Meet the Team

Tommy, Fallon, Penelope Rae and Piper Rose

Our Story

Born from a family legacy of resilience and hospitality, Piper Rose is anchored by a half-century of professional expertise. The Apicella family has owned The Chandelier in Belleville, NJ since 1975, and has mastered the high-stakes logistics of thousands of celebrations. We continue to evolve with the ever-changing wedding industry, and offer an unrivaled authority that ensures your wedding day is as seamless as it is beautiful.

Our foundation is built on a steady hand and a deep sense of purpose. After navigating a profound family health crisis with our firstborn, Penelope, we established the Penelope Rae Foundation as a way to give back. In that same season of transformation, we launched Piper Rose Events to channel our newfound efficiency, teamwork, and grit into the creative world of wedding planning.

Today, we blend 50 years of "battle-tested" logistics with a passion for immersive, sensory-driven design. We don’t just plan events; we architect celebrations with the empathy and calm only a lifetime of experience can provide—allowing you to remain fully present for your most joyful life event.

Learn more about Penelope Rae Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At the heart of our offerings is full-service event planning, which encompasses every stage of the planning process. The journey begins with detailed consultation to understand the client’s goals, preferences and budget. Using this foundation, we craft a customized plan that addresses every element of the event - including themes, decor, catering and entertainment.

  • "Essence of Us" is a personal, intentional experience rooted in deep tradition and a heartfelt passion for celebrating stories. We take the time to understand what makes your relationship uniquely beautiful, then translate that into a wedding that feels deeply, unmistakably you.

  • We leverage an extensive network of trusted vendors to provide top quality services at competitive prices, guaranteeing that all components of the event come together seamlessly. Our team oversees every detail with meticulous care, allowing clients to enjoy their special occasions without stress or distractions. We also excel in logistical coordination, expertly managing timelines, schedules and vendor relationships to ensure efficiency and minimize challenges throughout the planning process.

  • Customization and innovation are central to our approach, as every event is uniquely designed to reflect the client’s visions and goals. Whether organizing a rustic and intimate gathering or a high profile gala featuring the latest audio/video or lighting technology, we focus on creating immersive experiences. We guarantee personalized touches, such as bespoke signage, curated playlists and interactive features, to enhance the atmosphere and create meaningful connections for our guests. Our expertise in experiential design ensures that every detail is carefully integrated to elevate the overall impact of the event.

  • Yes, we can. Flexibility is key, and we understand adjustments may be necessary even after initial plans are finalized. We will work closely with you to accommodate reasonable changes and modifications throughout the planning process to ensure your wedding day is exactly as you envision.

  • Nope! We handle the basic cleanup, but we do ask that you leave the space as you found it. If anything gets broken or left a huge mess, we'll have to bill you for repairs or extra cleaning to get it back in shape.

Payment & Booking

  • To reserve your date, you must pay a deposit equal to 50% of the total invoice. Your second payment will be due 120 days out from your event, or halfway between invoice date and wedding date, and will be for 25% of the price of your selected package. 

  • Your final balance will be due 14 days prior to your event. Any additional services rendered must be paid for 24 hours before the event begins.

  • Yes, all products and services purchased on the website are subject to applicable taxes and service fees. These charges will be detailed on a separate, customized invoice that we will send to you after your initial purchase. The full amount on this invoice will be due upon receipt.

  • Our invoices include a 20% service fee which ensures high-quality service by covering the cost of experienced staff and comprehensive operational support, leading to a seamless event experience.

  • Any funds paid through the website will be credited toward the total deposit required for your service. The remaining balance, including any applicable taxes and fees, will be included in the subsequent customized invoice.

Preferred & Third-Party Vendors

  • Yes, we provide integrated services under one roof, which offers the convenience of a single point of contact and potentially significant cost savings through streamlined coordination and cohesive execution.

  • No, you are welcome to work with any third-party vendor you choose. There are no additional fees associated with using outside vendors.

  • Yes, but please note that a 50% service fee may apply to any "a la carte" services if they are not attached to our event planning packages.

Innovation & Team

  • The management team is continually exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. This adaptability allows us to serve modern audiences while maintaining our commitment to exceptional quality.

  • Whether you're looking for full-service planning or a one-on-one consult to kickstart your vision, a modest ceremony and reception or an extraordinary destination weekend, we're here to guide you every step of the way — with warmth, intuition and a love for what we do.

  • We’re also parents of two little ones, which means we understand the value of time — and how precious every moment is. That’s why our process is seamless, thoughtful, and designed to let you focus on what matters most: being fully present for your big day. When you plan with Piper Rose, you’re not just another client - you’re part of the family.

Other Events

  • We also excel in corporate event planning, offering professional solutions for product launches, employee appreciation events and more! We always ensure that each event aligns with the organization’s objectives and branding.

  • In addition to private and corporate events, we also offer specialized services for nonprofit and community-focused events, such as fundraising galas and awareness campaigns. These occasions often require a strategic approach to achieve specific goals, such as increasing donor engagement or raising brand visibility. We understand the unique challenges and work closely with our clients to deliver impactful results.