Their Wedding Day: Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Lea & Alex’s wedding at Stone House at Stirling Ridge was such a beautiful and joyful celebration of their love! This day was a long time coming, having had to postpone their wedding and change plans multiple times. But I’ll tell you it was SO worth the wait! Every little perfectly curated detail came together flawlessly! And there were so many memorable moments on this day! Including perhaps the best Father of the Bride toast I’ve heard! 🙂 This day was an absolute joy and I can’t wait to share all the photos! But first…their love story!
Their Love Story
When I asked Lea & Alex to share with me one thing they love about each other, they gave the most thoughtful answers. Lea said, “Choosing just one thing is really hard!! First thing that comes to mind is how much I love the level of patience Alex has with me. I can definitely operate from an anxiety driven place and even when I’m in full panic mode he helps me see the other side and always makes me feel like I have a supportive partner who will conquer whatever issue at hand (even though most aren’t even real people problems) and work through it with me.”
Alex said, “Her support. Growing up I always wanted someone to have my back, a “ride or die” per say. Someone I could trust unconsciously that would enable me to take risks, knowing that there would be a solid floor to fall back on. It’s something I always ‘wanted’, though Lea makes me ‘need’ it. Couldn’t imagine living my life with any other person.”
How They Met
Lea & Alex first met when she was a senior in high school, and he was a freshman in college. As Lea tells it, “One night in October 2010 a few friends and I were planning a night out and one of the boys invited his cousin – Alex. It just so happened that Alex and a few of my friends had known each other from growing up, so he was urged to come out with us that evening! Once I saw him get out of his car I was hooked, I felt so comfortable around him and never had met someone with his energy. Since that day we’ve spoken daily, became “official” November 12, 2010 and stayed together through college (I dormed and he made every effort imaginable to come visit often!).”
Our Proposal
These two were meant to be from the start. And their proposal story is one of the sweetest! Lea tells it best. “Alex was traveling the week prior to our engagement and told me he would reserve a nice dinner for us upon his return. For the entire week prior, my mom was urging me to have girl’s day with her, which I continuously declined because I wanted to spend as much time with Alex when he came back! I ended up being tricked into girl’s day – Alex told me that he thought a friend of his was going to ask him to be a groomsmen in his wedding, so he had to go to a brewery with him! Little did I know, this was all part of the big plan!”
“The day of our engagement, May 19th, I got a manicure with my mom and went to the mall for the entire afternoon. When Alex picked me up to go back to our apartment, he was totally normal, I would’ve never figured a thing! We got back to our apartment, got ready for this surprise dinner, and off we went! While walking in Hoboken, we got to a corner where he asked me to close my eyes and told me he would guide me to our destination.”
“I finally opened my eyes in front of a tucked away gazebo in a park near our apartment. The gazebo was beautifully illuminated with candles and flowers, with a table set in the middle with a few of our favorite things – wine, Chinese food (for me!) and a slice of pizza (for Alex!). He proposed to me there, and surprised me when we got back to our apartment with our family and closest friends. It was a night that I’ll never forget!!” Seriously…how perfect is that!?
To the Newlyweds
Lea & Alex, thank you beyond words for having me be a part of this incredibly special day. Through all the changed plans and postponements it took to get here, it was all worth it! Your wedding day was pure magic! I’m so grateful for you guys and your friendship. Cheers to the start of this next chapter! xoxo
Vendors | Stone House at Stirling Ridge Wedding
2nd Photographer – Rachel Watkinson
Photo Assistant – Ryan Hardin
Reception Venue – Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Ceremony Venue – St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church
Hair Stylist – Sarah Mari Beauty
Makeup Artist – Kelly McGee-Butler Makeup
Florist – Kim Auriemma Designs
DJ – Posh DJs
Videographer – Ambiance Video
Transportation – Moonlight Limo
Bride’s Dress Designer – Aire Barcelona
Dress Boutique – Wedding Atelier NYC
Bride’s Shoes – Kailee P
Rings – Josh Levkoff Jewelry
Bride’s Robe – LeRoseGifts
I Do Crew Robes – CamelliaAndLove
MOH Dress – Azazie
Groom & Best Man/Man of Honor Attire – Hugo Boss
Cake – Rudy’s Pastry Shop
Cake Topper – LeRusticChic
Invitation – Zazzle
Entrance Sign & Seating Chart – This Little Brick House
Signature Drink & Favors Sign – Jillian Claire Artistry
Travel Globe – LetterlyByLorinB
Bourbon Barrel Guest Book – HackinGrain
Table Numbers – White Fox Paper Co.
Card Box – Utopz
Card Box Calligraphy – Little Mug Co.
Favors – irisliewSTUDIO
Champagne Flutes – SunnysSoireeCo
Ring Boxes – VitaminLove
