Rock Island Lake Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail hour

Reception

The dress code is formal, with no white dresses unless you are the bride. Also, no gray suits for men unless otherwise told by Briana or Eric. Please also wear something you’ll be comfortable dancing the night away in! 

Our Wedding

It all started with murder. Well, a murder mystery happy hour that is. On March 24, 2023, Eric and Briana met at a Trybal Gatherings NYC event, having both been invited by a mutual friend. Briana showed up first and sat at the booth, with Eric walking in alone five minutes later. After asking that mutual friend who else had shown up early for the happy hour, she pointed at three tables. The last of which, with her putting undeniable emphasis on it being her favorite people already at the basement bar at Tanner Smith's, being where Briana was sat. Eric walked over, sat down, and they did not leave each other's sides the rest of the night, and inevitably, forever.

This is the exact booth where Eric and Briana met for the first time.

How we fell in love

On our second date at Sojourn Social, Eric shared with Briana his favorite restaurant list and how well organized it was. Instead of giving her the ick, she swooned as someone who loves organization and color-coding. Eric knew he must really like Briana as he finished eating dinner and watched her continue to eat her meal for the next 35 minutes. They also shared how one of their favorite TV shows was Top Chef, with Briana sending Eric an article written by longtime judge Gail Simmons the morning after. Who showed up at Eric's former office a few hours later? Gail Simmons. An early sign of how this was meant to be. What followed over the next year was fun adventures, trips, laughter, and love.

The proposal

Eric started planning the proposal in April 2024, nearly four months before getting down on one knee. He purchased her engagement ring in May, with Briana thinking he has a work happy hour to attend instead the day before a long vacation to Greece began. Eric worked out all the details without Briana knowing a thing, until the morning of the proposal. Apparently, hiding your phone from your partner is a bad idea when they only want to help you with Amazon orders. Briana, instead of thinking Eric was doing something shady, immediately thought the proposal was imminent. She crowdsourced to see if anyone had an inkling it was coming. Little did Briana know, Eric already had spoken with the people she asked, who did not reveal anything. Eric's story was a planned date night on August 16, with Briana getting her hair done just in case she got a brand-new piece of jewelry. Three days before the engagement, Eric scouted out the exact proposal location, with Pier 45 being the romantic and stunning venue. Just after 7 p.m. on that Friday night, Briana's hunch came true, as Eric got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, with an immediate yes.

Our Story

Photos

Briana and Rebecca met in 2022 at an event on the Upper East Side and quickly became best friends through their love of EDM, Sauvignon Blanc, and any trendy restaurant in their neighborhood. Bri and Rebecca have taken trips together to Colorado, Scandinavia, and Argentina, with more to come in the future.  Rebecca is the only person to get an up-close view of the moment Eric and Bri met, sitting across the table from the bride and groom.  

Rebecca Abraham

Eric (and Eric!) were random roommates at Barton House at Towson University during the groom's sophomore year. After bonding over soccer and rock music, the rest was history and the duo have been close friends since August 2011. At Eric H's wedding in November 2018, Eric B served as best man. Nearly eight years, and two kids later, with his elder son Henry serving as the ring bearer, it's time for Eric H to return the favor at Briana and Eric B's wedding.

Eric Heidenreich

Gila and Briana met during Trybal Gatherings camp during the Summer of 2022 and became close friends at events that have followed in the years since. Gila and Briana bonded over having similar interests, personalities, and views on life. Briana and Gila have been on trips to Upstate New York, New Jersey, and Florida together, with Briana and Eric even building a friendship with members of Akselrad family.

Gila Akselrad

DJ and Eric met as Deadspin's two New York-based sports reporters in February 2022, developing a quick friendship that evolved on and off camera. Their legendary sports debate show, Agree to Disagree, spawned several viral clips, although they never got to discuss the Texas Rangers winning the World Series in 2023 or the Washington Commanders rise under Jayden Daniels during the fall of 2024.

DJ Dunson

Bella and Briana met in 2016 on SpareRoom when Briana answered an ad that Bella put out looking for a new roommate. They quickly became friends, instead of occupying the same address, bonding over Italian food and life in their 20s in New York City. They lived together for six years, including a move, before Bella moved in with her soon-to-be husband. Now, the duo is getting married a little more than four months apart.

Isabella Royes

Brandon and Eric met during the fall of 2012 during a Hillel dinner, where being part of the Towson Jewish community meant Eric was scouting perspective members for Alpha Epsilon Pi. Brandon rushed the chapter soon after and pledged during Eric's junior year. The two have maintained their brotherly form in the decade-plus since through both working in sports media and the occasional nauseating conversation about the state of Towson men's basketball.

