How did you meet?

Alex and I grew up on the same street in Parsippany from 1st grade onward. We officially met when we were going into 8th grade, just 12 and 13 years old! We met through my younger brother, Michael, who became friends with Alex first through mutual neighborhood friends.Alex and I became best friends right away and decided to started dating about 3.5 years later on January 1, 2008!

How did you get engaged?

Alex and I had a great vacation planned to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico during the summer of 2013. It was our first big trip together, without family being involved. Unfortunately, I did find out that he was bringing the engagement ring on our trip BUT I had no idea when or how he would propose.

While on one of our excursions to Chichen Itza, the ancient Mayan temples, I gave our camera to our tour guide to take a nice shot of us in front of the main temple. While walking back to where Alex was standing, I noticed the ring box in his hand and instantly knew what was happening.

He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I, of course, said yes and not only did our tour guide get a great shot but other people within our tour group took really nice shots of the proposal. It was truly a magical moment and one I will never forget.

Details of the day!

Our theme colors were royal blue and silver. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were all wearing these colors, our cake was decorated in the colors, and our flowers matched the entire ensemble.

Why did you choose your venue?

Mayfair Farms was by far the most amazing venue we could have picked. We had other appointments with different venues and nothing could even compare to Mayfair. We felt like family and were truly treated like royalty. They were very flexible with us, considering we had to stick to a budget (and had postpone our wedding a couple times prior). The place is gorgeous, inside and out. It fit us perfectly, exactly what we were looking for.

What was on your menu?

We had so many items on our menu, it is so hard to remember them all. We had so many appetizers and carving stations during our cocktail hour. The entrees were so delicious and gave everyone an option, including vegetarians. Our Viennese hour was incredible and had so many types of desserts that it was hard to choose from. Our cake was a yellow sponge with chocolate mousse filling and white buttercream icing. It was to die for!

All about your gown!

I found my gown on Pinterest, believe it or not. As soon as I came across it, I started researching local salons that carried it. I found Say I Do Bridal Boutique in Verona and immediately made an appointment to go see it. As soon as I tried it on, my heart was racing and I became very flush. I just knew in my heart that it was the one. I tried on other dresses but kept going back to the first one. Every time I went back to try it on and make sure it fit properly, my heart always fluttered and I was overwhelmed by it.

What was your favorite moment?

I don’t think I can pick just one moment. There were so many that stand out from that day, it would be hard to choose just one. Waking up that morning and knowing it was finally our day, dancing around my mom’s house before anyone came over to shake off our nerves, Alex and I walking down the aisle together, walking into the reception together and our first dance. It was all so amazing from the big moments all the way down to the tiny moments. I enjoyed every second of it.

One detail you couldn’t live without?

Alex and I walking down the aisle together, hands down. I am so so happy I made the decision to have him walk me down. He has been by my side since we were kids and I couldn’t imagine anyone else walking me down except him. It just felt so right.

Did anything go wrong?

Actually, no! It went so perfect. I was warned by so many people to expect something to go wrong that day and not fret if it does. I was so fortunate that nothing went wrong at all.

First dance song?

Our first dance song was ‘This I Promise You’ by *NSYNC. We picked it out years ago and I just couldn’t wait until we finally got to dance to it. I also sang every word to him while we danced.

Any advice for future brides?

Take your time when planning and don’t settle. We had to postpone our wedding for a couple years just to save enough money and make sure we got what we wanted for our wedding day. As frustrating as it was, I am so glad we waited and now we don’t have any regrets. We were able to afford everything and didn’t have to cut corners to get it.

Honeymoon Location?

We went to Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas. It was the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen. The sand was softer than I could ever imagine, the water was super warm and crystal clear, the service around the entire place was on-point, the food was delicious…I literally have zero complaints. We couldn’t have picked a better honeymoon spot in the entire world.