The Pavilion on Crystal Lake

Ceremony

Reception

After Party ~ CT River Lounge

Our Wedding

Where Our Story Began

We officially met one another at eleven years old. We had some of the same classes in 6th grade and “dated” for one day in 7th grade.&nbsp; We became friends which carried into high school.&nbsp; We truly connected in our Earth Science and P.E class in 2010.&nbsp; We sat next to each other and became each other’s lab partners, rode bikes together during gym, and shortly after that we began “talking” to one another.&nbsp; It wasn’t until the Berlin vs. New Britain Thanksgiving Football game, Wednesday November 24, 2010, that we began dating officially.&nbsp; All four years of high school were spent by each other’s side.&nbsp; These years were filled with countless hours of sporting events. Volleyball, basketball, and baseball games, we were always each other's biggest fans.&nbsp; We enjoyed going to Friday night football games with friends and just hanging out with one another.&nbsp; We were junior and senior prom dates and graduated high school together.&nbsp; We then both decided to go to the same college, Eastern Connecticut State University.

At Eastern our freshman year, we lived in the exact same residence hall, one room away from each other.&nbsp;You could say that we couldn’t get enough of one another! At the end of our sophomore year, Greg decided to transfer to UConn for the remainder of his college years.&nbsp;Luckily, UConn and ECSU are only 15 minutes apart, so in any spare time we saw one another.&nbsp;But like many couples do in college, we separated halfway through our junior year.&nbsp;That didn’t last long.&nbsp;After a month of not speaking to one another, things just didn’t feel right and Greg gave in on Thursday night right before heading out to the Sports Bar.&nbsp;We began “talking again” and Greg planned a special date for us to finally see each other again.&nbsp;A few weeks later, standing outside of High Rise Hall at Eastern, we hugged for what seemed like forever and our hearts just raced.&nbsp;Afterwards, we went to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, went out for an Italian dinner and stayed in a hotel together just catching up all night long.&nbsp;Things were picked up right where they were left off.&nbsp;The remainder of our college years were spent on dinner dates in Willimantic at Willibrew and Bidwell Tavern, and in Storrs at Moe's and Blaze Pizza.&nbsp;A lot of our time was spent at the get togethers and parties that were thrown at the Mansfield house. Even though we attended separate colleges for the majority of our college years, a lot of the memories we made there were with each other.

2018 and the beginning of 2019 were big for both of us.&nbsp; We graduated from college and secured our first jobs.&nbsp; But… we were still living at home in Berlin with our parents.&nbsp; Not exactly what we wanted after living on our own the past four years.&nbsp; We were able to figure out a perfect plan.&nbsp; On February 15th, 2020, Presidents’ Day weekend, with the help of our families, we finally moved in together in our condo in Cromwell.&nbsp; We couldn’t wait to make this place our own.&nbsp; This was just in time before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.&nbsp; Quarantine brought us closer together and if we could survive the amount of time we spent together without wanting to kill each other, then we know we could get through absolutely anything.&nbsp; Even though quarantine brought us closer together, something was still missing.&nbsp; Growing up, we each had pet cats and decided that we needed to get one of our own.&nbsp; On Saturday, December 19, 2020, we rescued our kitten Maya from Animal Friends of Connecticut.&nbsp; She has provided us with so much happiness and entertainment.&nbsp; It was the best decision we have ever made and we love our little family.&nbsp; It finally hit the one year mark of living together, when Greg began thinking about proposing.

