Melissa and Craig wed on October 12, 2023, at Nanina’s in the Park.

Their Story

Craig and Melissa are college sweethearts and met on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

During a community service event, “Craig tried to play it cool when approaching me, but I was on to him,” says Melissa. “We talked throughout the entire event before exchanging phone numbers and social media information.”

“This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, which would culminate in Craig asking me to make it official, a year later,” she adds.

They went on numerous adventures together in a variety of different locations, with their love growing more each day.

The Proposal

After eleven years of love, on September 3, 2021, during one of their many adventures, Craig would ask for Melissa’s hand in marriage at Castillo San Felipe Del Morro on the shores of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Our engagement was magical and adventurous (just as we always try to be),” she says.

Before proposing, Craig would often be asked “why are you waiting so long to pop the question?”

“Craig and I have learned that beautiful things take time and there’s no rush,” says Melissa. “Love is truly patient and kind. An engagement is such a beautiful thing—when two people who are whole heartedly in love agree to be together forever. We wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Details of the Day

They tied the knot on October 12, 2023, at the beautiful Nanina’s in the Park.

Elegance, romance, true love and inclusiveness—that’s what the couple wanted their big day to be about.

The colors were based on a dark dusty rose/chianti color. The flowers included faith and white roses along with eucalyptus, providing a soft, timeless look with a unique autumn twist.

White, rose and beige rose petals adorned the aisle as they were married in the beautiful gardens at Nanina’s in the Park.

Floral centerpieces provided in a high/low manner amongst the tables featured hydrangeas, faith roses, white roses and eucalyptus and greenery.

Melissa’s dress was a beautiful Martina Liana gown with a long, scalloped train with florals, glitz and lace along with a cathedral length veil which complemented the gown.

During the reception, “we danced on the most beautiful cloud surrounded by our family and friends and danced the night away with grace and love,” says Melissa.

Their favors were love champagne bottles by Villa Jolanda with “I love you” written in all different languages, which truly represented inclusivity for the couple, especially as an interracial couple. “Love knows no bounds,” says Melissa.

Choosing the Venue

“As soon as we walked into Nanina’s, we felt like family and it was so comforting,” says Melissa. “Not only is the venue so elegant and absolutely stunning, so is the staff!”

“On our wedding day, everyone was so kind, caring and truly knew exactly what needed to be done,” she adds. “It was absolutely amazing and we can’t recommend them enough!”

Favorite Moment

“Truthfully, I felt like a princess that was marrying her Prince Charming and I am so grateful for the whole experience!” says Melissa.

“I feel like my husband and I worked together as a team and the process leading up to our wedding day was also so fun and creative as well,” she adds.

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

“When I went dress shopping, I went in thinking I knew exactly what I wanted,” says Melissa. “Well, I left with something completely opposite! I never thought I would wear the dress I wore on my wedding day and I truly can’t picture my day without it!

“It helped me with my confidence as a woman and to always remember to believe in yourself!

Advice For Other Couples

“Enjoy everything leading up to the wedding—you won’t get those moments again,” says Melissa. “I know sometimes it can be a bit stressful, but it’s important to allow yourself to have fun and always work as a team!”

“On our wedding day, I put the trust into our vendors and they delivered,” she adds. “I can honestly say that I enjoyed every moment of the day and had such a beautiful and enchanting time.”

Honeymoon

The newlyweds went to Turks and Caicos for a week. They stayed at an all-inclusive resort and had access to two resorts.

Their excursions included snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, buggy riding around the island, attended the island’s fish fry with music and dancing, bike riding and more.

“It was such a beautiful, adventurous and relaxing time with some of the nicest people and the bluest of waters. We would love to go back!”