Forever in Love: Chic Cozy Wedding in New York

Nicole’s and Francis’ love story started in college and still remains youthful even after the days in the classroom are long gone.

It was the small things that pulled Nicole and Francis’ cozy romance together. From the innocent dates to local restaurants, and sweet charm Francis used to woo Nicole in, their love grew strong for one another. It’s the simple moments that allow for love to truly be at its best and these two know more than anything, that love does not have to be too grand.

Read all about Nicole & Francis’ love story, proposal, and experiences in their chic wedding in Smithtown, NY officiated by our Coterie Member MARRIED by REV ROXY.

Bride & Groom: Nicole & Francis Wedding Date: July 5, 2018 Location: Watermill Caterers, Smithtown, NY

How did you meet? Francis and I met during college at Stony Brook University in 2005. We both worked at the same place (my first job on campus). He saw me and decided to come and talk to me and I shot him down. He was persistent so we kept talking, and it evolved from there. For our first date, I invited him to an art gallery in Soho downtown during Spring Break in March 2005. We walked and talked around the city downtown the whole day, window shopped and then we had a cheap, yet cute dinner at Wendy’s!

Tell us about the proposal. Our engagement occurred while on vacation in Houston, TX on July 15th, 2016 at Discovery Green Park. Francis planned an elaborate proposal. Prior to our trip, he arranged for a Houston-based photographer to pose as a street photographer and ask us if we wanted to have our picture taken. Then the photographer gave him a signal and started to record a video of our interaction and then he proposed. For the rest of the evening, the photographer followed us around and took engagement photos of us while walking through the city. And once that was done, he took me to dinner where I was in shock for the rest of the night.

What is one of the best memories of your relationship? When Francis began courting me, he invited me to a poetry night event called, “Kold Nights”, held by his fraternity. They would hand out roses to the women in attendance and Francis made sure that a few roses were set aside for me prior to the start of the event and gave them to me when I arrived, which I thought was very sweet.

How did you know each other was the one? When we realized that we have the same goals and aspirations for our future.

Were there any cultural aspects added to their wedding?
The DJ/Entertainment played music from both our backgrounds (Jamaica and Haiti) and gave out flags as souvenirs for the guest

Best wedding day memory: Our first look at each other!

Favorite menu item: Chateaubriand

Wedding party gifts: Bridal Party: Customized robes, customized water bottles, chic, customized tote bags, and ballet flats. Groomsmen: Customized mugs with their faces on them and engraved travel kits with their initials on them.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? There’s so much! Remain calm under stress. If you have to, share the responsibilities with your spouse. Give them tasks they perform well with and have each partner stick to their strengths.
Budget accordingly and don’t be afraid to DIY if needed! You can get plenty of ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, and other related sites/apps to make it your own. Research all venues and services to make sure its the best fit for your theme and personality, just don’t be afraid to negotiate. Also if needed, use a wedding planning app or hire a planner to stay organized. Lastly, get married on a weekday no one will remember!