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Francesca and Greg met right after Francesca’s freshman year in college. She returned home that year a little early while everyone else was still in school. One night, her two best friends (who would later be her bridesmaids) were hanging out with some friends, and Greg was there, too. After talking for a while, her friends just knew Greg was worthy of setting up with one of their single friends, and Francesca was it! After texting one evening, the two began to chat regularly (we loved how Francesca said she would pretend to fall asleep during their evening texts so she wouldn’t be the one to end the conversation!). They spent the summer getting to know each other and just before returning to college, Greg asked Francesca to be his girlfriend.
Fast forward a bit to Greg’s fantastic proposal… Greg told Francesca that they would be going out with his parents for drinks and then dinner after work. Before she left her office, Greg called to say he’d like to meet her in Grand Central Station so they would walk together to the rooftop bar. On the way, Greg stopped her to ask if they could check out a great new location he found on his way to lunch. So he brought Francesca to a cozy rooftop garden with very few people around. And after they talked for a while about their exciting plans for the future, Greg got down on one knee and proposed! Before he could even finish, Francesca was crying! Greg had a photographer there to capture the moment, too! Francesca facetimed her mother who didn’t give away the next surprise… both of their immediate families, godparents and 30 of their closest friends were going to be celebrating with them at the rooftop bar! Definitely, one of the best days of their lives… until their wedding day came along.
Greg and his groomsmen got ready on the day of their wedding at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, New York. Just like on most wedding days we find, the guys were fortunate in being able to take their time and relax a bit before dressing into their classic tuxedos.
Meanwhile, Francesca and her lovely bridal party prepared at the venue where the reception would later be held, The Royalton Mansion at Roslyn Country Club in Roslyn Heights, New York. Her matrons of honor and bridesmaids all wore long dark navy gowns with mismatched bodices and looked so fabulous together.
With help from her mother, Francesca dressed into her incredible Monique Lhuillier wedding gown. It had delicate spaghetti straps and a v-neckline, a beautiful princess silhouette and amazing floral lace appliqués. She wore her long hair down in waves and attached a long, flowing veil for her ceremony. What a romantic look and a gorgeous bride!
We’ve seen the fabulous floral designs from Stefan’s Floral Designs & Custom Décor before, and they didn’t disappoint with their flower bouquets this time either. The bridal party carried delightful white floral bouquets accented with soft greenery. (And wait until you see the amazing reception ballroom!)
The two exchanged love notes as they were getting ready and each read the messages they wrote for us and for their feature film. We were so enamored with both letters, and it was so beautiful to hear the words from Greg’s heart as he described how he was literally the happiest person in the world knowing that he would be spending his life with Francesca.
After Francesca and her family and bridal party had additional photos taken, it was time to head to the church! Francesca arrived via classic car with her father to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Oyster Bay, New York. It was so sweet to see Greg’s reaction as his bride entered the church and walked down the aisle on the arm of her father to meet him at the altar. Soon, they were saying their ‘I do’s’!
Following the ceremony, photos were taken at the church and at their reception venue by Joseph Lin Photography, and it was so great to work with him and his team again. And we’re so glad we had such a beautiful day to have so many photos taken outside in the sunshine.
Francesca and Greg’s reception then kicked off in the ballroom at The Royalton Mansion. The beautiful ballroom in this colonial mansion, with its fluted columns, classic dentil crown molding and sparkling chandeliers, was enhanced even more with those towering white floral centerpieces. But even with all the grandeur, the ballroom had such a warm and intimate feeling.
After their exciting introduction as the newest Mr. & Mrs., the newlyweds had their very romantic first dance. Toasts were given by Francesca’s sisters and matrons of honor, Marisa and Gabrielle, and from Greg’s best men, his brothers, Joey and Sal. We had the pleasure of filming Marisa’s wedding a few years ago and it was so wonderful to see her and John again, as well as the whole family!
When entrées were served, Francesca’s father gave a beautiful speech, followed by those touching parent dances. Then the dance floor opened to all guests, and everyone had such a ball dancing the night away as the White Light Band from Starlight Music totally rocked the house! Before the evening’s party came to an end, Francesca dressed into an amazing long white party dress and she and Greg cut and sampled their four-tiered wedding cake.
It was so fantastic to visit this grand venue for the first time and we absolutely loved every minute of Francesca and Greg’s beautiful wedding event. It was such a delight to work with this sweet couple, and we know their wedding day was everything they dreamed it would be. Congratulations to Francesca and Greg!
Photographer: Joseph Lin Photography – New York, NY
Floral Design: Stefan’s Floral Designs & Custom Décor – Lawrence, NY
Hair Stylist: Olivia Halpin Hair – New York, NY
Makeup Artist: Ashlee Glazer – New York, NY
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Entertainment: Starlight Music – White Light Band – New York, NY
Cake: Dortoni Bakery & Pastry Shoppe – Levittown, NY
Officiant: Reverend Malcolm Burns – Mineola, NY
Church: St. Dominic Catholic Church – Oyster Bay, NY
Venue: The Royalton Mansion at Roslyn Country Club – Roslyn Heights, NY
Accommodations: Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, NY
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