Family, Food, and Forever: Inside New Jersey’s Premier Wedding Destinations
This week, host Mike Ham heads to the stunning Park Château Estates & Gardens in East Brunswick to sit down with three legends of New Jersey hospitality — Barry Maurillo, Joe Maurillo, and Vito Cucci. These lifelong friends and business partners are the visionary team behind three of the state’s most celebrated event venues: Nanina’s in the Park, The Park Savoy Estate, and Park Château.
In this warm, wide-ranging, and often hilarious episode, the guys dive into:
The story behind acquiring and transforming these historic propertiesHow their deep friendship and shared Nutley roots shaped a decades-long business partnershipWhat it takes to pull off 800+ weddings a year with heart, style, and precisionTheir nonprofit work, including The Cheer Me Up Foundation and Shining Stars, supporting kids, families, and special needs performersThe legendary Nanina’s sauce story (yes, it’s a college class project gone deliciously right)Vito’s unexpected journey into elite horse racing and breeding (spoiler: he’s got winners)And the secret to staying happily married while running one of the most demanding businesses aroundWhether you're planning a wedding, chasing a dream, or just a sucker for a good Jersey hustle — this one’s got it all.
Links Mentioned:
Park Château Estates & GardensThe Park Savoy EstateNanina’s in the ParkCheer Me Up FoundationShining Stars NetworkNanina’s SaucePowered by:
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Greetings From the Garden State
The Heart of Jersey Pride. A podcast about the people and places that shape New Jersey! Powered by the New Jersey Lottery. Hosted by Mike Ham
- No. of episodes: 219
- Latest episode: 2025-06-03
- Society & Culture Documentary Places & Travel
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