Dylan and I grew up together. We lived in the same small town, went to the same school, but it wasn't until our sophomore prom that our friendship began when I asked Dylan to dance with me. He looked like the proverbial “deer in the headlights” and was very nervous.  That slow dance turned into a beautiful friendship.

We quickly became best friends. Through the years we always leaned on one another. We would have daily conversations and would trust each other with our deepest secrets. Dylan would always tell me how much he loved me and that one day he would marry me, but I just laughed it off. Throughout high school and college he would always ask me to be his girlfriend, but I was hesitant because I didn't want to ruin our friendship.  It was my senior year in college, when Dylan and I vacationed together with my family, when I realized Dylan truly loved me for ME.  Ten years ago, Dylan asked me out on a date, as more than friends, and I finally said yes.  That's when our love story began.

After seven years of dating, with both families present, he proposed. I thought we were going to Congress Park in Saratoga for family photos as a Christmas gift to our parents. When it was our turn for our picture, he asked me to marry him - with our favorite song playing (Mean To Me by Brett Eldredge). I turned and both families were watching - turns out I was the only one surprised. Dylan also planned a surprise engagement party with all our family and friends at our home when we returned.

I quickly began planning our wedding day for June 6, 2020. I always knew I wanted our reception at Saratoga National Events - my dream venue.  I've been dreaming of my wedding day since I was a little girl - down to every little detail.  

We all know the pandemic narrative, right? We had to cancel our original date and reschedule for May 29, 2021.  It was worth the wait.  Our wedding day could not have been more beautiful, and we were so thankful to all our vendors that helped make the day what it was. We were both just so appreciative of being able to spend that moment with our family and friends whom we love so much.

The Details:

Wedding Date May 29, 2021

Ceremony Location St. John the Evangelist Parish

Reception Location Saratoga National Events

Photographer, Photobooth & Videographer JP Elario

Photo Booth Backdrop Ballooon Gals 

Stationery Suite Britt Life of the Party

Wedding Gown Pallas Couture

Bridesmaids' Dresses Portia and Scarlett

Tuxedo Men's Wearhouse

Hair Melanie Raymond 

Makeup Erin Muller

Rings Glennpeter Jewelers

Flowers Fleurtacious Designs

Event Decorator Fine Affairs

Wedding Planner Katie O Events

Caterer & Cake Mazzone Hospitality

Transportation Royal Transportation

DJ or Band New York Players

First Dance "Mean To Me" by Brett Eldredge

Honeymoon Destination Turks and Caicos Islands

Special Touches... "Sip And Be Seated" Champange Wall with two large flower arrangements on top greeted guests upon entry into Cocktail Hour and provided the seating arrangement (Ballooon Gals). Large Floral Chandelier over dance floor; large one piece floral centerpiece on 36' head table; combination of high and low floral arrangements on each table (Fleurtacious Designs). Tent entirely drapped including bar area, lighting on entire ceiling; upgraded linens; gold chargers; gold chiffon chairs; candles; large white dance floor (Fine Affiars). Menu with greenery at each place setting; mini champange bottles with special label and white bow.

Advice to Pass Along... Enjoy every moment from planning to actual event.  Try not to stress because every detail will fall into place at the end of the day. Take it all in and remember, no matter what, this will be the best day of your life.