Brandon Sacks

Rachael and Briana met on Halloween in 2020 and became fast friends. They bonded during the pandemic and were a trusted part of each other's bubbles, laughing at any chance they got in the era of only outdoor dining. The Rohr family welcomed Briana like one of their own children, including bringing Briana on a family trip to Mexico. Now the unleashed duo will both say 'I Do' as 2026 brides. 

Rachael Rohr

Stu and Eric met during Trybal Gatherings camp in 2023, as Stu had moved to New York several months prior from Florida. The two bonded over their love for the Southeastern Conference and in their return to the Berkshires, were cabinmates a week after Eric got engaged in 2024. The two also flew to Madrid together to watch their favorite football teams compete in the NFL's first game in Spain.

Stuart Fisher

Zuza and Briana met as high schoolers in Moscow, Russia bonding in history class. They've stayed close friends over the years, meeting up in Italy, the United Kingdom, and New York City, introducing each other to their partners soon after Eric and Briana moved in together in 2024. Now, Zuza makes the trip to the USA again, this time pulling double duty as a member of Briana's wedding party and as a mother to baby Alkis. 

Zuzanna Rozalska

Brett and Eric met in the fall of 2012 as Brett rushed Alpha Epsilon Pi, becoming brothers before the official initiation. Brett became Eric's little brother in the chapter months later and lived together for a semester in 2013, leading to endless shenanigans. Their friendship has only grown since graduation despite Eric moving all over the country and Brett staying put in Maryland. Brett is now also married and a father to daughter Allie. 

Brett Waghelstein

Jake and Eric met working together at the Odessa American in 2015, where Jake was the staff photographer and assigned to many of the same games that Eric reported on. Jake's outstanding photos appeared next to Eric's byline more than any other photographer throughout the groom's sports reporting career. After many road trips covering the Friday Night Lights, Jake now lives in Washington alongside his beloved dog, Mollie Mae, with Eric witnessing Jake adopting her at the Odessa PetSmart in 2017.  

Jacob Ford

Royal and Eric both moved to Odessa, Texas in September 2015, with both assigned to the sports staff at the Odessa American. Many long nights creating the best small-town sports section in the Lone Star State led to the bond between the scribes that continued long after Royal departed the OA in late 2017. Eric was a groomsman in Royal's wedding to wife Jazmin in 2021 in Lubbock, Texas, with the couple welcoming daughter Maeve in March 2023, the month Eric and Briana met.

Royal McGregor

Corri has the very important job of being Aunt Briana and Uncle Eric's flower girl. She's enjoyed visiting the bride and groom on trips to New York City with her mom, Lauren Finkelstein, and got to show the soon-to-be married couple around her hometown of South Lake Tahoe last Thanksgiving. Corri will also be a contender for the best dancer at the wedding. If you hear 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' at reception, it was no doubt requested by this incredible almost-4-year-old. 

Corrina Kremus

Stepping up to protect the rings at Eric and Briana's wedding is Henry, son of Best Man Eric H. Henry requested to go on the groom's Bachelor Party and was a few years too young to participate, as he will be 5 by the wedding. Henry has gotten to know 'Mister Eric' over the years, with the groom buying his future ring bearer a German soccer jersey at only a few months old. Henry will also take on the role of big brother at the wedding, with younger sibling James also in attendance. 

Henry Heidenreich

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Formal attire is fancier than cocktail attire with floor length dresses recommended but not required for women. No white dresses either are allowed, unless you are the bride.Suits are required for men with ties recommended but optional. No gray suits for men unless expressly told by Briana or Eric.While you won't need to show up in a ballgown or tuxedo, it's not a situation where anything goes, either.WHAT NOT TO WEAR: no leggings, sweatpants, jeans or casual clothing.

Dress Code

Where do I stay during the wedding weekend?

We have a hotel block available, with a link here: <a href="https://bit.ly/FinkelsteinBlum2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/FinkelsteinBlum2026</a> HOTEL BLOCK MUST BE BOOKED BY MARCH 11

Q + A

HOTEL BLOCK MUST BE BOOKED BY MARCH 11. If hotel block is full, other hotels and AirBnBs are available in Mount Arlington, Andover, and Newton (all of which are in New Jersey).&nbsp;

Courtyard by Marriott Rockaway-Mt. Arlington

FLIGHTS Best to fly into Newark airport instead of JFK or LaGuardia to already put you on the New Jersey side of things and not have to cross multiple bodies of water.

FOR THE NIGHT OF THE WEDDING A shuttle from the hotel to the venue will be provided, as well as one back for guests at the end of the reception.

