How did you meet?
John and I met in high school. We were friends for a while before we started dating in our junior year.
How did you get engaged?
John proposed at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It was somewhere I had always wanted to go. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him at sunrise, while hundreds of hot air balloons were ascending around us.
Details of the day
Classic, stylish and timeless. Covid-19 has affected many couples wedding plans this year, including ours. After postponing twice, we decided to get married this year in a small intimate micro-wedding with our immediate families and wedding party, and hold off on the big celebration until next year. We both got ready at our parents’ houses before seeing one another down the aisle at Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold. After tying the knot, we enjoyed a ride in the Rolls-Royce to Wave Resort in Long Branch, where we shared an intimate dinner with friends and family and had a mini beach wedding.
Why did you choose your venue?
We chose our venue for the elegant ballroom, spacious patio, and incredible menu and service.
What was on your menu?
The food at Wave Resort was incredible, and we got rave reviews from so many of our guests. Our menu started with a choice of wild mushroom campanelle with goat cheese or burrata with heirloom tomato. For entrées, guests chose between herb roasted chicken, New York strip medallion with mushrooms and risotto, or cedar-plank salmon. We had a white wedding cake with chocolate mousse filling and buttercream frosting.
All about your gown:
Before going to the bridal shop I wasn’t quite sure what style of dress I wanted. I saw this dress on the mannequin as soon as I entered the store and was drawn to it immediately. I tried on many dresses in different styles, but none compared to this one. I love all the detailed beading and the lace appliqués on the train.
What was one detail you couldn’t live without?
After a tough year and having to reschedule our wedding, the best thing was having our closest family and friends there to celebrate with us.
What was your favorite moment?
For me, it was seeing John’s emotional reaction as I walked down the aisle. For John, it was the drive after our ceremony from church to our venue, just the two of us.
Did anything go wrong?
If anything went wrong that day, we didn’t notice or care. Everything was perfect! The whole day seemed to go by so smoothly thanks to our wonderful vendors, and especially our amazing photographer who made sure everyone stayed on schedule.
Any advice for future brides?
Make sure to book the vendors that are most important to you as early as possible. They tend to book up very far in advance.
Honeymoon location:
Unfortunately, our honeymoon has been postponed, but we plan to spend two weeks in Portugal once it is safe to travel again. We can’t wait to sample all the food and wine, and to explore the beaches and countryside.