Essex Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Michael and Ari first met back in 2019 during their freshman year of college. Here, you can see them during their first concert of their college careers.

With COVID-19 coming between the two of them, their love came to life April 27th, 2020 during quarantine. This photo was taken 8/20/2020. They were apart for 5 months before they could see one another for the first time as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Before you know it, two years came and went. Together they traveled to Florida, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Long Island showing each other their childhood dreams and future hopes.

On August 19th, 2023, she finally said yes!

Our Story

Engagement Photos~10.22.23

Photos

Bridesmaids

Throughout our lives, we assume many meaningful roles that shape who we are and how we show up in the world. For me, being Ari’s older sister is not only the role I cherish most, but also the one I’m proudest to hold. As her only sibling, I’ve had the privilege of growing up beside her and watching her become the incredible woman she is today. She’s passionate, kind-hearted, and always willing to go the extra mile for the people she cares about. She’s also the only person in the world I can fight with, cry with, and laugh with all in the same breath, because that’s just the beauty of having a sister. 

Ari deserves nothing but the best, and seeing her find that in Michael has been my greatest joy. Witnessing their relationship take shape has only confirmed what I’ve always hoped for her: that she’d build a life full of love, happiness, and purpose with a partner by her side who's with her through every high and low. I’m so excited to celebrate this next chapter of their lives together with the people they love most, and after a lifetime of sisterhood, it feels pretty special to be gaining a brother, too.

Erin O'Connell

Hi I’m Danielle but yall can call me Dani! I’m 1/2 of the maid of honor duo. I’ve known Ari since kindergarten, but we have not officially become best friends until third grade. It’s an ironic story of how we went from enemies to friends. We’ve grown closer over the years and every moment that we’ve had together is never a dull moment- she’s like a part of my family as I am to hers. She is like another sister! She’s my rock. The Kendall to my James. It makes me so happy to see that she’s found someone that truly loves her for who she truly is. Micheal is very kind hearted and patient LMFAO (don’t kick my ass)! These two are a couple I’ve never seen before. It’s a unique trait to have because they were destined to be together. I wish nothing but the best as I am super happy for Ari and Micheal. I am super stoked to be a part of this awesome journey throughout. Love you both so so much!! I can’t wait for the big day!

Dani Wenzler

I’m Karah, the groom's sister and a bridesmaid to Ari. I met Ari in 2020 when Michael brought her over for the first time. Immediately she fit into our family and stole the heart of my dog, Cooper. Although I’m a little salty that Cooper may love her more than me, I am still incredibly excited to call her my sister. Congratulations Michael and Ari, I love you both so much.

Karah White

I’m Katie, Michael’s sister. I met Ari like a million years ago when she came to my house. She has grown to be one of my top favorite people and trustees. I am so glad to have her officially join our family. I’ve seen Michael grow into his best-self with Ari around, and I’m excited to see them continue their lives together.

Katie White

I first met Ari and Michael when I joined SAI (Sigma Alpha Iota) my junior year of college. Ari is my SAI big and she is the absolute light of my life. We immediately became close and since then, Ari and Michael have been my second family. Ari is the embodiment of what it means to be a beautiful person, through and through. Michael is one of the kindest, most genuine people on this earth who would do absolutely anything should one of his friends need support. My love for Ari and Michael is beyond words, and I am so grateful to have them both in my life. I cannot wait for what the future holds for them; I can only imagine it will be just as bright and radiant as they are.

Mady DeWater

I met Ari and Michael freshmen year of college in 2019. A mutual friend introduced me to Ari and we had a group girls night in the Knowles south lounge. All of us were in the same friend group and I got to know Ari more throughout the pandemic on Group FaceTime calls and Zoom hangouts. This is when I started to see her as a close friend. It wasn’t until after the pandemic that I started hanging out with Michael. We quickly became friends because of our common interests and personalities. In Fall of 2021, we all became closer and were able to hang out in person (finally)! I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to see the start of their relationship, to where it is now. Ari and Michael are both dear friends of mine and I love their relationship so much. They compliment each other so well and they both care and love one another deeply. They’ve both been wonderful friends to me and I’m so grateful to share their special day with them! I’m wishing them a marriage full of joy, patience, love, and a lifetime of happiness!Congratulations, I love you both so much and I can’t wait for the big day! 