The Proposal

Greg: Alicia had given me an idea of what she wanted for a potential ring and I always kept that in mind.&nbsp;In February 2021, I went to the same jeweler that Trafford used for Alicia’s older sister Amanda.&nbsp;She was our middle school keyboarding teacher.&nbsp;Cindy and I chatted on the phone and then I sent her a picture of exactly what I wanted to get Alicia for a ring.&nbsp;After I sent the picture, I asked her if she needed Alicia’s Pinterest board full of ideas and she said “Nope! I got it!”.&nbsp;A few weeks later she sent me a picture of the diamond and I said “let’s do this!”. Cindy took care of the rest.&nbsp;At the beginning of April, I went and got permission from Alicia’s parents. Both of those conversations I had with them are ones that I will never forget.&nbsp;&nbsp; Shortly after getting permission, I needed to plan the date of the proposal. I was thinking of doing April 24th but there was already a birthday party that day. I decided on the 17th, the week before that, but Alicia’s sister Amanda was away for the weekend and wasn’t going to be around. Which just was't an option if you know how close the Maule girls are. But then Amanda said, “can you do it the next day? The 18th?” and I said “sure!” This gave me enough time to plan the remaining parts of this special day. I decided to plan a hike with our two very close friends Kelly and Luc the morning of the proposal because Alicia wouldn’t suspect anything on a hike in the middle of April. I wanted to go to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. I’ve done this hike before as a kid and knew what to expect. I hadn’t done the hike recently but decided just to go for it! I knew I would be able to find the perfect spot as soon as I saw it.&nbsp;&nbsp; The day before the proposal was when I picked up the ring from Cindy. Alicia was out running some errands so this was the perfect time to run and grab it. Luckily she lives only 2 minutes away from us. I didn’t want the ring in the house for more than one night. That night we went out with friends and my guy friends knew what was happening the next day but the girls did not. I was very surprised that nobody slipped and told Alicia. One of my good friends Tony said “see you tomorrow!” as we were leaving that night and I looked at him with disbelief but luckily Alicia did not hear it and had no clue what was about to happen the next morning. Alicia: The first thing that I thought about when I woke up that morning was that I had to make a frozen peanut butter pie before going on a hike at Sleeping Giant with Kelly and Luc. I looked over at Greg that morning and told him I had to get up and make the peanut butter pie.&nbsp;The pie was for a family dinner that was happening later that evening. He reassured me that we would get back home from the hike in time for me to make the pie and for it to freeze before the crew came over for dinner. I made my normal breakfast that morning, some wheat toast with peanut butter, and couldn’t wait to go on the hike because it was such a beautiful morning. I noticed that Greg kept running up and down the stairs like he had forgotten multiple things upstairs. He forgot his water bottle so I brought it down for him but he still kept going back up for more. I thought nothing of it. We were ready to go and hopped in my car and headed over to Kelly’s house to carpool with them.&nbsp;&nbsp; We got to Kelly‘s house in Berlin and decided to get in her car to head down to Hamden. Luc had his backpack strapped on his back and I expected nothing less. We talked the entire car ride, just catching up and enjoying each other’s company like always. We finally got to Sleeping Giant around 10 o’clock and the parking lot was pretty busy being there before noon. I was nervous the trail up was going to be a little crowded. We started up the trail and it was about 30 minutes up to the top. We got to the very top of Sleeping Giant and there was a castle at the very top that you could go in to look at the view. The castle was pretty busy with people so we decided to look for another spot to look out at the view. We found the perfect spot but two girls were sitting on the rock. We continued to look for another spot but the other one seemed to be the one we wanted. We came back to it 5 minutes later and the two girls were gone. I ran over to the rock so excited to see the view and take some pictures, like I always do.&nbsp; On the walk up, Kelly told me that she wanted a specific picture with Luc and I told her that I could absolutely do that for her. So they went first for a picture. Then Kelly and I decided to take a few pictures together. Then Greg asked me if we wanted to take one together and I said sure! I could never refuse a picture opportunity. Greg and I got on the rock and took a few normal pictures and then we decided to turn around to look at the view for a couple pictures. As we were taking these I noticed that Greg’s heart was beating incredibly fast and I didn’t know why. He hates heights so I figured that he was just nervous being up that high. But that wasn’t the reason why. As we were looking out at the view for a picture, Greg released his arm from being around me and got down on one knee. I turned towards him and couldn’t believe my eyes. He began speaking and in this moment my jaw suddenly dropped. Listening to him speak and then asking me “will you marry me?”, I dropped my hands to my knees and bent my head over in utter shock. I couldn’t believe this was happening. It was the easiest answer to any question I have been asked. All I could say was “yes!” and immediately gave him the biggest hug. As Greg was putting the ring on my finger, my jaw suddenly dropped yet again. About 50 pictures later, Kelly continued to take more photos of us as a newly engaged couple. Luc unzipped his backpack and whipped out a bottle of champagne and four glasses.&nbsp;We drank the entire bottle before making our way back down to the car.&nbsp;&nbsp; On our walk back down to the parking lot, I began making phone calls to family. Nobody was answering and I didn’t know why! I was too excited to think anything of it. We made it to the car and drove home. On the car ride home, Greg and I began to brainstorm when we could see everyone to show them the ring and celebrate. We finally made it home to the condo and I opened the door.&nbsp;The door creaked open, Maya scurried in front of it and the tears just began to run down my face. My entire family and Greg’s family were standing there in the dining room waiting for us to celebrate. This day was full of surprises. The rest of the afternoon was filled with going to Hops on the Hill and having all of our closest friends be there to share the celebration with us. The night was topped off with a cookout at my sisters house. This was most certainly the best day of my life.

