When Benjamin Thurman found himself unemployed, he decided to take a road trip for a few months to get away from it all. After putting 13,000 miles on his car in two months, Ben returned to New Jersey and unexpectedly came to a crossroads -- once he set eyes on Ilona Bondar, there was no turning back.
THE BRIDE Ilona Bondar, 29, senior Java developer
THE GROOM Benjamin Thurman, 30, project manager
THE DATE December 31
THE SCENE After a meaningful photo shoot in New York's Liberty State Park, the couple headed to The Crystal Plaza in Livingston for a ceremony in the chapel room and a sparkling reception in the mansion ballroom, teeming with holiday cheer.
WINDOW SHOPPING During lunch with some former coworkers, Ben "couldn't stop looking" at new employee Ilona. "She was mysterious, quiet, and wonderful," he says. After the meal, an intrigued Ben asked a friend about her. Apparently, Ilona did the same.
A SPIN ON TRADITION Just four months after a romantic August proposal on a walk by the water in Hoboken, the pair returned to the Hudson River dressed in their wedding best. Twisting tradition, Ilona and Ben took almost all their pictures before the ceremony, traveling to Liberty State Park to capture the quintessential New York skyline. Ilona arrived at the site in a white antique Rolls-Royce, where Ben anxiously caught a first glimpse of his bride as he chivalrously opened the door. "Photography was the most important thing for me, since after all is said and done all we'd have left after the wedding would be our pictures and our memories," Ilona said.
HONORING FAMILY For the interfaith ceremony at The Crystal Plaza, Ilona walked down the chapel room aisle -- lined with tall brass stanchions treated with floral garlands and candlelight -- in a strapless white satin ball gown with box-pleated skirt. Under her gown, Ilona pinned her father's wedding band and a ring he had given her mother on their wedding day, which had belonged to Ilona's grandmother. Family heirlooms embellished the groom's formalwear too: Ben wore his father's cuff links from the Naval Academy. Also honoring their families, the couple's programs doubled as favors: Each paperboard case contained a CD with meaningful songs and paid homage to Ben's father and other family members who have passed away.
CREATING THE LOOK Ilona captured the wintry elegance of the affair with a breathtaking bouquet of three dozen Black Magic roses, wrapping the stems with a gold chain and amber pendant that her father had also given her mother on their wedding day. Roses, the classic wedding bloom, helped create a romantic look for the five bridesmaids, clad in floor-length wine-color gowns and carrying bouquets of Black Beauty roses, red spray roses, dark purple lisianthuses, and dark purple stock.
BALCONY TOAST Following the ceremony, the 125 guests wandered into the mansion ballroom that featured sparkling chandeliers, a Juliet balcony, and hardwood floors. They were greeted with the sultry color palette in the form of low silver bowls filled with deep red and dark purple blooms. Christmas trees, twinkle lights, and large poinsettia plants -- already on hand -- enhanced the festive mood. A few minutes before midnight, Ben and Ilona sauntered up to the balcony for the traditional New Year's countdown and toasted everyone from above -- a perfect way to welcome in their new life and the New Year.
-- Kathleen Murray
Photography © Rebecca Erickson
For the ingredients that make up this wedding, see the right-hand column of this page.
-- Kathleen Murray
See More: Real Weddings: Winter
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