Donna Zarrabi

I met both Ari and Michael in college - Ari, specifically, when I joined Sigma Alpha Iota! From the moment we met, Ari was a friendly face and has been such a special and important part of my life ever since. I met Michael around the same time, but got to know him even better when I played for both his and Ari’s recitals at Crane. Ari and Michael are a beautiful couple in every way. Ari is one of the most capable and driven people I’ve ever met, and Michael is equally talented and incredibly thoughtful. It’s been such a joy to watch them grow over the years, and I’m so excited to see them embark on their lives together! I’m honored to be part of their special day and am sending them both all my love!

Ellie Barth

Groomsmen

friends since my Freshman Year of college. Michael and I met by chance, being roommates our first year of college. Needless to say, we hit it off pretty much immediately, sharing similar interests in video games, Dungeons and Dragons, and much more as our relationship furthered. Michael was unlike anyone I had ever met, with a strange mix of an intimidating yet welcoming and fun personality, mixed with an incredibly complex life and a drastically different outlook on life than I had considered at the time. He and I continued throughout college for the next three years, living with each other, staying true to each other, and having each other’s backs no matter what. He’s like a brother to me, and I’m beyond honored to be his best man.
I met Ari through Michael when they started dating. Ari and I were quick friends as we bonded over sheer goffiness and using each other as a verbal punching bag with as many curse words as possible. To put it lightly, there’s never a dull moment when she’s around, and I’m proud to call her my friend.
I give Michael and Ari my absolute best wishes in marriage, and I can’t wait to see what their future has in store for them. They both have an incredibly strong relationship full of understanding for one another, complete care and desire to be with each other, and the strongest connection I’ve seen in a couple. Congratulations on the wedding, you guys are amazing, and I love you both!

Liam Fitzgerald

Hi! My name is Cole Fortier, and I have the great honor of getting to call Ari and Michael my dear friends. I met Ari many many years ago when we were both involved in a theater camp in our area, though we didn't know each other too well at that time. One day, at the end of my senior year in high school, I was sitting on a bench in downtown Port Jefferson when, all of a sudden, Ari walked by. After talking to her for the first time in a while, we both discovered that we had just committed to the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam for college! The coincidence was amazing, and it was then on out that we would form an incredible friendship. Ari is one of the funniest and strongest people I have ever met. She's been there for me and so many other people through the lowest lows and the highest highs, and I'm endlessly grateful to know her. Shortly into our time at Potsdam and after befriending Liam Fitzgerald (another fellow groomsman!) I met Michael White since they were both roommates. I remember meeting Michael and thinking, "Wow, I've never met someone like him before!" I was amazed by his depth of musical knowledge, his love of folk music, his visual art abilities, and his overall vibe. We'd then spend college going on many adventures, talking music, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Once Ari and Michael started dating, I knew a power couple was emerging! I have nothing but love for them, as they have had nothing but love for their friends and family. I wish them years of happiness, health, love, humor, joy, and peace.

Cole Fortier

Hello! I'm Jordon Gyarmathy, friend of Ari and Michael's. I was lucky enough to meet the bride and the groom at The Crane School of Music our Freshman year. I met them both through mutual friends and instantly I felt like something clicked with them. I was drawn to Michael's character, charm, and ability to gather people together. Ari's wit, fortitude, and ability to make others feel welcome drew me to her. Through shared interests in folk music and D&D I was able to get closer to Michael, and through involvement in leadership in Greek Life I was able to get to know Ari much better. I'm glad to have been able to call these outstanding individuals my friends since our first year at school. I am beyond honored to be a groomsman in the bridal party for these two spectacularly marvelous human beings. I wish for their joint future to bring them as much light, love, and comfort as they have brought me over the years, and so much more.

Jordon Gyarmathy

Wedding Party

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There are also plenty of Airbnb options as well! Below are a few hotel options all within 15 minutes of The Essex Club.

Ari & Michael

Ari & Michael

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