After meeting online in 2016, a simple pizza date was all it took for sparks to fly between Matthew and Anthony. What followed was a love story filled with laughter, adventure, and deep connection. On October 4, 2024, Matthew and Anthony said “I do” at The Bradford Estate in Hainesport, New Jersey. Surrounded by family and friends, their wedding day was a heartfelt celebration filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories.
Getting Ready in Style
Matthew and Anthony arrived at the venue in the early afternoon to take advantage of the spacious getting-ready suites. Rather than doing a traditional first look, the couple decided to get ready together, an intimate decision that reflected the deep connection they share. The photos from these moments beautifully capture a sense of calm, care, and quiet joy.
Saying “I Do”
With their ceremony taking place in the garden at dusk in early October, Matthew and Anthony added a cozy touch by offering hot cider as their ceremony beverage. The couple chose to have an unplugged ceremony, which prompts guests to silence and put their cellphones away. It is a great way to keep everyone present and in the moment. After all, that’s why you hire a photographer, so you can focus on the moment, not your camera roll.
Matthew was the first to walk down the aisle, accompanied by both his mother and father. Once he reached the front, he turned to watch as Anthony made his entrance, also escorted by both of his parents. Their processions were a heartfelt moment that added to the magic of the day. The ceremony felt even more meaningful with Matthew’s brother-in-law, Greg, officiating, bringing a warm, personal touch to the celebration.
Party Time
After the ceremony, guests flowed into cocktail hour, where they enjoyed a delicious array of appetizers and custom cocktails. Matthew’s signature drink was a refreshing Aperol Spritz, while Anthony opted for a bold Double Orange Old Fashioned. Together, they also selected a shared signature drink: a Cranberry Moscow Mule. In addition to the Grazing Station, Matthew and Anthony selected the Al Forno and Mac & Cheese Stations. Al Forno featured a variety of fresh-baked pizzas—like buffalo chicken, margherita, Hawaiian, white pie with broccoli, pepperoni, veggie, Sicilian, and Stromboli, alongside mini calzones and garlic knots. The Mac & Cheese Station offered creative pasta combinations such as seafood, buffalo chicken, beef stroganoff, and traditional baked, plus mac & cheese bites, with tons of topping choices!
Before the ballroom doors opened to welcome everyone inside, the newlyweds shared a private moment on the dance floor to truly soak in that just-married bliss and capture some stunning photos, just the two of them. Later in the evening, after dancing the night away with all their guests, Matthew and Anthony celebrated with a public cake cutting. As a final treat before guests departed, they were served warm pork roll, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches, along with soft pretzels—a perfect late-night sendoff.
Closing
Matthew and Anthony’s wedding was more than just a celebration, it was a reflection of their journey, their love, and the life they’ve built together.
“Thank you for your amazing hospitality and kindness during the planning of our wedding. Planning a wedding could be very stressful, but the team at The Bradford Estate made it easy and seamless., always with a focus on making our day special. We cannot thank The Bradford Estate enough for everything, and we look forward to coming back for the Bradford Ball in the future!”
– Anthony Pilone & Matthew Melone
Vendors:
Entertainment/DJ: Elite Entertainment
Photographer: United Elite Photography – Tara
Florist: Love in Flower- Lisa
Shuttle Company: All Nite Limo
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery