PHOTOSHair, Makeup, & That GORGEOUS Gown: Inside Deena Cortese’s Wedding Day Prep!
Deena Cortese said “I do” to her longtime love Chris Buckner in New Egypt, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 28, but before she tied the knot, the former Jersey Shore star spent the day getting ready with her closest family and friends. Although it wasn’t quite the GTL (gym, tan, and laundry, of course) experience, Deena still pulled out all the stops to make sure she and her bridal party looked amazing for her special day. From hair and makeup to the jewels and that gorgeous gown, click through to see OK!’s exclusive behind-the-scenes pics of Deena’s wedding day prep!
Deena got ready with her bridal party by her side. The Jersey Shore star had two maids of honor, sister Joanie Maiorella and childhood friend Mallory Pazder, as well as a matron of honor, future sister-in-law Shannon Buckner. Her future mother-in-law Julie Buckner joined in on the fun, too! The ladies wore matching monogrammed robes while getting ready.
Deena’s mom Joann Cortese helped Deena pick out her stunning ball gown at Castle Couture in Manalapan , NJ. “When Deena tried this particular dress on, she cried,” Joann told OK! exclusively. “She continued to try other dresses on, but we said we would hold this dress to the end. She put it on again, and she cried and said, ‘Ma, this is the dress.’”
Stunning!
Deena’s bridesmaids wore corseted purple gowns, provided by The Barefoot Bride in Red Bank, NJ.
For the bouquets, Deena chose purple and orange roses.
Even her wedding invitation featured purple accents and matched the wedding’s rustic vineyard theme. “Deena had a vision, and she stuck with that vision,” Chris’ mother Julie told OK!, adding that Deena didn’t even have a wedding planner! “She planned the whole thing,” Julie revealed.
Deena said planning her wedding was fun at first, but “overwhelming” by the end. But she credited Chris with helping her get it done. “Chris helped a lot,” she told OK! “And my girls were such a big help, too.”
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Deena accessorized her gown with beautiful Swavroski crystal jewelry.
Gorgeous!
She and her friends were responsible for keeping the rings safe!
Deena completed her stunning ensemble with — what else? — an amazing pair of shoes. She opted for rhinestone-accented wedges, perfect for the ceremony’s outdoor vineyard setting at Laurita Winery in New Egypt, New Jersey.
In between getting ready, the ladies snacked on treats from their hotel goodie bags.
Although Deena admitted she got a little “stressed” the day of, a surprise bouquet of flowers from her fiancé Chris helped calm her down!
“For the love of my life! I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Love, Chris,” the card read.
After they finished getting ready, Deena and her bridesmaids headed to Laurita Winery for a "first look" with Chris! Check back with OK! for more exclusive behind-the-scenes pics of Deena’s fall wedding.
