Real Long Island Wedding: Alison and Stephen

After signing me up at the gym on a day he was supposed to be off, I knew I was meant to be with Stephen. We got engaged in Disney World and were married almost two years later. It felt like an eternity, but it really allowed us to enjoy the planning process and take our time picking vendors. We started with venue hunting and in one day, we saw nine locations. Walking into The Somerley at Fox Hollow instantly made me tear up and literally took my breath away. The tall fireplace built into a brick wall, intricate skylights, stunning uplighting, meticulously manicured grounds, beautiful décor, classy wood floors and unique dance floor space made it an undoubted 'yes' for us both.

I wouldn't say our wedding day had a theme, but I kept in mind that I wanted everyone to use the word 'classy' when describing our wedding. I used mostly white or ivory with a touch of purple incorporated into my flowers, cake and card box just to name a few. I used vintage frames that held the wedding pictures of our grandparents and parents by the place cards. I had candles and petals used at every table. I used white letters put on the fireplace by our sweetheart table that spelt Mr. and Mrs. I've seen brides have colored bouquets, but I wanted the timeless, romantic and glamorous all white vision.

I was thrilled with the weather on our wedding day. It was a warm, sunny morning and afternoon. About halfway into our reception, it became overcast and rained for about half an hour. The sun came out again just before sunset. I was so happy to have a range of weather because I really felt that we got the full experience in The Somerley room. There are so many windows and skylights that the room had a magical glow during our ceremony and beginning of our reception. By the end, it had darkened and we got to utilize and experience the amazing uplighting and candlelight ambiance.

All of the vendors we used for the day of our wedding were incredible. The music had people that I never expected dancing, our photos came out unbelievable, our flowers were gorgeous, my dress was beyond what I ever imagined, the photobooth was a huge hit and The Fox Hollow did an outstanding job of making us feel so special (plus the food was incredible). We booked The Somerley before it had its own entrance, cocktail room, outdoor picture area or the updated bridal suite/lounge area. I was really impressed with how they stuck by everything they said. For example, if they said the cocktail room was going to be done in X amount of months, it was done in X amount of months. I was worried that they were just telling us these things so that we would book with them. However, everything they said would be done became reality and I don't think we could have chosen a more beautiful or classy venue.

The most memorable moment for me was seeing Stephen for the first time as I walked down the aisle. I know a first look would have given us more time for pictures and such, but I've always wanted that first moment we see each other to be authentic- right as we're about to get married. He cried...hard! You obviously don't know him, but that was the last thing I ever expected from him. It was just such an emotional moment for us and thinking back on it still gives me chills. Instead of a first look with my groom, I did it with my dad. I am the only child and, to say the least, daddy's little girl. I had held in my tears all day and the second I turned around and saw my dad, I burst into tears.

My pieces of advice to every bride: The effort you put into your wedding is what you get out of it. I really did my research, got to know my vendors before booking them (it is so important to make sure you 'click' with your vendors!) and worked so hard on coordinating all of the details. Don't be afraid to speak up! It's your day and if you don't like something or you don't agree, say so. Also, decide where you want to spend the most of your budget. For us, it was photography because that's what you're left with once the day is over. Once you decide where you want to spend the most of your money, you can adjust your budget accordingly. I know the whole process can be frustrating, overwhelming and definitely not easy, but HAVE FUN! It goes so fast and before you know it, you're just looking at pictures!

I really feel blessed to have had such a seamlessly beautiful day that even my wildest dreams couldn't have imagined! Enjoy every second of your day and don't lose sight of it being about your love for one another!