By Nora Sullivan
October 21, 2026
The journey from a local golf club to a breathtaking wedding celebration culminated on October 21, 2026, as Erika Stanish and Anthony Chiarenza exchanged vows in an exquisitely styled event that blended romantic floral architecture with the sophisticated, moody allure of a 1920s old Hollywood speakeasy. Written across four years of shared adventures, professional transitions, and a mutual love for travel and family, their love story reached its pinnacle surrounded by family, friends, and a few unforgettable surprises.
The Planning: Design, Vibe, and a Romance Born on the Green
The couple’s love story began at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida. Erika had just started working at the club, while Anthony had recently returned home from the University of Tennessee to pursue a full-time career in professional golf. What started as casual conversations, impromptu rounds of miniature golf, and sharing popsicles on the putting greens blossomed into a four-year adventure.
Over the years, the couple built a life together filled with exploration and shared milestones. Their travels took them to destinations far and wide, from Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic and Payne’s Valley in Missouri—where Anthony nearly landed a hole-in-one—to fly fishing excursions in Big Sky, Montana, relaxing getaways at Sunset Island in Key West, and wine-tasting tours through Napa Valley. Between summer travels, Anthony worked diligently toward his golf career on tour, while Erika embarked on a career teaching elementary math and science. They eventually purchased their first home together, establishing a happy household alongside their three beloved pets: Looper, Blitzen, and Rudolph. Through professional changes, life’s inevitable ups and downs, and numerous trips to Disney, the pair grew closer, laying a sturdy foundation for their future.
Nearly four years to the day after their journey began, Anthony orchestrated a carefully planned surprise. On October 19, 2024, he brought Erika back to the exact spot where they first met: the greens at Quail Valley. As he got down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him, their family and friends erupted in cheers from a nearby balcony. The thoughtful proposal, complete with a custom ring and a celebratory gathering, set the tone for the meticulous planning that would define their wedding day.
When it came time to design the wedding, the couple opted for a striking contrast between the ceremony and the reception. The ceremony space bloomed with lush white florals, featuring an aisle lined with delicate white roses that led to a raised circular platform. Framed by a dramatic backdrop of white roses designed to resemble a coral head—a subtle and personal nod to the bride’s marine biology degree and love for the ocean—the ceremony radiated classic elegance.
In contrast, the reception transitioned guests into a draped, immersive statement channeling a 1920s old Hollywood speakeasy. The venue was enveloped in moody black velvet drapes across the walls, complemented by stunning cream and black wavy chandeliers hanging overhead. Circular tables were paired with white cream velvet banquettes and accented by copper marble tablecloths, establishing an intimate, vintage atmosphere.
The Fashion: Elegance on the Greens and the Dance Floor
The bridal fashion reflected both traditional sophistication and personal comfort. Erika walked down the aisle in an exquisite Essense of Australia gown, style D4124, sourced from the White Magnolia Bridal Suite in West Palm Beach, Florida. Her footwear paired elegance with practicality: she wore lace bridal heels featuring small pearl appliques by Kailee P for the formal portions of the day, later transitioning to custom Betsy Johnson white pearl sneakers to dance the night away.
The bridal party wore evergreen satin twill dresses from the Dessy Group NY. To show her appreciation, Erika gifted each bridesmaid simple gold earrings and a bracelet, along with a special Kendra Scott Disney Gold Mickey Mouse Elisa Short Pendant Necklace.
The groom and his groomsmen cut a sharp figure in custom-made tuxedos. Adding a deeply personal touch, Anthony and Erika had their names and the date of their wedding engraved on the inside pocket of the custom jackets.
The Details: Culinary Delights, Custom Monograms, and a Broadway Surprise
The reception spared no detail in entertaining guests and honoring the couple’s shared history. The evening featured an array of culinary highlights during the cocktail hour, including a raw bar, a homemade pasta station, and a signature smoked bacon old-fashioned cocktail.
The dessert course centered around a dramatic 12-tier white cake featuring black fondant with a delicate pearl accent waterfalling down one side, perfectly echoing the sophisticated black-and-white motif of the reception.
Music and entertainment served as a cornerstone of the celebration. The ceremony featured a classical four-string quartet that played "Edelweiss" as the bride walked down the aisle. Family members played active roles in the service, with readings delivered by the bride’s sister and father, as well as the groom’s brother and father.
For the reception, the couple enlisted a dynamic DJ and band hybrid from RockWithU to keep the energy high on a special checkerboard dance floor. However, the evening’s biggest highlight was an extraordinary surprise orchestrated by the groom’s parents. Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor John Lloyd Young, renowned for his portrayal of Frankie Valli in the film Jersey Boys, made a guest appearance. Young stepped in to sing the couple’s first dance song, "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," before treating the bride, groom, and astonished guests to a full 20-minute musical set from Jersey Boys.
Personalized touches were woven throughout the venue under the monogram "ACES"—representing the initials of Anthony Chiarenza and Erika Stanish. The custom logo appeared on matchbooks, cocktail napkins, and other decor elements to tie the speakeasy theme together. Additionally, the reception featured a customized cigar bar curated specifically for the guests.
The celebration marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple, blending heartfelt family traditions, personal history, and unforgettable entertainment as they stepped into married life together.
