How did you meet?
Through dating app “Coffee Meets Bagel.”
#WeddingGoals
We knew we wanted a venue that combined elegance with a vintage feel. Other must-haves? An outdoor ceremony, an indoor reception, a spiral staircase, and a piano. It was also important to have an all-in-one experience, from the ceremony to the dance floor, and even an overnight stay. Grand Island Mansion met every expectation and felt truly magical!
How did planning go?
Planning had its ups and downs due to the nature of how complex it can be, but overall, it was an exciting and smooth journey, thanks to our amazing wedding planner, MJ. She was professional, efficient, and reliable, providing valuable recommendations and keeping everything on track. She helped us focus on what truly mattered, reducing stress and handling logistics so we could fully enjoy our big day.
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
The biggest challenge was the unexpected heat; we were worried about our guests getting dehydrated while waiting outside before and during the ceremony. Thankfully, our amazing wedding planner stepped in, ordering fans and ensuring guests stayed indoors with plenty of drinks until it was time. Thanks to her coordination, everything went smoothly, and our guests stayed comfortable and happy!
How would you describe the ceremony?
Our ceremony was heartfelt, elegant, and deeply personal. Surrounded by our closest family and friends, it felt intimate and full of love. What made it truly special was the setting, an outdoor ceremony with a vintage touch, exactly as we had envisioned.
Any memorable moments from your reception?
Giving the opening speech during the reception, I still remember how incredible it was to realize how many close friends had traveled to celebrate with us. During the planning, we hadn’t fully realized how many close friends we had. But witnessing friends from different phases of our lives – college, career, and beyond – gathered in one place, was truly one of the most unforgettable moments for us.
Special Songs
First Dance: “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott
Father/Daughter Dance: “Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
What was the best part of your day?
Ellen: The best part of the day was walking down the aisle and seeing my partner waiting for me–it was such an emotional and unforgettable moment. Seeing all our loved ones gathered to celebrate with us made it even more special.
Victor: The highlight of the day was our first dance. It wasn’t just the final event; it was the culmination of our months of preparation. As we danced, I felt like it was a perfect moment that brought together everything we had worked towards, and it made it incredibly special and memorable.
#VendorRaves
Vivi with La Venus Studio was an incredible wedding photographer! She was professional, passionate, and made us feel like our day was just as important to her. She captured every special moment beautifully and even shared helpful vendor recommendations. On the wedding day, she was supportive, patient, and ensured we looked our best.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food! They loved the diverse selections, from the flavorful reception dishes to the dessert buffet, ice cream bar, and coffee bar. Everyone found something they enjoyed, and the quality and service left a lasting impression.
Advice from the couple:
Stay flexible and enjoy the process!
Focus on what truly matters to you as a couple, and don’t get caught up in every little detail. Having reliable vendors makes a huge difference— they’ll keep things on track, handle logistics, capture memories, and bring your vision to life so you can fully enjoy your big day.
