Location of Wedding: Pembroke, MA at bride’s brother’s house

Cake Maker: Fratelli’s

Photographer: Stephen Sedman

DJ: Paul Sacco, Party Music Masters

First Dance Song: “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur

Dress Boutique: The Bridal Secret, Braintree

Caterer: bride’s father

Florist: Studio 123 West, Braintree

1.)   How did you two meet?

We grew up around the corner from each other.  Joe was friends with Kerri’s brother. Our moms are in book club together.  We reconnected when Joe got home from the Marines in 2012.

2.)   How did he pop the question?

Joe had Kerri call in a sick day, then took her to Encore in Everett.  We walked around outside and he proposed

3.)   What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?

It actually felt like a wedding.  We didn’t know what a Covid wedding would look and feel like, but everything was perfect.

4.)   How long have you been together?

We started dating in February 2014, so we were together for 6.5 years when we got married.

5.)   How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

It was easy breezy until Covid happened.  We then decided we were getting married no matter what, so that was a relief and something exciting to look forward to.  The planning and changes made for a lot of work, but it was all worth it.  We can’t even imagine what the original plan would have been like.

6.)   What advice would you offer to other couples planning a wedding?

It’s really about having fun with your nearest and dearest.  It’s about joy and happiness, not cake and decorations.  You can have an incredible wedding no matter what, as long as your hearts are in it.

7.)   What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple?  Have a list of the pictures you want to get.  There’s always going to be someone you forget in the moment, so have the list ready.

8.)   Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?

I picked out my wedding dress about a week after we got engaged.  It was the first one I tried on, out of about a dozen.  I narrowed them down, and narrowed them down.  I could then picture the look on Joe’s face when he’d see me in the dress, and I started to cry.  It was nothing like I imagined, but it was the best dress I could have had for my wedding.

9.)   How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?   

The picture process is always long, but Stephen was really patient and efficient.  He communicated with his assistant really well.  The pictures are gorgeous and the turnaround time was fast.

10.) Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!

We waited to see each other until Kerri walked down the aisle.  We originally planned a first look and photos before the wedding, but when we changed from having 160 guests to 35, we felt like it would be easy enough to do them during cocktail hour.  It worked for us because it was 90 degrees outside, the ceremony was over, and we could have some cool drinks in between shots.

11.) Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?

We practiced our dip.  I don’t know if we pulled it off, but we were better prepared for it than when we tried it during our engagement photos.  I think some people also get stiff when posing, so it’s good to say something funny to make people laugh so you get a more genuine smile.

12.) Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?

We didn’t prep the wedding party for photos.  I think the only encouragement was telling the ring bearer he would get a toy if he smiled.  When the groomsmen mentioned how long photos were taking, I did remind them they had beers during photos and they cheered up a lot.

13.) Any tips on what to bring?

I had significant mementos from my grandmother’s, but nothing that stood out from my great-grandmother. I have a very unique soap dish that was hers so I brought that and we staged the accessories with it…It was so important to have something classically hers with me, even if I didn’t have it at the ceremony.

14.) We love to hear about vendors you love. List any vendors here and feel free to share your experience. Be sure to include the name of the vendor, their profession, city/state, site or Facebook page and how your experience was!

Studio 123 West from Braintree, MA was absolutely amazing for the flowers.  I went there about 2 weeks before the wedding in desperation because flowers were the item on my to-do list.  The owners were incredible and I can’t believe how large and gorgeous the flowers were.  My vision had come to life, as if Janet, the florist, had read my mind.  Pink, blush, white, romantic and whimsical were the few descriptors I gave, and she delivered.  I would go back a million times.  https://studioonetwentythree.com/

Maria Mahoney who did our hair was also great because many of the girls have curly hair and it was fantastic that Maria has a lot of experience with girls, especially with the heat and humidity.  I found Maria on Wedding Wire and I’m so happy I found her. https://www.mariarosehairandbeauty.org/

Jess Flaherty did the makeup and it didn’t budge all day which was a real feat with all the sweat.  None of us girls in the wedding wear a lot of makeup and Jess had a great balance (Instagram @jesstoimpress_rn)

15.) Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? Use this space to talk about favorite shops. You can include where you got your dress, sites you got your veils/décor/accessories, etc.

Judy from the Bridal Secret sold me the dress and also took care of the alterations.  She’s very professional and makes the experience very easy. Braintree, MA  https://thebridalsecret.com/

16.) What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?

We didn’t know if the Covid regulations were going to change. Things were stressful in May before the state reopened, but we decided to cancel the big shindig in favor of the small backyard wedding.  It was nice having it in a place where we could be in control.  We had social distancing guidelines, but made it so people didn’t need to talk about Covid.  I think there was a level of trust at the wedding because it was so small and intimate, and everyone could let loose and have fun.  Actually getting married and making the commitment was the least of our worries. 

17.) What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?

There shouldn’t be too much to stress about.  It’s not about showing off, or getting gifts, or pleasing everyone.  It’s a celebration and it’s possible to accomplish a lot in a small amount of time.  It’s possible to tweak traditions to suit your personality. 

18.) What kind of food was served at your reception?

Kerri’s dad made all of the food.  There were tons of appetizers to snack on, like cheese and meats, dips, chicken wings, etc.  Then there was salad and clam chowder.  Finally there was beef tenderloin, some lamb, and a pasta dish.

19.) What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?

We danced to “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur.  Father-daughter dance was to “Come Monday” by Jimmy Buffett, and we were joined by mom, brother and both sisters.  Mother-son was to “Boy” by Lee Bryce.