Story
We met 5 years ago on a website called OKCupid when online dating was started to become more popular, but wasn't yet the only way people date. We have different recollections of the exact percentage, but legend has it we were a "96% match". I was intrigued by his description of his hobbies; things like "jewelry making" and "being a cat dad". Mike sent a short but sweet message complimenting me on the oversized stuffed hippo i was holding in my profile picture, and wishing he could find one for himself (it was a pretty sweet hippo). After chatting back and forth, we decided to meet at a local bar called Birdie's for a drink on February 13th, 2016. It was pretty awkward at first, with Mike sitting in silence for long stretches and me at one point leaning over to place my elbow on a table that wasn't there. Once we both relaxed, he put his arm around me and we both felt an instant comfort and connection. Since I had work early the next morning, Mike made sure we weren't out too late and gave me a ride home. Outside my Bushwick apartment he asked if I would be his valentine for a date the next day and. I said yes. Mike picked me up the following night with a little ninja toy he got from a vending machine as a funny v-day gift, and we went out for an Italian Valentine's dinner. Two weeks later Mike asked me to be his girlfriend, and we have been inseparable ever since!
Tidbits
What was your most memorable date?
There have been many! Fort Tilden is one of our favorite places and we have visited there many times and seen beautiful sunsets at the lookout there. We also laugh about the date when we were the only people in an entire full size movie theater (the movie was pretty bad, but still!). Renting bikes to explore Storm King park upstate is a highlight, and many memories from trips to Cape Cod including a fun day in Provincetown.
What's your favorite activity together?
We love things out in nature, any sort of park or outdoor setting works for us! Other than that we are pretty simple, usually dinner and a movie (with candy+pop corn). And playing with Mookie!
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We don't know yet! May need some suggestions at the wedding.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
We went to Vancouver for a friends' wedding and went on a hike with some of the most beautiful views we've ever seen.
The most spontaneous thing we’ve done
We've snuck into a few concerts, haha.
The dorkiest thing about us is
Depends on who you ask!
Schedule
Registry
Gifts are not required or expected! Your presence on our wedding day is enough <3 For those who would like to send a gift, we've put together a traditional registry as well as a cash registry linked below:
Getting There
Planning your stay
For guests planning on staying overnight, hotels in the area are booking up quickly due to another wedding that weekend, so make reservations as soon as you can!
Getting In
We recommend flying into Newark Liberty international Airport in Newark, NJ! Additional options include Laguardia and JFK Airport. If car service is needed from the airport to your hotel we recommend these options (uber is not really a thing out here!):
Sussex Taxi and Limo Service (reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance)
973-729-7770
Champion Taxi
862-248-1181
DAD's Taxi and Limo
973-579-4807
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newton Sparta
This is where we are having our room block, with a limited number of rooms available at a discounted rate- please call early to make arrangements! Our wedding shuttle will also pick-up and drop-off to this location. It's super convenient at a 5-7 min distance from the venue!
Grand Cascades Lodge, Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ, USA
For those looking for a more upscale stay, this hotel within the nearby Crystal Springs Resort offers spacious rooms with gourmet kitchens, fireplaces and balconies. Amenities include a 7Biosphere Tropical Pool Complex, Reflections Spa, six award-winning golf courses, an 18-hole grass putting course, 4-star restaurant Latour, and 3 indoor/outdoor heated pools. Located about 20 minutes from the Conservatory.
Minerals Hotel
For a slightly more affordable but still upscale stay, Minerals Hotel (Also within the Crystal Springs Resort) offers indoor and outdoor heated pools, Kites Restaurant and the Elements Spa. Located about 20 minutes from the Conservatory.
Residence Inn by Mariott Stanhope
TownPlace Suites Marriott, Dover Rockaway
Courtyard Rockaway Marriott, Mt. Arlington
Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue
Suggested Stay:
Sat, October 16 - Mon, October 18
37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ 07822, USA
SussExpress (Transportation from Airport)
For any guests flying into any NY/NJ area airport that need a ride from the airport to their accommodations (or vice versa), rides can be arranged on this site (must be booked 48 hrs in advance). Includes Newark, Laguardia, JFK, Stewart, Trenton-Mercer,Lehigh Valley and more.
Complimentary Day-Of Shuttle
Oct 17
1:45 PM - 9:00 PM
We will be offering free Same Day Shuttle Service from the Holiday Inn Express to the Conservatory on the day of the wedding, consisting of two back to back 12 passenger vans (we may increase this as needed!) that will arrive together at the Holiday Inn Express at 1:45 on the 17th for pickup of passengers without cars. For those not staying at the Holiday Inn, there are a few recommended options:
Sussex Taxi and Limo Service
973-729-7770
Champion Taxi
862-248-1181
DAD's Taxi and Limo
973-579-4807
*price varies with distance
Things to do in/near Vernon, NJ!
Please reach out to us or our parents with any additional questions!
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
Wedding Party