Today

Since the proposal, our love has grown stronger and we have become closer through surviving the global pandemic, caring for our adorable cats Maya & Haze, and planning our wedding.  We’ve adjusted to life as an engaged couple and through it all, we couldn’t be happier.  We are so excited and cannot wait for July 22nd!

Our Story

Joe is my younger brother.  We fought a lot growing up, we were always super competitive with one another but as we became adults we got much closer and put the rivalry aside (not completely).  Joe can make me laugh harder than anyone that I know.  Our brotherhood is stronger than it’s ever been. There was no doubt in my mind who the best man would be in my wedding.  

Joe Konowski 

I am so very lucky to have an older sister and best friend all in one.  Growing up together, with her by my side, in the same exact outfits nonetheless, is something that I will always cherish.  She has had a major impact on the person I am today.  She brings out my crazy, giggly side and there is simply never a dull moment when we are together.  She has been and always will be my number one fan.  I love her the most and I am so fortunate to have someone like her as my sister, MOH, colleague, and best friend. 

Amanda Underwood

Shout out to the Maule sisters for bringing such a great person into my life; we have become fast friends.  Trafford has introduced me to the finer side of drinking beers.  I probably have tried over a hundred different IPA’s because of him.  We have always shared a bond over sports, especially golf and football.  I’m excited to have Trafford as a part of our big day.  I’m looking forward to the day where we turn our friendship into family.  

Trafford Underwood

I cannot thank our siblings enough for bringing Abbie into my life.  Even though we have met prior, we have been best friends since the Fall of 2011. Since the high school years filled with volleyball and basketball, we have made countless memories that I will never forget.  Through the good and tougher times, we have always been there for one another.  Even though she now lives in Oregon, whenever we are back together, we always pick things up right where we left off.  She’s not just my best friend, but I’m lucky enough to call her family. 

Abbie Underwood

Our friendship started in McGee Middle School.  We were most likely running around the streets of East Berlin after school or playing football at Hubbard.  We went to all of high school and part of college together where he was my roommate for 2 years at UConn.  College was filled with some wild nights together at the Estate in Mansfield, Connecticut.  Anthony is one of the most genuine friends I have and is someone that I can always count on to talk to.

Anthony Duong

It is crazy to think about how we lived in the same town, went to the exact same high school but did not become friends until our freshman year at ECSU.  I am so thankful that Eastern brought us together because life would not be the same without her in it! Caroline is someone that makes my life much more fun and entertaining just by being in it.  Our friendship is indescribable and I know that she will always have my back no matter what. 

Caroline Scarrozzo

Dave and I became best friends in the third grade in Mrs. Wendehack’s class at Willard Elementary School. Dave was our third brother growing up when he would stay at my house for weeks on end in the summer.  Even my mom’s have always considered him as the third son.  We played little league, middle school, and high school baseball together. (I hit a home run off of him in little league, no big deal). Even though we went to separate colleges, we remained close and I still consider him as my best friend to this day. 

