In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, BOLI Christine talks about the special surprise her husband planned on their wedding day.
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
A Facebook friendship turned into something more when Christine and Frank matched on the dating app Hinge. Christine says the two of them have been together ever since their first date in 2019.
A Lighthouse Engagement
On their three-year anniversary, Christine says Frank booked a trip out to Montauk. On their way to dinner, Frank said that he wanted to stop at Camp Hero to take photos. “I sort of knew something was up because he never wants to take pictures,” she explains. As they were walking toward the lighthouse, they passed a bride and groom taking photos. So when they passed flower petals in the shape of a heart, Christine didn’t realize they were for her. “We walked past and he pointed out the heart, and then “All You Need Is Love” started playing, and he proposed.”
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
An Old Hollywood Affair
Christine and Frank wanted a Gatsby-Old Hollywood themed wedding, which is why they booked the Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI preferred vendor, for their Sept. 1, 2023 wedding. They had a little less than a year to plan, so after they set their date at the Mansion at Oyster Bay and St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington Village, Christine set out in search of her dress. She worked with Jill at the Bridal Salon of Huntington Village, a BOLI preferred vendor. “I described the look I was going for, and she brought me the most beautiful gown,” Christine says. “I loved it immediately, but still tried on about 20 other dresses, until I went back to that first dress. That’s the one I picked.” The dress had sleeves that reminded Christine of that Gatsby feel she was looking for, and to complete the look, Frank wore tails on his tuxedo.
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In keeping with the theme, Christine and Frank booked East Coast Band. “We had seen them perform at other weddings, and we really liked them,” says Christine. Live music is important to the couple, as Frank is a musician and a sixth-grade band teacher. Once the band was secured, they booked Never There Yet, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, for their photographer. “I’d been admiring her work from the beginning of planning, so I was really happy we were able to book her,” says Christine.
Throughout the entire planning process, Christine is grateful that Frank was hands on. “I was lucky because he wanted to be a part of everything.”
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
A Surprise Serenade
Despite the day going by so fast, Christine says there were several moments that stood out to her. Her father passed away in 2017, so her mother walked her down the aisle. “That was a really special moment for us,” Christine explains. “It was also really special during our mother-daughter dance.” She also remembers that when they exited the church, there were bubbles filling the air.
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
The best part of the day though, was when Frank surprised her by singing “I Want to Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer. “The running joke is that even though he’s a musician, he’s never sung to me,” says Christine. “So, it was only fitting that the first time he did was at our wedding.”
The pair stayed connected with their family by using heirlooms for their rings. “My engagement ring is actually my grandmother’s 25th wedding anniversary ring,” explains Christine. “And Frank’s wedding band is his great grandfather’s.”
Everything went off without a hitch on their wedding day. From the Mansion at Oyster Bay staff to East Coast Band keeping everyone on the dance floor all night, it was wonderful, says Christine.
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
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Remember What’s Important
Christine says she relied on the BOLI community for vendor reviews, as well as advice when dealing with family members or friends. “It was a relief to see that some of the girls went through the same experiences I was going through. It was nice to see I wasn’t alone…or crazy!”
At the end of the day, Christine says brides should go with their gut when planning. “While you may feel it’s important to please everyone, it’s really just about the two of you,” says Christine. “Remember what’s important to you both, and do things that will make you happy.”
(Photo courtesy of Never There Yet Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Never There Yet Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Band: East Coast Band
Florist: Flowers by Burton
Hair: Alicia from The Salon Company
Makeup: Hailey from The Beauty Window
Invitations: The Knot
Dress: The Bridal Salon of Huntington Village, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Dortoni’s
Tuxedos: Ike Behar
Transportation: Mark of Elegance Limousine Service, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo Booth: LI Fotobooths
