A Love Story Written in Candlelight: Samantha & Ali's Staten Island Wedding at Angelina's Ristorante

Love Story

Samantha and Ali's romance started at the end of 2020, orchestrated by Samantha's sister Vanessa and her now-husband Marco. "Marco and Ali have been friends for many years and shortly after Vanessa and Marco started dating they set up me and Ali," Samantha shares. The setup worked better than anyone could have imagined, and what started as a blind double date turned into something real and lasting.

The proposal story still makes Samantha laugh. "The proposal was not expected because the day Ali picked up my ring I heard the beep beep beeping sound as he was putting it away in the safe," she recalls. "Me being uncontrollably nosy, had to know what he was putting away...I definitely never expected it to be my ring." This perfectly imperfect moment became the start of their engagement story – proof that the most romantic moments often catch us completely off guard.

About Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in just three months might sound daunting to most couples, but Samantha and Ali proved that when you know what you want, magic can happen quickly. Their September 11, 2024 celebration brought together 200 of their closest family and friends at the beloved Angelina's Ristorante on Staten Island.

"Family and friends being together celebrating and making memories" was their simple yet profound vision for their dream wedding. With Samantha working at her family's kitchen cabinet and countertop company, BKM Designs, and Ali serving as an FDNY fireman while running his own construction company, these two hardworking souls knew exactly what mattered most – the people they love gathered in one place.

Their wedding style could be described in two perfect words: "Moody and Romantic." This aesthetic choice would weave through every detail of their special day, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and breathtaking.

Morning Details

The morning details of Samantha and Ali's wedding were infused with love, tradition, and heartfelt tributes to family. We were touched by the thoughtful "something borrowed, something new" elements that made this day even more special.

"My sisters and brother bought me a diamond bracelet for my 'something new', I borrowed another bracelet from my mom as my 'something borrowed,'" Samantha explains. But perhaps the most meaningful detail was reserved for Ali: "my parents ordered Ali a diamond pin with photos of his late parents in order to honor and remember them on the wedding day."

Bride Getting Ready

Samantha's bridal preparation took place at her parents' house, surrounded by her mom and sisters. Getting ready in the place where you grew up, surrounded by the women who shaped you, creates something beautifully intimate.

Her wedding dress journey was refreshingly straightforward. "My wedding dress is Kim Kansas from Bridal Reflections NYC. I picked out my dress on my first day of shopping," she shares. When you know, you know – and Samantha's instincts were spot on.

The bridal look was completed with orchids from Eltingville Florist, creating a bouquet that perfectly complemented the moody romantic aesthetic they had envisioned. Her bridesmaids – her sisters – coordinated their own dresses from longtime family friends Diane and Co. in New Jersey, showing how this wedding was truly a family affair from start to finish.

Groom Getting Ready

Ali's preparation took place at Angelina's Ristorante, surrounded by his brother, nephews, cousins, and friends. His tuxedo came from Sciortino Tailors in Red Bank, New Jersey, ensuring he looked sharp for his big moment.

First Look

The first look took place on Angelina's grounds by the water – a setting that perfectly captured the romantic mood of their entire celebration. When we asked about Ali's first thoughts upon seeing Samantha, his response made our hearts melt: "My beautiful baby."

"I was just so excited to see Ali and start the day together," Samantha recalls about her own feelings during this precious moment. These first look moments are always magical, but there's something especially touching about a couple who can't wait to begin their wedding day journey together.

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Angelina's Ristorante, a venue that holds deep meaning for Samantha's family. "Angelina's has always been my family's go to place for any special event from birthday dinners to communions. I also worked there from 20-25 years old so they have become family to us," she explains.

Samantha walked down the aisle to Bruno Mars' "Marry Me" – a choice that perfectly captured the joy and celebration of the moment. Ali's cousin Joe served as ring bearer, keeping their precious bands safe during the ceremony.

But perhaps the most touching moment came when "we lit candles in memory of Ali's parents - that was a special moment for us to be able to honor them." This beautiful tribute added depth and meaning to their ceremony, ensuring Ali's parents were present in spirit on this most important day.

Photoshoot After The Ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

Angelina's Ristorante provided the perfect setting for Samantha and Ali's moody romantic vision. Their color palette was sophisticated and dramatic: "We did black and white decor with gold and silver accents and a big emphasis on candles." Candlelight has this incredible ability to transform any space into something magical and intimate, and we can only imagine how stunning 200 guests looked bathed in that warm, flickering glow.

Reception

The reception was filled with personal touches and memorable moments that perfectly reflected the couple's personalities. Their first dance was to "The One" by Kodaline – a song choice that speaks to finding your perfect person in this big, wide world.

One of the most talked-about elements of their reception was their "caviar bump" station. "We had a 'caviar bump' station that was a big hit. Caviar bumps with a vodka shot chaser," Samantha shares with obvious delight. This unique addition shows how couples can elevate their reception with unexpected, luxurious touches that guests will remember long after the last dance. The wedding cake came from Sweet Sweet Sues on Staten Island, adding another local touch to their celebration.

“Everyone made the day so special,” the couple concludes.