Chrissy + Nick

How did you meet?

We met working Penn State football game weekends at the Tavern Restaurant in State College, PA while we were both students. Nick was just a busser and I was a big-shot server, so the initial meeting may not have involved any sparks. After Nick became a server and started hosting parties at his apartment after work, we became close friends, going to concerts and football games together, and helping each other grab food from our restaurant during work shifts for our dinners. The rest is history following a spring break trip to Florida in 2013, and we’ve been together traveling the United States for Nick’s job together ever since!

When did you know they were the one?

Nick studied abroad in Australia, so I went to visit him for a few weeks pretty early on in our relationship. We were sitting in Sydney Harbour after a lovely dinner on my last night there, and we talked about the trip and how we wanted to continue having this much fun together for a long, long time. I knew from that moment on that a life with Nick would be full of adventure, laughter, love, stability, family, and all the things I was looking for in life and in a partner.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Nick is an optimist (I’m a realist), he has the best sense of humour and always makes me laugh, and he’s loyal. He’ll do anything for his friends and family, and anything for me.

Who proposed and how?

Nick and I were traveling in New Zealand, living out of a van and exploring the country in January 2020. We had a few backpacking trips planned and he decided to propose on the last trek, but about mid-way through our stay in NZ. We had just climbed a massive mountain, almost straight up the side so we were out of breath at the top, but we had an incredible 360 degree view! We were in a very remote location with not a soul around. Nick set up the GoPro for a picture (but ended up filming the whole thing), came over to where I was standing, and got down on one knee. It was so perfectly us!

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

I saw Stevie online and was in love with her for awhile, even before being engaged, but wasn’t sure if that was the style of dress I would prefer on me. I tried on quite a few MWL dresses and loved them all, but immediately felt beautiful and like “me” in the Stevie bone. Heather at the Bridal Parlour ordered the ivory for me to try on as well, so I went back another day and tried it on- I knew it was the one right away! I instantly felt like a bride and loved the lace and low back. I also knew I could dance all night in it, so it was perfect.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Walking down the aisle with my dad toward Nick was an otherworldly experience that I’ll never forget. But I absolutely loved our first dance, which was You’re My Home by Billy Joel. There were some slower parts and a section of the song that picks up, so we had a ton of fun on the dance floor waltzing across the room and spinning around. Our DJ brought flameless fireworks too that went off at the end of the song, which was such a wonderful surprise! After it was over, we both looked at each other and said we’ve never had so much fun.

What advice would you tell other brides?

The day goes by so quickly- stay with your partner through the night and take a few moments to step back and take a mental picture of the day. Also, hire a quality photographer and videographer! The moments they capture will be the only memories you’ll keep through the years, so find vendors you really connect with. Lastly, have fun with the planning and let the professionals do their job! Wedding planning was a breeze because we had such lovely vendors who we trusted to bring our dreams to reality. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your day will be perfect no matter what!

Any standout vendors?

All of them! Our venue, the Cypress House, was a catalyst to every other perfect vendor we found; and they have an in-house florist and designer who are both incredible!! They’re all sisters so they make a lovely team. Ali & Paul Co, our photographers; Alex Nepa from Mint DJ; my made-up artist Ashleigh, and hair stylist Michala from Brickhouse Hair; Torey our day-of coordinator was an all-star; Kairos Creative videographer and Trevor Polly, the second shooter; and Craft Catering with the delicious food.