Real Long Island Wedding: Amanda and James

James and I met through a mutual friend that we both worked with at Pathmark, but at different times. Our friend, Mike, was on the phone with him, told me that he was good looking, and that we should meet. No more than a week later, we met up at Lily Flanagan’s in Islip, where James played 'hard to get' and I had to track him down for his phone number. Once we began talking, though, things moved VERY quickly. I moved in with him within the month, and we were engaged by the second month of dating. They say when you know, you know. It was never a question to either of us; we always knew that we would be together.

I had been with him when we got the ring, so I knew about it. I also knew where it was hidden, thanks to a friend. I blew my cover one night, and the following morning he was going to move it. He asked me if I wanted to see the ring one more time before he moved it, and, of course, I said yes. He came over to me while I was still lying in bed. He told me he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He then told me he couldn't picture his life one day without me in it and asked me to marry him. He later told me that I ruined his plan to propose at the Rangers game, but I thought it was the cutest thing anyway.

Getting ready was hectic...I was late doing so because My MOH was held up at the salon and I insisted on her being there while I got dressed. There were 13 females plus my 3 nieces there, so it was loud!!! It was also very hard for the photographer to get pictures done. Walking down the aisle all I could think of is 'OMG look at his smile...DONT CRY DONT CRY. Crap, I hope I don't trip with these heels on'

The most memorable part of the wedding was actually at the ceremony. Right before we said our vows, a police car and ambulance zoomed by with sirens blaring. I'm an EMT and he is a cop and the deacon made reference to that along with a very nice speech. When we walked in for the first time it was crazy! Everyone was cheering for us. I never felt such a powerful feeling. Sharing the name with the man I love and having everyone there to celebrate with us. Our wedding day had so many little details that made it so special. My husband doesn't really have a family and his mother is deceased, so we had a memorial candle for her, as well as a 'tribute' dance that he did with my mother. Not a dry eye was left in the place. We also had a groom’s cake that looked like the NYPD patch (he is a police officer) with all of his favorite things on it. We had a channa plaque, DIY menus, and a 'cake' card box that was made by my mother. Our theme was a starfish/beach wedding with pool and pistachio colors. My dress was AMAZING. It was an Alfred Angelo with a sweetheart neck and pickups throughout the dress.

The signature drinks I named according to us, and just picked by color (our main color scheme was a pool blue and pistachio green with a touch of purple..) The Titus-tini, named after our last name, was purple, DH's favorite color. There was the Pool-tini, named after the pool blue and was pool blue. Lastly, the Flanagan, named after where we met at Lily Flanagan’s, was mint green. I found the recipes for the customized drinks were found online with cotton candy, cake and whipped cream vodka (YUM)

The best advice I could give to a couple planning their wedding is DON'T get caught up in the wedding drama, because there will always be something! Relax, because everything will be amazing. It is all about YOU AND THE GROOM. As long as you have each other, you have everything. I would also suggest a smaller bridal party.