Podcast Summary: Chicks in the Office – "Wedding Recap: Ria is MARRIED!"
Introduction
In this heartfelt and lively episode of Chicks in the Office, host Rhea and her co-host Fran delve into the joyous occasion of Ria’s wedding. Released on April 28, 2025, the episode provides an intimate recount of the wedding weekend, highlighting memorable moments, emotional highlights, and the seamless organization that made the event spectacular. Skipping over advertisements and non-content sections, Rhea and Fran focus solely on delivering an engaging and comprehensive wedding recap for listeners who couldn’t attend the festivities.
Rehearsal Dinner at Lucali
The wedding festivities kicked off with an intimate rehearsal dinner held at Lucali, one of Brooklyn’s most iconic pizza spots. Rhea shares her excitement about securing the venue thanks to their connection with Mark, a passionate Yankees fan and the owner of Lucali.
Rhea [07:33]: "We went to Lucali right after seeing our wedding venue for the first time and knew it was the perfect spot for our rehearsal dinner."
Fran emphasizes the exclusivity and impeccable service provided by Lucali, noting how the ambiance set the tone for a memorable weekend.
Fran [09:15]: "Lucali was truly the most iconic spot. Jay-Z and Beyoncé even frequent it!"
The dinner was kept small, featuring close friends and family involved in the church ceremonies. Both Rhea’s sister and Matt’s brother, serving as matron of honor and best man respectively, delivered heartfelt speeches that resonated deeply with the attendees.
Emotional Speeches and Special Moments
Rhea recounts the emotional speeches, highlighting the support from her family, especially her mother-in-law, who delivered a standout speech.
Rhea [08:09]: "My mother-in-law rounded out the speeches with a banger. She absolutely crushed it."
Fran adds her appreciation for Lucali and the photographers who captured every moment exquisitely, sending photos back to them by midnight—a rare and impressive feat.
Fran [11:33]: "The photographers and videographers were incredible, sending all our pictures by 3:30 AM."
The Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony took place at Liberty Warehouse, where Rhea and Matt exchanged personalized vows. Rhea describes the setting as a blend of modern elegance and classic charm, adorned with cherry blossom trees that mirrored their love story.
Rhea [19:45]: "Little did she know that I had cherry blossoms at the reception on people’s tables. It was like a perfect reflection of our day."
A unique touch was the involvement of Rhea’s grandfather, Baba, who delivered a spontaneous prayer that left the congregation in awe.
Rhea [33:22]: "Baba went off-script with his prayer, and everyone was stunned but touched by his heartfelt words."
Matt’s cousin, the priest, also contributed to the ceremony, allowing them to personalize their vows beyond traditional scripts.
Rhea [26:12]: "We did our own vows in the church, making the moment incredibly personal and unique."
Reception Highlights
The reception was a lively affair, with a packed dance floor and stellar catering from Liberty Warehouse. Rhea praises the coordination and planning executed by Eventful Days, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Rhea [16:13]: "Eventful Days scheduled everything perfectly. There was no moment anyone felt rushed."
Unique and Memorable Moments
One standout moment was when Hardy, a country and rock musician, performed an unexpected rendition of his hit song "Sold Out," complete with a rocking out performance that had guests both laughing and cheering.
Rhea [46:00]: "Hardy got up there and rocked out to 'Sold Out.' It was insane and so special."
Additionally, Dave Portnoy’s last-minute RSVP added a humorous twist to the day, with Rhea and Fran sharing their amusing interactions with him.
Rhea [62:05]: "Dave texted us saying he couldn’t make it two hours before the wedding. It was the most Dave thing ever."
Personal Vows and Emotional Connections
Rhea and Matt’s vows were deeply personal, reflecting their unique connection and mutual support. Both appreciated how their vows unintentionally mirrored each other’s sentiments, creating a harmonious and touching exchange.
Noah [27:56]: "Some of the same things are mentioned in both vows without having shared them beforehand. It felt magical."
Rhea highlights the emotional depth of the ceremony, particularly her own feelings of calm and normalcy amidst what she expected to be a nerve-wracking experience.
Rhea [28:35]: "I felt so normal, even though I thought I was gonna be freaking out."
The Wedding Band and Custom Design
A significant highlight was Rhea’s custom-designed wedding band, a statement piece that blends modern and vintage elements. Collaborating with her local jeweler in Massapequa, Rhea shares the creative process behind her unique ring.
Rhea [58:41]: "The wedding band is so sick. It’s a statement piece that perfectly symbolizes our love and individuality."
Rhea’s aunt, Jean, who worked closely with the jeweler, played a crucial role in bringing Rhea’s vision to life, ensuring the final piece was both personal and stunning.
Fun and Festivities
The reception continued with fun-filled activities, including a photo booth where Aunt Deb became the star of many pictures. The lively atmosphere was enhanced by Rhea and Matt’s friends, who kept the energy high with dancing and camaraderie.
Rhea [57:07]: "Aunt Debbie was in every photo booth picture. She’s truly the heart of the party."
Guests enjoyed delectable dishes such as lobster ravioli and prosciutto melon ball sacks, with Rhea raving about the exceptional food quality.
Rhea [53:33]: "The prosciutto melon ball sacks were unbelievable. The lobster ravioli was fucking fantastic."
Farewell and Honeymoon
As the episode wraps up, Rhea shares her excitement for the honeymoon, encouraging newlyweds to savor every moment and disconnect from daily pressures.
Rhea [75:50]: "Take it all in, enjoy those moments, disconnect, and just live it up."
She also expresses gratitude towards her co-hosts and listeners, ensuring that the podcast remains as engaging and supportive as ever.
Rhea [76:53]: "I love you guys so much. Best show on Earth."
Conclusion
This episode of Chicks in the Office offers a vivid and comprehensive recount of Ria’s wedding, blending emotional storytelling with entertaining anecdotes. From the meticulously planned rehearsal dinner to the heartfelt vows and unforgettable reception, Rhea and Fran provide listeners with a rich narrative that celebrates love, friendship, and the joy of shared moments. Whether you’re a fan who attended or someone who missed out, this recap ensures you’re fully immersed in the magic of Ria’s special day.
Notable Quotes:
- Rhea [00:59]: "I have a sparkle under my eye, and I am keeping it."
- Fran [09:15]: "Lucali was truly the most iconic spot. Jay-Z and Beyoncé even frequent it!"
- Rhea [28:35]: "I felt so normal, even though I thought I was gonna be freaking out."
- Noah [27:56]: "Some of the same things are mentioned in both vows without having shared them beforehand. It felt magical."
This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, emotional moments, and memorable highlights from Ria’s wedding. It provides an engaging narrative flow, enriched with direct quotes and timestamped references to ensure authenticity and depth.