Their Wedding Day: Belhurst Castle Wedding, Geneva, NY
Kristie & Justin’s Belhurst Castle wedding was basically a FAIRYTALE! Their wedding took place at the most beautiful venue in the Finger Lakes region of NY, the setting was perfect for such an amazing day! There were so many special and memorable moments throughout their wedding day! Some of my favorites were the beautiful ceremony that was expertly officiated by one of Kristie & Justin’s close friends, their sweet first dance, and of course the grand finale of the night – a firework display out of the lake!!! Kristie and Justin watched and danced together beneath the fireworks on the dock, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! I can’t wait to share all these photos, but first, let me tell you about their love story!
Their Love Story
Kristie & Justin are one of those couples who you can tell are just meant for each other. They’re a perfect match for each other, and have the sweetest story of how they met. Kristie tells it best, “I’m originally from Western NY (Rochester), and we met while he was visiting his grandma there over the holidays. When I learned that he lived in New Jersey, I immediately thought “no way!”, but he won me over so quickly with his witty sense of humor and ability to make me smile on the worst of days. While we were dating long distance we sat on skype, both with guitars in hand; he’d help me improve my picking and I’d sing songs for him.”
“It was a huge leap of faith, but I moved to New Jersey to be with him after dating long-distance for 6 months, and I’m so happy I did. Since then we’ve lived together and become best friends and partners in everything.”
The Proposal
Even though Justin’s proposal plans didn’t go as initially planned, it sounds like it was absolutely perfect. In Kristie’s words, she told me, “We were on a family vacation in a beautiful place – Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. We went with his family, but stayed 4 days after everyone else left. On the family’s last day there, I wasn’t feeling well and ended up sleeping in our hotel room the whole day. He tried to wake me a few times but I resisted until I had to get up and get ready for family dinner.”
“I put on my prettiest dress, and I was rushing around like a crazy lady (whose hair does not tolerate the DR humidity well), and we were almost late. We were about to leave our room when he suddenly just got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes right away and clung to him. I was so caught off guard by the proposal happening amidst my rushing around. He said he had another plan, but wanted to propose before his family left and ran out time to wait!”
“He proposed to me with his mother’s engagement ring. His mother passed away when he was in his early 20’s and he was very close with her, and it was really important that he share this moment with his father and brother that night. After dinner, we met with the family and announced our engagement to his father, his grandma, his brother Jeff and Jeff’s girlfriend. They reacted in such a loving, welcoming way, and it was a special emotional moment for all of us. Then we opened the champagne! Yay!”
To The Newlyweds
Kristie and Justin, congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you two and so honored to have been a part of such an incredible day! I adore you guys and am so grateful for you! Cheers to the start of this next chapter! enjoy every minute of newlywed bliss! Sending you guys a huge hug and all my love! xoxo
Vendors:
2nd Photographer – Ryan Hardin
Photo Assistant – Alexandra Piotrowski
Venue – Belhurst Castle
Hair & Makeup Artist – Special Occasion Hair Design & Makeup
Florist – Arnold’s Flower Shop
DJ – DJ Gemini Sound
Invitation Suite & Paper Goods – Minted
Dress Designer – Allure Bridals
Dress Boutique – Castle Couture
Bride’s Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Earrings – Nadri
Hair Piece – Twigs & Honey
Perfume – Chloe
Cake – Cake Baby Cake
Bridesmaid Dresses – Birdy Grey
Groomsmen Attire – Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Gifts – LeRose
