Congratulations!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending a one-of-a-kind, amazing Italian family wedding overlooking the ocean at Gurney’s Inn. In fact, it was a Monte family wedding. Joselle Lombardi, daughter of Candice Monte (Fitness Director of Gurney’s Inn) and stepdaughter of Angelo “Chip” Monte, Jr. (Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director of Gurney’s Inn) married Mr. Angelo Santamaria of Syosset. When you choose to celebrate your wedding at Gurney’s, you have a choice of either a beach ceremony or indoor/outdoor deck ceremony. This particular wedding was the most romantic beach ceremony. White chairs were set up right on the sand, complete with a white aisle runner with flowers and seashells, a lovely white tulle ceremonial arch with a majestic oceanfront setting and of course a microphone and speaker to overpower the roar of the ocean. An official of the Roman Catholic Church performed the ceremony. When Joselle, dressed in a breathtaking off-white Reem Acra wedding gown with a fingertip veil, walked down the aisle guided by her mother and her step-dad, not an eye stayed dry. There were eight bridesmaids in lovely purple gowns and three flower girls in white dresses.

Joselle Lombardi-Santamaria and Step-Dad Chip Monte

The cocktail hour was held outside on the Sun and Lido Decks under a huge tent overlooking the magnificent ocean and was presented with white glove butler service, passing silver trays. The cocktail reception was complete with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres including fried fantail shrimp, assorted quiche, an international cheese display, elaborate array of fresh fruits, a carving station, an Antipasto station and Gurney’s famous raw bar. The guests enjoyed all these delights while a live band played making us feel as if we were in the Caribbean. I have never been to a wedding that had such an elaborate display of food choices at the cocktail reception. This just goes to show you the hospitality that Gurney’s and the Monte family is known for, always making sure that all are well taken care of and well fed.

The flower girls

While pictures were being taken on the beach of the gorgeous fairy-tale bride and the handsome groom, the guests were led inside to the Sea Grille restaurant that was closed to the public for the evening. The ocean view dining room was transformed into a dream of white linen and fine white fabrics drifting in a light summer evening breeze. The tables were laden with freshly cut flowers of vibrant colors from Gurney’s own garden. I felt like I was in heaven!

Angelo Monte Sr. And Daughter Annmarie Pallan

One thing I noticed and I hadn’t seen at any wedding before, was a nicely dressed table at the dining room entrance that had all sorts of candies and treats next to bags that had Joselle and Angelo’s names on them with a sign reading “Try some of our favorite treats.” I thought that was really an original wedding idea and I love when things are different.

Angelo Monte Sr., Taylor Montemarano and Dad Paul Monte

The dining room was packed as all 200 guests took their seats as the bridal party lined up to make their entrance onto the dance floor. The DJ announced each person by name as they entered the room and everyone cheered. Of course the bride and groom made the final entrance and then they did their first dance as husband and wife. They danced to The Ramones’ “Baby, I Love You,” a song they had picked out themselves.

The Best Man was called on the dance floor to present his toast to the bride and groom. As he congratulated them, he mentioned how awesome this wedding location was and shared with everyone that as he was sitting outside earlier looking at the waves, he thought how funny it was that the groom couldn’t surf today and everyone laughed. I laughed myself and thought it wouldn’t be a proper Montauk wedding toast without the mentioning of waves and surfing.

Now everyone was seated and ready for the first of many courses to be served. This was not a typical wedding menu – this was Sunday Gravy! This Italian specialty dinner ‘Sunday Gravy’ was served family style where everyone sat at large tables and helped themselves from big bowls and large platters. The food was so good; it seemed that no one could get enough of this delicious display of huge platters of meatballs, sausage, spare ribs and Chicken Rollatini that Joselle’s dad Chip had prepared in advance for his girl. It was an unforgettable, elaborate feast and the service was fantastic! Last but not least, there was a delicate 4-tier wedding cake held in yellow and white where the Executive Patissier William Bertha definitely outdid himself. There were assortments of petit fours and chocolate covered strawberries and anything a chocolate lover’s heart could possibly desire.

The happily married couple spent their first night as husband and wife at Gurney’s while the party continued into the wee hours until a glorious sun rose quietly over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Sea Water Spa offers a deluxe wedding package for the bride and the groom and the bridal party can also indulge a pampering package before the big day.

The most important thing to note is that only one wedding at a time is hosted at Gurney’s, which simply means that you will get the undivided attention you deserve and this will be a day to remember forever. You can log onto gurneysweddings.com for more information or call to speak with a wedding professional at 631-668-1717.