Wedding Spotlight: Meet the Mastrandos

Sometimes, love arrives like a perfectly timed scene in a rom com – unexpected, yet undeniably meant to be. This month’s serendipitous spotlight couple, Rita Marie and John, are proof that fate has a way of making itself known. Their story began at a mutual friend’s wedding, where John took notice of Rita Marie right away. But while he saw something special, she wasn’t looking for love. “John had asked a few mutual friends about me,” she recalled. “I just wasn’t interested.” Undeterred, John patiently kept in touch, sending the occasional text, never pushing but always present. Months later, Rita Marie finally agreed to meet him for a drink – and that’s when everything changed. “As cliché as it sounds, when you know, you know! I knew after that first date that it would likely be the last first date I’d ever go on.”

And just as predicted, their connection deepened quickly. Within a year, these South Philly natives moved in together and even started searching for their first home. As they began to build a life together, rooted in love, strength, and an unshakable bond, the two settled in Swedesboro, NJ, where soon enough, wedding bells would ring out. 

When it came time to say “I do,” Rita Marie and John knew they wanted their wedding to be true to who they were. Their choice to ultimately have a private ceremony in their home a few days before their actual reception was deeply personal. “The main reason for this was because both of my parents had passed away. As a bride, I didn’t want anything about our wedding to be ‘sad’ because my parents were fun-loving people who would have wanted a celebration,” Rita Marie shared. “So we chose to get married in a private ceremony so it could be about us and our union – without any outside melancholy opinions or ideals. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made – it was so special and beautiful, and I’ll always cherish that memory!”

Their home, intimate and filled with love, set the perfect stage for their ceremony. With just about 20 guests in attendance, including John’s siblings and parents, Rita Marie’s immediate family members, and a handful of their closest friends, everyone gathered in the couple’s living room in a close circle around them. In front of their fireplace, next to a credenza adorned with a sentimental piece of art – a photo of Rita Marie and John with Rita Marie’s parents seamlessly woven in – the couple exchanged their vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room! The cherry on top of the moving ceremony included a heartfelt a cappella rendition of “At Last” by Etta James, sung by a longtime client of Rita Marie’s. The blissful newlyweds shared their first dance right there in their living room, wrapped in each other’s arms, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

Following the ceremony, the group moved into the kitchen, where Rita Marie, known for her thoughtfulness, had prepared personalized gifts for each guest as a token of appreciation. They then stepped outside to celebrate with a champagne toast, marking the start of their new chapter together. Rita Marie even carried a custom handbag made by Island to East Side, beaded with the words ‘I love you forever’ in John’s handwriting along with their wedding date – just one of the many personal touches that made the day so undeniably them

A few days later, it was time for the reception. The morning was a celebration in itself, as Rita Marie spent it surrounded by a true girl squad of her closest friends as they all got ready together. For Rita Marie, a professional makeup artist used to doing her work out of the chair, the experience of being a bride in the makeup chair was unique. “It felt great!” We were relieved to hear her explain. “But the business owner in me works at all times. I did create the schedule for the morning, the timeline, and coordinated payments like I normally would,” she went on. To fully enjoy the experience, though, thankfully she made sure to have her makeup done in a quiet, separate room. That way, she “could thoroughly enjoy the process and the moment!” Meanwhile, John prepared at his parents’ house in the city, brimming with anticipation. The two met for their first look at the historic Merchants’ Exchange Building in Philadelphia, a place rich with meaning and the perfect backdrop for such an emotional moment. As Rita Marie arrived in style in a pristine Rolls-Royce, John stood waiting, excitement radiating from him. The moment they saw each other, all nerves melted away – it was just them, caught in a moment of pure love.

After capturing portraits there, they made a meaningful stop at Noir, the restaurant where they had their first conversation. After their mutual friends’ wedding, now a glimmering memory, the pair ended up at Noir for an after-party – and that’s where they connected for the first time, making it the perfect spot to snap a few photos. Then, it was time for the party.

Their reception at LaScala’s Fire in Marlton was exactly what they envisioned: warm, inviting, and filled with energy. “My best friend and maid of honor had gone to a party there and suggested that we reach out. We went for a meeting and fell in love with the vibe – and they agreed to host us as their first wedding!” Rita Marie shared. Unlike a traditional wedding format, their reception was all about celebrating with their favorite people. As guests arrived, the space was already glowing with personal touches: a gorgeous flower wall, a memorial wall to honor their loved ones, and a setup that encouraged connection and fun.

From the moment cocktail hour kicked off, the night felt electric. Guests mingled, laughter echoed, and the energy in the room was undeniable. There was no second ceremony needed – just an unforgettable party. Heartfelt speeches were given by Rita Marie’s best friend and John’s brother, setting the tone for an evening of love and celebration. One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Rita Marie and John danced to her parents’ wedding song. “John and I started the dance, then we invited our guests to join us and honor them. It was so beautiful and powerful – I felt so much genuine love in the room,” she recalled.

Dinner was served buffet-style, ensuring a relaxed, communal atmosphere where guests could eat, drink, and celebrate freely. And celebrate they did! The dance floor was packed, the music was on point, and the night carried on in a way that felt effortless, exhilarating, and completely unforgettable.

Her advice for couples planning their wedding? “Very simple: make a checklist of all the things you’ll need to do, and then hire Divas to execute it for you! Divas is the reason I believe our wedding was everything I’d dreamed of!”

For Rita Marie and John, their wedding wasn’t about grandeur – it was about authenticity. Every choice, from their intimate vows to the lively reception, reflected who they are together. Surrounded by love and gratitude, they stepped into their future hand in hand, ready to keep writing their story – one full of laughter, deep connection, and the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.

Vendors:

Venue: La Scala Fire (Marlton)

Photographer: Montenegro Photography

Ceremony Photographer: Jayden Kelly

Florist (personal flowers): BeYoutiful Blooms

DJ: Third Power Entertainment, LLC/DJ Muve

Event Design: Evants By VA

Flower Wall: Bring the Bloom

Hair: Mane Bridal

Bridal Makeup : Brunella Artistry

Transportation: Albert’s Transportation