A Love that will Last “A Thousand Years” at The Briarcliff Manor
Alex and Jennifer fell in love in New York City on New Year’s Eve and never looked back! Dive into their love story and share the experience of Alex’s Halloween inspired proposal, Jennifer’s unique Bridal bouquet and find out who was a special guest singer at their Wedding here at The Briarcliff Manor was! See why they described their day here with us as, “Everything we had hoped and dreamed it would be!“
Question: How did you two first meet?
Answer: We met the modern way; online! Our first conversation was on New Year’s Eve. Thank you Bumble!
Question: What was your first impression of each other?
Answer: Jen – He was super nice.
Alex – Well when she finally showed up 45 minutes late, I thought she was adorable.
Question: What was your first date?
Answer: We went to a bar in NYC for a couple drinks. Jen was 45 minutes late because she got stuck at work but Alex was (surprisingly) patient. While we were sipping on beers getting to know one another an older woman sitting next to us got up to leave and it looked like she had lost her earring. Alex asked her if he could help but she found it. Instead she said, “ya know young lady, he was waiting a long time for you. But it’s so nice to see two people genuinely happy to see one another.” When the date was finished, we walked to the New York Public Library. Jen lived in CT and Alex lived in NJ so we said goodbye on the steps of the New York Public Library (halfway between Grand Central and Penn Station). It is where we then shared our first kiss.
Question: Who said ‘I love you’ first?
Answer: Alex said it first in the car one day. It wasn’t how he envisioned saying it but it was memorable!
Question: What is the most memorable date that you two shared?
Answer: Our second date was a trip to the Aquarium. It was a great day date filled with lots of conversation and laughter. We held hands watching the IMAX and just remember being so comfortable with one another. Dates quickly became long weekends together and we haven’t looked back!
Question: What are your nicknames for each other?
Answer: Jen – I have so many, too many to count!
Alex – I call Jen JJ
Question: Is there a favorite spot you two share?
Answer: It would have to be the New York Public Library. It is where we would end all of our first dates and where we took our engagement photos.
Question: Who met the in-laws first?
Answer: Alex met Jen’s parents first. Jen’s dad almost lit Alex on fire by accident when he put on the fire pit outside.
Question: What are your favorite things about each other?
Answer: Jen – I love how Alex makes me laugh. His humor is what made me fall in love with him.
Alex – Jen is funnier than she puts on, and she puts up with how ridiculous I am.
Question: Do you have a special tradition on Valentine’s Day?
Answer: Pizza from our favorite pizza place in NJ and a bottle of red wine.
Question: When did you know that you were going to propose to her?
Answer: About half way through our first summer together. After some time alone in California and then to Denver and Fort Worth with Jen, I knew she was the one.
Question: What was your proposal like/where was it?
Answer: It was Halloween night and Alex had picked up Jen from the train station. Jen got in the car and to her surprise Alex was wearing a Tigger costume which he looked adorable in. As they rushed into their home since Jen needed to use the bathroom (as she always does after a long commute) Alex stopped her and wouldn’t let her in. He said he had a surprise for her and needed a minute. When Jen was finally able to come in, Alex was down on his knee. He had carved a question mark in their family pumpkin and spelled out “WILL YOU” in pumpkin candy corn with candy bars and candles lit all around. And he was so thoughtful and creative, that he got it all on video too.
Question: How did you feel when he proposed?
Answer: At first, I wasn’t sure if he was joking. But when I knew it was for real, I was elated. We FaceTimed all our friends and family and celebrated with a bottle of champagne. Maybe one of the most exciting nights we have shared.
Question: How long have the both of you known each other?
Answer: Just about two years!
Question: What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
Answer: Jen – Walking down the aisle with my dad while seeing the love of my life at the other end. I also loved our first dance.
Alex – Absolutely seeing Jen come down the aisle for the first time in her dress. It brought tears to my eyes. I also loved standing on the balcony with my bride at The Briarcliff Manor looking at everyone enjoying our cocktail hour.
Question: How would you describe the style or theme of your wedding?
Answer: Elegant and classic (with a little navy and rose gold bling)
Question: What did you look most forward to? The wedding day, the ceremony, the honeymoon?
Answer: We were both looking forward to seeing one another at the church and then we were looking forward to the cocktail hour. The night ended up being perfect. A little cool but a beautiful sunset. I think we both wished we ate more of the food that everyone has continued to rave about.
Question: What was the most fun detail of your wedding to plan?
Answer: We loved the cake tasting! We went with a navy blue funfetti cake and then 4 different flavors of cupcakes.
Question: What was the most unique detail at your wedding?
Answer: We had an Italian singer! Tao has an amazing voice and sang some very special songs for us.
Question: What was your something borrowed, something new and something blue?
Answer: Something old was my grandmother’s purse, some new were my earrings and something blue was my grandmother’s handkerchief
Question: To the Groom: What were you thinking when you saw her walking down the aisle?
Answer: How absolutely stunning she looked and how blessed I was to call her my bride.
Question: What is the first thing the groom noticed about the bride when she walked down the aisle?
Answer: I don’t even know. I was just taken back and more emotional than I thought I would be.
Question: Is there anything from your wedding day that you will keep as memorabilia?
Answer: Absolutely love the photos from the photo booth, the guest book, and the cocktail napkins we made and over ordered.
Question: Were there any family heirlooms that you cherished with you on the wedding day?
Answer: My bouquet was wrapped in fabric from my mother’s wedding gown. It was so beautiful and so special.
Question: What is “your song” and why?
Answer: Our song is “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Alex was at a wedding without Jen and heard this song and that was when he realized he wanted to marry her. The lyrics are also so perfect as I think there was a time we both weren’t sure if we would find the person meant for us, “And all along I believed I would find you Time has brought your heart to me I have loved you for a thousand years I’ll love you for a thousand more”
Question: Who was your maid of honor and why?
Answer: I had two – my longest childhood friends, Dana and Alex. Dana and I met in first grade and Alex and I met in middle school. They have been there through everything, deal with my ridiculousness and know everything about me.
Question: Who was your best man and why?
Answer: I also had two of my closest friends from childhood; Will and Drew. Besides for family, they were the first two friends to truly believe in me.
Question: Did you have your honeymoon yet? How was it/where was it?
Answer: No! Alex is a teacher so we are going in March when he has his two week spring break. Just when the wedding plan ends its time for the honeymoon planning. But we are excited to have something to look forward to – Wine Country in CA and Hawaii!
Question: How would you describe your wedding day in one sentence?
Answer: Everything we had hoped and dreamed it would be!
Who Did Your…
Makeup by Dee at Andrew Stefanou Salon in Darien, CT
Hair by Sam at Andrew Stefanou Salon in Darien, CT
Dress Designer- Sareh Nouri (Custom Made)
Photography/Videography – Christopher’s Studio
Florist – Arcadia Floral Co.
Cake – Baked By Susan
Transportation (Limo) – Green Light Limousine
