When you step onto the grounds of Park Château Estates and Gardens in East Brunswick, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in another world. The chapel, the gardens, the hotel—it’s more than just a venue. It’s an experience. And after spending an afternoon there with Barry Maurillo, Joe Maurillo, and Vito Cucci—the trio behind this space and two other legendary NJ venues, Nanina’s in the Park and The Park Savoy—I got to see exactly how that magic happens.
I’ve been to Nanina’s before for events and golf outings, and I used to play rounds at Pinch Brook with weddings happening above me at Park Savoy. But this was the first time I was at Park Château, and wow—it really is the crown jewel.
What impressed me most wasn’t just the elegance of the space or the scale of what they’ve built. It was the why behind it all. These guys have been in business together since 1995. That’s 30 years of not only building a hospitality empire but doing it with a level of loyalty, family values, and vision that’s honestly rare today. They talked about treating every guest—and every staff member—like family. They talked about trust, about settling disagreements in 10 minutes or less, and about how their kids now help run the operation. These venues aren’t just family-run in name. They live and breathe it.
They’ve pulled off over 15,000 weddings and counting. They’ve restored historic properties. They’ve even launched their own jarred pasta sauce from a recipe by their legendary 80-something chef, Vincenzo Loretti—thanks to a Monmouth University class project. (Yes, seriously.)
And they give back. Between Joe’s Cheer Me Up Foundation, which started after his daughter’s battle with a brain tumor, and their work with the Shining Stars Network for special needs performers, they’re not just hosting parties—they’re lifting up their communities in real, lasting ways.
We even talked horse racing—Vito is part-owner of major winners in both the Belmont and the Haskell Stakes—and the New Jersey equine industry’s future. It turns out, yes, these guys do it all.
But the part that stuck with me most? All three are still married to their first wives. They built these businesses while building families and somehow kept it all balanced—weekends, weddings, stress and all. That’s not just impressive. That’s inspiring.
If you’re from New Jersey, you’ve probably been to one of their properties. But after sitting with them, I can tell you: what happens behind the scenes is just as impressive as what happens on the dance floor.
And if you’re planning a wedding or special event in New Jersey, you might want to start here. You won’t just get a beautiful venue. You’ll get a story—and a team—worth being part of.
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.
- Mike Hamhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/mham/
- Mike Hamhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/mham/
- Mike Hamhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/mham/
- Mike Hamhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/mham/