Dave Condon

I have known Kelly ever since we played travel soccer together as kids.  Ever since then, I knew that she was such a special person.  We became friends in high school in our AP Psychology class but also through our fiance’s and the Berlin Homies.  I am forever thankful that they brought her and I closer together.  Our friendship has grown tremendously throughout high school, college and ever since then and I am so lucky to have such a kind and genuine person as my best friend. 

Kelly Cohen

Dante has been one of my best friends since the first grade at Willard Elementary School.  We grew up playing little league together and twelve year old Allstars with Mr. Vasi as the head coach.  We also played travel baseball together for the Dirt Dogs, which is the best team I have ever been a part of.  We can still remember stories from those years and laugh at them to this day.  We went on to attend UConn together for two years, where he was also a roommate at the Estate.  I’ll never forget holding down the bar at Nickel Night with him by side.  He’s one of the funniest people that I know and someone that has always been an amazing friend to me.

Dante Vasi

I am forever thankful that Eastern has brought Kelly into my life.  I met her my sophomore year at ECSU and we’ve been best friends ever since.  She is someone that just gets me and there is never a dull moment when we are together.  She is someone that can make me laugh at the slightest thing.  She brings out my silly side and I enjoy every moment I am with her.  Kelly and I share a love for our cats and teaching little humans.  No matter what, I know that Kelly and I will always be there for one another. 

Kelly Cassada

I met Dan in the first grade at Willard Elementary School (I am sensing a theme here).  I remember riding bikes with Joe down to his neighborhood where we would always find some trouble to get into.  We grew up through sports together and played high school baseball together for four years.  We created so many memories on that team that Dan and I continue to laugh about. I’ll never forget the times that I went up to Bryant to visit Dan, especially Alumni weekend and hitting up Rentes.  Dan and I’s friendship has grown stronger as we’ve gotten older and he is someone I’ve always pictured being by my side on my wedding day. 

Dan McLeod

One of the absolute best things to come from my Eastern years was my friendship with Sara.  Sara and I met at the California Pizza Kitchen before our freshman year of college to see if living together was the “right fit”.  Well sure enough it was.  We lived together all four years at ECSU and it was the best thing that has ever happened to me because I have gained a friendship with her and memories that I will always cherish forever.   Just like we would in college at Sports Bar or even just in our living room, I cannot wait to dance the night away at my wedding with my best friend. 

Sara Abriola

Evan is one of my many first cousins that I have known my entire life.  Evan, Joe and I were inseparable growing up and were at each other's houses seemingly every weekend.  From going camping at Rocky Neck every summer to hanging out while our parents worked on Nana and Papa’s addition to their house, we were always creating some sort of memory.  As we’ve grown older, we still remained close and have bonded over our love and hate for golf.  Evan is family and family is very important to me and it just made perfect sense to have him as a groomsman on our wedding day. 

Evan Dell

My friendship with Kaley was also one of the best things to come from my time at Eastern.  She moved into my dorm room halfway through our freshman year at ECSU and she made such a memorable impact on my overall college experience.  We shared a love of snuggling up and watching some of our favorite TV shows (especially Grey's Anatomy) for hours on end.  Kaley is one of the strongest and most outgoing people that I have ever met.  She became my suitemate, roommate, bunkmate, housemate, and most importantly a forever friend that I cannot picture life without.  

Kaley Kennedy

Wedding Party

Photos

Maule/Konowski Wedding Room BlockStart Date: Thursday, July 21, 2022End Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022Last Day to Book: 6/21/22 by 3 pm. Please call (860) 613-0710 or use the link below to book within the Maule-Konowski Wedding Room Block. Rooms will be $119 per night for a King Suite &amp; $124 per night for Double Queen Suite.

Alicia & Greg

Alicia & Greg

Photos