In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Kiera and Felicita about how The Inn at New Hyde Park made their dream wedding come true.
(Photo courtesy of Silverfox Studios)
These two brides originally wanted to have a small wedding with close family and friends. But as the guest list grew and pandemic restrictions lifted, they knew that a wedding at The Inn at New Hyde Park, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, was the perfect way to celebrate their union and love.
A Match Made to Last
Kiera and Felicita first met in 2012, after Superstorm Sandy, in a support group. They were paired up as partners, and their friendship blossomed into something more. Four years later, Kiera proposed to Felicita during a dinner date. “They proposed on a random Tuesday! They told me to get dressed up nice, and we went to Seasons 52,” says Felicita. “For some reason, I thought they were going to break up with me. But then they proposed, and I was so surprised! It was such a sweet moment.”
A few months later, though, Felicita wanted to propose to Kiera. “It was the coldest day!” Kiera says. Felicita took Kiera to Flushing Meadow Park in Queens. She led a blindfolded Kiera to a table with flowers for them, set up by her niece and nephew. “It was funny because my nephew was supposed to come out with the ring when I told Kiera they were my rock, but he didn’t hear me at first, so I kept repeating it until he heard,” recalls Felicita. Both proposals were very different, but perfect for the pair.
MORE: 5 Reasons to Have a Long Engagement
A Longer Engagement
The couple wanted to get married in 2016 immediately following their engagement, but ended up waiting until Kiera finished her undergraduate and graduate programs. Then the pandemic hit. “We were kind of pandemic brides throughout our planning process,” says Kiera. They booked The Inn at New Hyde Park in December 2020 for their Nov. 12, 2021 wedding. “That’s the date we met in group therapy for the first time,” says Kiera.
As they started to plan their wedding, Kiera says that photography was really important to them. A few months before their wedding, their original photographer had to move out of state, and they had to scramble to find someone new. Luckily, Silverfox Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor, was available.
For Felicita, making sure her bride got the wedding of her dreams was important. However, she was thrilled that The Inn provided a wedding planner for them. “I knew once I met her, that things would be okay and Kiera would get everything she wanted,” said Felicita. When their planner Julia asked if there was anything Felicita would need during the reception, “I jokingly said that I would love a brownie,” she laughs. “And would you know? There was a brownie waiting for me on the table on our wedding day!”
(Photo courtesy of Silverfox Studios)
Expert Service
That brownie wasn’t the only thing that the Inn provided for the couple. “They really went above and beyond for us,” Kiera says. “Since Felicita doesn’t drink, they made sure to provide Heineken Double Zero for her. We really appreciated that.” They added that they weren’t even aware of the few hiccups that happened behind the scenes, as The Inn handled everything expertly. “You could feel Julia’s presence throughout the night, just making sure everything was perfect for us,” says Felicita.
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Fun Extras added to the Party
A live painter was something fun that the women wanted for their wedding reception. “Our live painter is a friend from work, and it was cool to see her work throughout the night,” says Kiera. They incorporated their pets – two dogs and a cat – into their customized cake topper. “We also chose to wear the same scent that day,” says Felicita. “And it’s a perfume we wear together on special occasions to remember our wedding day.”
The showstopper of the night, though? Their musical entertainment. Kiera’s father gifted the pair with the band BonJourney – a Bon Jovi and Journey cover band – for their wedding. “My high school music teacher formed the band when I was in high school, so I’ve known them for years,” Kiera explains. Kiera’s former teacher also performed with their second band of the evening, SoulMates. “I have a music background, and music is really important to my whole identity,” they explain. “So, we had a band, DJ and then another band. “The music was awesome. Everyone was dancing the whole night. It really was phenomenal.”
(Photo courtesy of Silverfox Studios)
The Perfect First Look
When asked about their ‘wow’ moment of the night, Felicita says it was their first look, hands down. “When I turned around to see Kiera, my jaw just dropped. They were absolutely gorgeous,” says Felicita. “I was just so full of joy to be able to see how beautiful they were. To be able to look into their eyes, it was such a blessing.”
A funny moment? Felicita wore the same jumpsuit as Melania Trump. “It was a complete accident,” explains Kiera. “She bought the jumpsuit, and we’re watching the election of 2020, and realized she bought the same outfit that Melania was wearing.” When asked if she wanted to change it? “Absolutely not, it was mine first!” says Felicita.
(Photo courtesy of Silverfox Studios)
As far as advice for other BOLIs, Kiera suggests getting an extended cocktail hour if it’s offered at your venue. “If you don’t want to miss your cocktail hour, get that extension, it’s totally worth it!” they say. Felicita recommends supporting your future spouse throughout the planning process. “I had no clue how to go about planning, but when I realized that my fiancée knew exactly what they wanted, I let them take the lead and offered advice and opinions when I thought it was needed.” At the end of the day though, they both recommend being honest with each other, and speaking up throughout the planning process to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Vendors:
Venue: The Inn at New Hyde Park, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Silverfox Studios, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Diamond Cut Productions
Bands: SoulMates and BonJourney
Florist: Pedestals
Hair: Be Beautiful Bridal by Isabelle
Makeup: Makeup by Mariel
Invitations: Seek-a-Design
Dress: Kleinfeld’s
Jumpsuit: Adrianna Pappell
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
MOB Dress: Bridal Reflections, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmen Suits: Macy’s Manhasset
Live Painter: Jordana Sklover Art
Cake Topper: Etsy
