Alli + Brian

How did you meet?

We met through a mutual friend. I worked with this person and Brian has been friends with him since childhood. We were getting together to play tennis and needed a fourth person for doubles so he invited his childhood friend – Brian. Later we found out that this was a sort of set-up because he thought we would hit it off. We played tennis a few times after that and then later all went to a concert together in Boston – where things officially began!

When did you know they were the one?

I am an introverted and reserved individual. I think I can count on one hand the amount of people in my life I have felt truly comfortable with – both with romantic partners and friendships. With past romantic partners, I would always hit a point where I was ready to go back home to be in my comfort zone. As an introvert, I would need that to get my energy back. Early on in dating Brian it surprised me that I never felt that way. When we first started dating, I lived in Waltham and he lived in Leominster, so when we would visit each other on the weekends it would normally be for the whole weekend. In the past, this much time with someone in my space, or me not being in my own space, would have me exhausted and dying to be alone. However, I never felt that with Brian. It never felt like enough time. I don’t know exactly when this translated into knowing I wanted to marry him, but I knew (probably well before he felt it for me haha) that the comfort I felt was a rare thing for anyone and I wanted to keep that feeling around forever.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. Brian is fiercely loyal. I picked up on this very early on in our relationship that once he is committed he is all in.
2. He is a true provider – his love language is acts of service and he is always doing things like taking care of the house, cooking delicious dinners, and planting a garden that show how much he loves me.
3. He is talented at so many things – seemingly with ease. He can pick up an instrument and teach himself, he learned all about gardening, he is a wonderful cook and griller. He is always looking for new things and always seems to be so great at them!

Who proposed and how?

Brian proposed at the Acton arboretum. It was a beautiful day and we had planned to go for a walk. After we walked around for a bit we sat underneath a tree for a while talking and enjoying the day. After a bit, he said he had brought something for me and pulled the ring out of his pocket. The way he asked was ‘non-traditional’ in that he did not get down on one knee or anything of that nature. But I think that is what made it perfect for us.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I tried on this dress at Vows Bridal in Watertown, MA. I had tried on several other Made with Love dresses and they were stunning but they did not feel like me. The woman helping me pulled Ryder to try on after she was starting to get a feel for my style – and she nailed it! As soon as I tried it on I knew I was in love. I felt comfortable, beautiful, and classy with a touch of scandal with the deep V neckline.

What was the best moment for you at the wedding?

Our officiant was incredible and made our ceremony perfect for us – it included everything that was important to us.

My favorite part of the reception was cocktail hour. I loved how we were able to walk around a talk with all our guests and loved ones while enjoying some great food and cocktails. We also had some live music playing that made this time absolutely perfect.

What were your favourite details?

The dress of course 🙂

Our florist also did an incredible job and turned my vision into reality in the most stunning way. I had some many people comment on how beautiful the centerpieces were and I could not agree more!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Try to slow down during each moment of the day as much as possible. Everyone says that the day goes by so fast and it is so true. I tried to stay grounded in each moment to notice the details and really take in the moments with everyone.

I also felt a little bit down after the day was finished. You spend SO long planning and making sure everything will come together perfectly on the day that it was a bit of a shock of how down I felt when it was all over. I would plan something, whether it is a honeymoon or something, to continue to look forward to after the wedding is over. Also, just being more prepared for this feeling so it doesn’t hit as hard!

Any standout vendors?

All my vendors were so incredible and made our day an absolute dream!
Officiant: Maria from A Sweet Start
Hair: Aphrodite Salon
Ceremony Location: Fort Allen Park – Portland Maine