.”
Another highlight was when they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. “The emotions and nerves definitely crept up, so I’d say the First Look was probably the moment that stands out most—seeing my husband instantly melted all the anxiety away.
“It’s truly impossible to choose just one favorite, because I wish I could relive the entire 24 hours all over again. I’m just forever grateful for the day I had,” Kelly Anne explains. “But I do have to note the moment of my father and I walking down that aisle was such an emotional memory. It was a dream of mine to have that moment and be able to share it with my dad, and I couldn’t not mention that favorite moment of mine that I will cherish forever.”
Favorite Detail
“All of my vendors made my day truly magical, but I have to give a special shoutout to Brandon with Posh,” Kelly Anne says. “The deejay really has the power to make or break a night, and my family, friends and I are total dancers—so the energy mattered. I wanted an upbeat vibe that kept all ages on the dance floor, plus a fun ‘Jersey Shore’ moment with everyone tossing napkins. Brandon absolutely killed it. He read the crowd perfectly, kept the momentum going and made the night unforgettable.”
Advice for Others
Some of Kelly Anne’s main takeaways from her bride era included taking moments to slow down. “I know it’s cliché, but it truly goes by so fast, and despite the highs and the headaches (because they will happen), it is such a geniunely happy time in life, so let it be happy! Life happens around you, but you don’t get this time back, so be intentional with it.”
Another tip is to choose vendors you trust. ”I was super picky about my vendors because I knew what I wanted and I was very intentional on being present,” Kelly Anne explains. “I trusted them completely, which allowed me to let go of some of the ‘control’ and anxiety that can fill this time.”
And then her last bit of advice is to make it yours! “Everyone will have an opinion,” she says. “This event is about you and your partner, so own it. Invite who makes you happy, have it where you feel you want. Do things for you!”
Honeymoon
For their honeymoon, Kelly Anne and Vittorio were gifted a seven-night stay at TRS Yucatan with the Grand Palladium at Rivera Maya. “As part of the travel club, we were treated like royalty,” she says. “We stayed in a Jacuzzi Terrace Suite. The grounds, foods and service were amazing. It is truly a romantic getaway and I wish we had more time there!”
The Team
Venue | The Rockleigh, Rockleigh, NJ
Photography | Joe Steel and Samantha from Anthony Ziccardi Studios, Andover, NJ
Deejay | Brandon Villani from POSH DJs, Cranford, NJ
Flowers | Lodi Flowers, Lodi, NJ
Videography | Artline Studio, Jersey City, NJ
Hair | Danielle Miele
Makeup | Kandice Russo
Save-the-Dates | Minted
Bride’s Gown | Martina Liana from Seng Couture, North Plainfield, NJ
Shoes | Christian Louboutin
Bridesmaid Dresses | The Dessy Group
Groomsmen Attire | Dante Zellar
Rings | Richard Seylaz Jewelers, Secaucus
Cake | A Little Cake, Park Ridge
Invitations | White Lace Design
Cannoli Guy| Carrello di Cannoli, Fairfield, NJ
Officiant | Ben Hickey
Hotel | Park Ridge Mariott, Park Ridge
Favors | Homemade Limoncello from the Bride and Groom
Bridal Shower | Ember & Eagle at Tillinghouse, Eatontown, NJ
Honeymoon | TRS Yucatan, Rivera Maya
FAQS About Wedding at The Rockleigh
One of the standout features of The Rockleigh is its flexibility. The venue offers multiple ballrooms, including the Grand Pavilion, which can accommodate very large weddings up to 850, as well as The Bristol Room, a more intimate space for smaller celebrations, from 125 to 275. The Rockleigh is an ideal choice for both grand, high-energy weddings and more refined guest counts.
Yes—and this is one of the reasons couples love it. The Rockleigh offers beautifully landscaped outdoor ceremony spaces with European-style gardens, fountains and manicured grounds, along with elegant indoor options for a seamless weather backup. Everything can take place on-site, which makes the day feel effortless for both you and your guests.
From the moment you arrive, The Rockleigh delivers that “wow” factor. Think grand staircases, crystal chandeliers, lush gardens and an overall sense of timeless elegance. It’s also known for its exceptional service and ability to host a wide range of cultural weddings, making it a go-to for couples looking for both luxury and versatility.
Absolutely. The Rockleigh is especially well-known for accommodating large-scale and multi-day celebrations, including South Asian, Jewish and other cultural weddings. The team is experienced in handling specific traditions, timelines and catering needs, which makes planning feel much more seamless.
About Wedding File
Wedding File is a modern wedding planning resource for couples getting married in New Jersey and beyond, founded by longtime wedding editor Molly Gregor. After 20 years as Editor of New Jersey Bride, Molly created Wedding File to give couples real advice, honest vendor recommendations and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else.
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