Real Long Island Wedding: Andrea and Richard

Learning About Love:
When Andrea and Rich decided to venture off Long Island and Queens to attend University, they expected to learn a lot about life, and the field they each would respectively pursue, but little did they know, that the beginning of the school year would offer them an everlasting lesson in love.
No sooner had Andrea settled into her new life at the University at Buffalo, when she decided to take a job in the dining hall, where she later met up with a group of campus friends who introduced her to Rich. Other than a little friendly 'adolescent' flirtation, the two remained 'strangers' in the night, until a few nights later that is. As fate would have it, it was lights out (due to a power failure) on campus, resulting in the same group of friends gathering for safety and company and allowing for Rich and Ang to get better acquainted as they (all) walked down Main Street that 'magical' night. In fact, Rich and Ang hit it off so well, that they arranged to get together (with a group of friends) the next night, and before long, they were not only exchanging information about themselves but a kiss that would be the beginning of happily ever after, that started almost a decade ago.
Popping The Question:
For Ang and Rich it seems like the 'seven-year itch' turned out to be a good thing. In the fall of October they returned to Buffalo to share in the joy of everlasting love and matrimony of another young couple who in perusing their dreams found love along the way. But, before heading to the festivities, these young lovers decided to take some extra time to reflect on where they'd come from, how much they'd accomplished, visit some friends, and enjoy their old alma-mater. Wandering the campus and reminiscing of more youthful, carefree times and how they met, Rich had taken Ang to one of the Campus's most scenic spots replete with Greek columns and overlooking Lake LaSalle, a romantic location that required him to help her along (the path). But, instead, Rich took advantage of the moment and the (scenery) to reflect on their campus life and love, and how it had blossomed and grown as they grew into adults. He then continued to profess his love with these words:
'I love you
You're my best friend, the love of my life, my soul mate.
And if you say yes, I would be honored if you would be my wife.
Will you marry me?'
And while Ang, admittedly declares that this beautiful testament of love was not much more than a blur, she did manage to say 'yes', and the rest is history.
Ring Tones:
The ring Rich presented Ang with was one she had specifically and personally designed two years prior. It was not long after they had graduated and settled into their first jobs that talk of marriage began. Yet, with career paths still somewhat unsettled, lots of new found 'adult' expenses, obligations, and decisions to make, the couple decided to hold off on getting married and buy a coop instead. Regardless, Ang took the initiative to design her dream ring, for WHEN the time came and forwarded it to Rich. Two years later, when he proposed, the box Rich opened contained not only the ring, but also the paper Ang had originally sent to him.
Going To The Chapel:
Planning their wedding was a wonderful and unique experience for both. It taught them a whole lot more about each other and about how much work, as well as fun, planning such a special day can be. In fact, both Ang and Rich feared that they weren't doing it right, that is until, according to Ang, they discovered LIWeddings.com, a resource that she proclaims gave her the knowledge, power and support to make her special day special for her and Rich, and for the 120 guests that helped celebrate their special love.
The Look Of Love:
The Bride: Demetrios 2003 Couture Collection - Italian Satin in Ivory with beading all along the torso and hem. Long sleeves with a bell cuff that split off at the wrist. The dress had a detachable train.
The Groom: Black three-button tuxedo with satin trim. Taupe and ivory weaved vest with satin taupe tie.
The Bridesmaids/Matron of Honor: Jordan full length A-line dress with v-neck in Wine.
Best Man/Groomsmen: Black two-button tuxedo with satin trim. Burgundy vest and satin tie.
Flowergirl: Ivory satin dress (full length) with cap sleeves and satin sash on waist.
Mother of the Groom: Sage green satin full length dress - sleeveless with matching jacket and small train in the back.
Father of the Groom: Black tuxedo with satin trim and black vest and satin tie.
Wedding Favor: Donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Guests received a box full of Hershey Kisses and on the inner flap of the box lid a poem describing the donation that was made.
Affair of the Heart: While Ang and Rich had a fairly traditional Catholic Ceremony, the parish they got married in holds special significance. It is a parish neither one of their families had attended or had been affiliated with, one they found and selected together as a couple and on their own. And, their wedding was among one of the first for the new priest who took over for the former pastor who had retired. As the couple sees it, their church of choice helped them create that special new life together and was only the beginning in a series of firsts in their new story as husband and wife.
Wine and Dine: Guests feasted on:
Champagne Toast
First Course
Mozzarella & Tomato over Italian Greens
Second Course
Penne alla Vodka
Main Course Selection
Pollo Portofino
Sautéed breast of chicken, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and asparagus tips in a sherry wine sauce
Lamb Chop Royale
Baby rack of lamb coated with a honey mustard walnut crust
Stuffed Shrimp
Gulf prawns with crabmeat stuffing in a lobster sauce
Vegetable Purse
Assorted seasonal garden vegetables wrapped in a puff pastry with a light cream sauce
Orange Roughy Mediterraneo
Warm water fillet stuffed with fresh leaf spinach and feta cheese in a light champagne sauce
Filet Mignon
Whole tenderloin of beef crowned with wild mushrooms and bordelaise sauce
Salmone Dijonaise
Norwegian fillet grilled to perfection with dijon mustard sauce
Dessert
Viennese Selections
Wedding Cake
Gourmet Coffees and Herbal Teas
International Cordial Cart
Event Highlights: The couple remembers most memorably and fondly the unique way they gave away their centerpieces (by making guests dance for them), and how much their own enjoyment of their special day encouraged their guests to join in and have just as much fun.
Best Gift: Besides having the love and support of those who mean most to the couple, Ang and Rich particularly enjoyed the games (played) at the reception, allowing them not only to meet and greet guests, but also to include guests in the fun and festivities from the start.
Happily Ever After: Ang and Rich began life in marital paradise by heading to 'heaven' on earth starting with a week in Cabo San Lucas at the Hilton Golf and Beach Resort On the Baja of Mexico. They spent their days soaking in the scenery and sun and enjoyed an ATV tour through the desert and along the beach, couple's massage, and a shopping tour where they got to sample a variety of tequilas.
LIWeddings.com Vendors Used:
Grooms Cake: Audrey's Bakery
Makeup: Makeup By Oksana
Florist: Flower Michele
Limousine: Royalty Limousines
Photography: Patken
Videography: Patken
Reception Hall: Fox Hollow