In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Tiana talks about planning her wedding in six months – and being the second bride ever at The Lannin.
(Photo by Miralli Photography)
When Tiana went out with a friend on a cold February night, she didn’t think she’d meet her future husband. Almost two years later, she and Anthony walked down the aisle in the winter wedding of her dreams.
A Chance Meeting
Like something out of a movie, Tiana and her friend were sitting at the bar at The Irish Poet in Wantagh. Anthony went to pay his tab, and they got to talking. “He ended the conversation with, ‘Can I take you out sometime?’” she recalled. “I figured if he had the nerve to put himself out there, I could at least go on one date.”
They started dating that February of 2022, and in May 2023, Anthony proposed during her father’s birthday dinner. “We were taking a group photo at the end of dinner, and I turned around and he was down on one knee,” she said.
Just Six Months to Plan
Tiana knew she wanted to get married the same year, so she started planning right after they got engaged. The first vendor she booked? Hair and makeup. “I was obsessed with makeup artist Glam by Gee,” she explained. “As soon as we got engaged, I contacted her right away to check her availability for December. And I also booked her partner for hair.” She chose December because it was the off season, and she figured she’d have luck with vendors being available – which they all were. “I was very lucky in that I was able to book all of the vendors I wanted.”
In fact, Tiana also knew right away she wanted to get married at The Lannin, a BOLI Preferred Venue. Its central location and recent renovations made it the perfect choice for her wedding. And, it turns out, she was only the second bride to have her reception there. “They had all their dates available, since they were just opening,” Tiana said.
Once her venue, and hair and makeup were booked, she made sure to reach out to Bravo Sound. “It’s a Greek band and Greek DJ that I grew up with,” Tiana said. “They played at my Sweet 16, as well as my brother’s wedding and sister’s wedding. They are like family to us, and they kept everyone on the dance floor all night.”
(Photo by Miralli Photography)
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Standing Out On Her Wedding Day
Tiana wowed her guests with the unique offerings during cocktail hour, including hanging Tomahawk steaks and sushi that was hand rolled in front of them. “The Lannin was so accommodating with anything I asked for,” she said. “They truly went above and beyond to make our night special and unique.”
In addition to the amazing food, The Lannin was decorated for the holidays complete with garlands, baby’s breath, lights and a holiday tree. “I wasn’t sure if they would be decorated yet, but they were and it was just breathtaking and fit with my winter theme,” she said.
MORE: Customize the Luxury Wedding of Your Dreams at The Lannin
Adding to the winter theme, Tiana made sure the ballroom was transformed into an enchanted forest. Her centerpieces were natural, old brown birch branches in tall vases that almost hit the ceiling, with lights wrapped around them and hanging crystals. She also included a beautiful backdrop behind where she and Anthony sat. “This backdrop was so extravagant, it was the first thing people saw as they walked in,” she said. “It was gold-colored flowers etched on glass, with a white-flowered arch – it really felt like we were in that enchanted forest.”
Wanting to get her guests in on the fun, Tiana had an interactive seating chart. “It was a photo of us, and when people found their names, they’d peel off a sticker that revealed their table number on the back,” Tiana explained. “Once all of the names were peeled off, another photo of us was underneath. It was so unique and fun!” And as favors, guests got to take home personalized bottles of Pinot Noir that included Tiana and Anthony’s name and wedding date.
(Photo by Miralli Photography)
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Booking Early Is Key
Tiana said she is proud to be part of the BOLI community. “I found it so helpful during planning – from reading reviews to hearing what other brides were going through,” Tiana said.
Now that she’s graduated, she’s happy to impart her knowledge to other brides. “Book everything early,” she said. “If you know what vendors you want, book them right away.”
And while it may seem hard, Tiana said it’s important to focus on what you and your future spouse want. “Everyone will have their opinion. But it’s your day.” Tiana says she was able to stay calm throughout the planning process, which she believes made her day go smoothly. “Everything that I had planned came to life, and it blew me out of the water. The day went so fast, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything was perfect.”
(Photo by Miralli Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: The Lannin, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer and Videographer: Miralli Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor
DJ and Band: Bravo Sound
Florist: A Floral Celebration
Hair: Themanewave
Makeup: Glambygee
Dresses: Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique, a BOLI preferred vendor
MOB and MOH Dresses: Bridal Reflections, a BOLI preferred vendor
Tuxedos: Esquire Tuxedos, a BOLI preferred vendor
