Michelle and Michael At Hudson House

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Allison Dupree

Michelle-michael-hudson-house

How did you meet?
We first met on Bumble and had a fantastic first date over a handful of beers at a low-key Irish pub. I fell in love immediately and proceeded to convince her to go on 5 dates in our first 15 days of meeting. We kept up that pace for almost three years.

How did you get engaged?
Our proposal was amazing. Mike planned a surprise trip for us over MLK weekend, and I had no idea where we were going until we arrived at the airport, although he kept me guessing for the whole week leading up to our departure via little notes and clues he left me every day before work. When I got to the airport, I found out we were going to Paris! He popped the question the second day of our trip. He told me we were going to a fancy brunch and said I would need to dress up. After taking the metro to the center of the city, he said we needed to kill some time before our reservation, so we walked to this beautiful photogenic spot in front of the Eiffel Tower. He asked a (well-chosen) stranger to take our photo and the next thing I knew he was down on one knee! After grabbing a glass of champagne and reveling in the post-engagement glow, he had scheduled a photographer to come meet us at another area in front of the Eiffel Tower to take photos of us and capture the moment. It was truly the best day ever!

Details of the day!
Our long-awaited and highly anticipated wedding finally took place at Hudson House in Jersey City on a warm and sunny Spring day. After postponing twice due to covid, we were definitely ready to celebrate and finally be married. We chose Hudson House for our celebration because of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows with a great view of the downtown Manhattan skyline, which showcases where we met. We had an emotional first look together on the Hudson waterfront. After visiting Liberty State Park for photos, we headed to Hudson House for our ceremony and reception.

Why did you choose your venue?
We visited a few different venues and this one just felt right. It was brand new (still under construction when we signed our contract!) and we loved the idea of an elegant ballroom that was right on the water. Our favorite aspect is a great view of the downtown Manhattan skyline, which showcases where we met, which is on full display from huge floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s located in NJ, which is easily accessible for Mike’s family, is where I’m from, and where we plan to settle down with our own little family one day.

All about your gown!
My mom, stepmom, mother in law and maid of honor spent the day wedding dress shopping in NYC with me a few months after I got engaged. We started at a small boutique in SoHo, sat down for a lovely brunch, and then made our way to Kleinfeld. After trying on a few different styles, I found The One and said Yes to the Dress. I love the silhouette of the dress as well as the dramatic train and matching veil.

What was your favorite moment?
Our first look was so incredible! It really helped ease any butterflies I was feeling and I was so excited to see Mike. Spending the morning getting hair and makeup done with my bridesmaids and mom, stepmom and MIL was so great! Spending time with loved ones I haven’t seen in too long, being showered with love by our closest family and friends, and looking into Michelle’s eyes as we said “I do.” After postponing our wedding twice, we felt so fortunate to have been able to finally get married and celebrate and start our lives together.

Any advice for future brides?
Do what makes you happy! Everyone around you will have a lot of opinions on every aspect of your wedding but it’s important to stay true to your vision and what you want most on the big day!

Honeymoon Location
St. Lucia here we come! Staying at Viceroy Sugar Beach resort. Potential for a “Second honeymoon” to Greece later in the summer, which was the original plan.