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Alison and Dan at Westmount Country Club

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Alison and Dan at Westmount Country Club

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Allison Dupree

How did you meet?
In July of 2014, we were both tour guides at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Prior to the start of the school year, the office of admissions held the annual student ambassador retreat and that is where our story begins. However, if it was not for Dan’s persistence in making sure I had his number, we would not be where they are today. That summer, we texted and spoke via FaceTime every day; we were so eager to get back to Sacred Heart to see each other again. Once we arrived back to SHU for Dan’s junior year and my sophomore year, we spent almost every moment together. From grabbing food at Linda’s to Tuesday Night Movies, we were rarely one without the other. Together, we have gone through so much. From being an ocean apart while I was studying abroad in Spain, being real-world adults and getting first jobs, purchasing and doing renovations to our first home, and surviving PAWrenthood with our Stella girl, you can say life is just getting started!

How did you get engaged?
On October 6, 2019, we were surrounded by family and friends at Sacred Heart University’s Alumni Weekend. SHU is one of our favorite places in the whole world so it was only fitting that Dan proposed on campus! Walking onto campus, Dan suddenly started freaking out saying something was wrong with Stella. As I ran over to Stella and grabbed her, Dan was on one knee holding open a little box. Family is so important to both of us, so they were very happy both of our families were able to be there to celebrate. The rest of the day was pure magic! To be able to celebrate this important milestone with so many friends and family made for the most perfect engagement.

Details of the day!
The theme was “clean and chaos,” LOL. Clean from the white and greenery from the flowers to the black-tie attire for the groom/groomsmen, I really wanted clean elegance. Chaos comes into play during our reception. We wanted it to be the best party with surprises at every turn. We had confetti, CO2 blasts, CO2 backpacks, sparklers, dancing on the clouds, lights, etc.

Why did you choose your venue?
When touring venues, food was SO important to us. When we toured Westmount Country Club, they gave us a little plate of sample apps (pre-COVID), which was awesome—people RAVE about the food there. We also wanted an over-the-top cocktail hour and Viennese display, which actually comes included in the price at WCC!

What was on your menu
We had a Burrata tomato salad with baby arugula, balsamic glaze, and olive oil; prime rib with seasonal vegetables and potato; French breast of chicken with mozzarella, tomato, sautéed spinach, balsamic glaze and olive oil; salmon filet over lobster, shrimp and crabmeat risotto; and eggplant parmigiana ala forno.

All about your gown!
I actually purchased three gowns! The first gown I purchased and went to sleep and had nightmares about it so I canceled. Then, I tried again and purchased a very popular sheath gown, but about four months after I purchased it, I changed my mind. The dress I went with was the first dress I EVER tried on! At the time, I thought “How can you say yes to the first dress!?” For each dress I tried on I kept comparing it to the first one because that was the only time I truly felt like a bride!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Day of coordinator! Oh, my goodness! Lauren of Detailed Events by Lo was my savior the day of and leading up. She was there all day handling all the details and making sure everything ran smoothly. Your wedding day is too important of a day not to have a day of coordinator.

Did anything go wrong?
Because our wedding was right as things were starting to open up and not everyone in our bridal party was vaccinated, we asked our bridal party to get tested. Unfortunately, my cousin (a bridesmaid) came back positive and was not able to attend.

First dance song?
“Lifetime,” by Justin Bieber.

Any advice for future brides?
Enjoy the day, it goes by so fast—and eat some food and drink water!

Honeymoon location?
Because I am a school teacher, we have to wait until August.

the details

Hometowns

Toms River

Reception Location

Westmount Country Club

Photographer

Anthony McMahon-- Moments by McMahon

Bride’s Gown

Pronovias

Bride’s Shoes

Badgley Mischka

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Alison and Dan at Westmount Country Club

the details

Hometowns

Reception Location

Photographer

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Favors

Rentals

Honeymoon

Wedding Planner