The moment Grammy and Tony winner John Lloyd Young appeared to surprise the newlyweds and guests at the Four Seasons Orlando, the wedding instantly turned into something unforgettable. Young, known for his role as Frankie Valli in the movie Jersey Boys, sang the couple’s first dance song, “Can’t Take My Eye Off You,” before performing an entire set from Jersey Boys for the crowd. This unexpected guest appearance came courtesy of the groom’s parents and added a genuine Broadway sparkle to the night.
Anthony Chiarenza and Erika Stanish’s wedding on October 19th, 2024, was a blend of personal history and elegant design. The couple first met at Quail Valley Golf Club, where Anthony had returned to Vero Beach after college to pursue professional golf. Their early dates involved miniature golf and popsicles on the putting greens, setting a low-key but meaningful tone for their relationship. That day, exactly four years later, Anthony proposed at that same spot, with friends and family cheering from the balcony.
The ceremony’s visual theme was a striking contrast to the reception. The aisle was lined with white roses and led to a raised circular platform framed by a wall of white roses, formed to resemble a coral head, a nod to Erika’s marine biology degree. White floral arrangements bloomed lushly during the vows, creating a serene atmosphere before guests moved into the reception space, which took on a 1920s old Hollywood speakeasy vibe.
Reception decor was moody and sophisticated. Black velvet drapes cloaked the walls while cream velvet banquettes surrounded circular tables draped with copper marble tablecloths. Overhead, wavy chandeliers in cream and black cast a soft glow, setting an intimate scene for the evening. The couple’s initials, ACES, were woven into the decor on matchbooks and cocktail napkins, tying the speakeasy theme together with a personal touch.
Erika’s wedding gown was an Essense of Australia D4124 from the White Magnolia Bridal Suite in West Palm Beach. She paired the lace dress with bridal heels adorned in small pearl appliques and even swapped into white Betsy Johnson pearl sneakers later in the night for comfort. Evergreen satin twill bridesmaid dresses from the Dessy Group complemented the wedding colors of evergreen, white, black, and gold accents. The bridesmaids wore simple gold jewelry gifted by the bride, along with Kendra Scott gold Mickey Mouse pendant necklaces for a playful touch.
Anthony and his groomsmen wore custom-made tuxedos with their names and the wedding date engraved inside the pocket, a detail that added a personal yet classic edge to their formalwear.
Culinary offerings included a twelve-tier wedding cake that mixed white and black fondant accented with a pearl waterfall down one side. Cocktail hour featured a raw bar and a homemade pasta station, alongside a signature smoked bacon old fashioned that quickly became a talking point among guests.
Live music was a hybrid of DJ and band, courtesy of RockWithU, who kept the dance floor lively. The dance floor itself was a checkerboard pattern, amplifying the vintage feel. Ceremony music was provided by a four-string quartet playing “Edelweiss” as Erika walked down the aisle. Family members, her sister and father, and the groom’s brother and father, offered readings and speeches, adding intimate moments amid the glamour.
Other unique touches included a customized cigar bar for the men and the couple’s thoughtful nod to their shared journey through the details of their celebration. Their story of traveling together, from Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic to Payne’s Valley, Big Sky, Sunset Island, and Napa Valley, was woven into the day’s atmosphere, even if subtly.
Erika’s background as a teacher of elementary math and science and Anthony’s golf career intersected with their family life, which includes three dogs with festive names: Looper, Blitzen, and Rudolph. This blend of personal and professional life, combined with their shared love for Disney trips and adventure, shaped the tone of their wedding.
The planning and execution were handled by Rae Nicole Events, with Kristen Weaver Photography capturing every moment. Floral design came from The Floral Way, invitations from Andi Mejia, and beauty services by Bronze and Glow Beauty. Content creation was managed by Unplugged Bride.
This wedding was more than a party. It was a series of meaningful choices, from the coral-inspired floral backdrop to the surprise Broadway performance, that reflected the couple’s story and tastes. Anthony and Erika’s celebration felt like a nod to past memories and an invitation to the adventures ahead.
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