Here are the best travel options to and from Rock Island Lake Club in Sparta, New Jersey 🚗 DrivingFrom NYC / Midtown ManhattanTime: ~1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (depending on traffic)Route: I-80 West toward NJ, exit for Sparta/Sparta Ave or Route 15 North, then follow local roads to Rock Island Lake Club. From Newark Airport (EWR)Time: ~1 hour 15 minutesRoute: I-280 West → US-46 West → I-80 West → local roads to Sparta. From Morristown AreaTime: ~1 hourRoute: I-287 North → local roads to Sparta. Tips for Drivers:Encourage guests to use GPS apps (Google Maps or Waze) at the time of travel — traffic can vary significantly on Fridays and Sunday afternoons. Parking is available on-site at Rock Island Lake Club for guests driving in. From NYC / NJ TransitTrain: NJ Transit from Penn Station to Hampton or Lake Hopatcong Station (on the Montclair-Boonton Line or Morris &amp; Essex Line). If there are service disruptions (which unfortunately are common in this part of NJ), use this feature to best plan your route via train or bus: <a href="https://avenuesinmotion.org/map-it" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Map It Tool | Avenues in Motion</a> Car Service/Shuttle: Arrange a Uber/Lyft, private car, or scheduled shuttle from the train station to Rock Island Lake Club (~15–20 min ride). ✈️ Flying In — Best AirportsIf guests are flying from out of town:1️⃣ Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)Closest major airport.Best option for taxis, shuttles, car services, and NJ Transit access.2️⃣ LaGuardia Airport (LGA)A bit farther, but good domestic connections.Typically requires longer road travel (~2–2.5 hours).3️⃣ JFK International Airport (JFK)Major international gateway.Travel time is longer (~2.5–3 hours by car). Transportation from Airports:Newark Liberty (EWR): Most direct and comfortable ground transport options — NJ Transit + car service, or direct shuttle bus/car service.LGA/JFK: Best with a rented car, private transfer, or shuttle service if coming with a group — not as strong on rail access.

Travel

Here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in and around Sparta, New Jersey for the wedding weekend in April 🌲 Outdoor &amp; Scenic ActivitiesLake Mohawk BoardwalkA beautiful lakeside community centerpiece with scenic walking paths, boutique shops, cafés, and seasonal events — great for a leisurely stroll or casual group outing with photos in the spring. (<a href="https://thesoldcollective.com/neighborhoods/sparta?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thesoldcollective.com</a>) Sparta Glen ParkWide trails, picnic areas, and a hilltop overlook make this a perfect short hike to stretch your legs between wedding festivities or for an early-morning walk with family. (<a href="https://www.mbofnewton.com/newton-city-guide/outdoor-activities-in-sparta-nj/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz of Newton</a>) Allamuchy &amp; Surrounding State ParksNearby Allamuchy Mountain State Park offers acres of trails, forests, and rivers for hiking, biking, or even light nature exploring — ideal for active guests who want to enjoy the region’s spring green. (<a href="https://thesoldcollective.com/neighborhoods/sparta?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thesoldcollective.com</a>) Tomahawk Lake Water Park (Seasonal)If the weather cooperates and you have family or guests with kids, this 200-acre park has mini golf, paddle boats, slides, and more — fun for a casual group outing or rehearsal day activity (weather depending). (<a href="https://www.mbofnewton.com/newton-city-guide/outdoor-activities-in-sparta-nj/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz of Newton</a>) 🍷 Local Spots for Food, Drinks &amp; Gatherings Andre's Lakeside Dining – Highly rated lakeside restaurant with refined American cuisine — wonderful for a rehearsal dinner or dinner with a view. Krogh's Restaurant &amp; Brew Pub – Classic local pub and microbrewery with a long community history — great for low-key welcome drinks or laid-back dinners. Burger &amp; Butcher – Local go-to for burgers and comfort eats if you want a casual group lunch or dinner. INDUSTRY Kitchen + Bar – Stylish spot for a relaxed meal or drinks with your wedding party. Sparta Mediterranean Cuisine &amp; Pizza – Excellent mid-range option with Mediterranean fare if you’re looking for something different. Sparta Annex Bakery &amp; Kitchen – Charming bakery perfect for brunch, coffee with visiting family, or a sweet stop after a morning walk. La Vita Italian Specialties – Great local deli / Italian spot if you need a quick, authentic bite. Burger And Butcher and Maliwans Thai Kitchen and Casa Mia give additional casual choices for guests who want variety. Cloveberry is a locally owned coffee shop that Eric and Briana visited when signing their marriage license. Insanely good and ask about their Blueberry Cheesecake Croissants. 🎉 Local Entertainment &amp; Activities Sparta Avenue StageLive performances, music, comedy, and variety shows — a fun option for a night out either before or after your wedding weekend. (<a href="https://thesoldcollective.com/blog/top-6-sparta-nj-things-to-do?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thesoldcollective.com</a>) Sparta LanesIf your group wants a playful evening (bowling + food + drinks), this local bowling alley is a fun choice for a welcome activity or casual hangout night. (<a href="https://thesoldcollective.com/blog/top-6-sparta-nj-things-to-do?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thesoldcollective.com</a>) Sparta Farmers MarketIf your wedding weekend falls on a market day, this is a great way for guests to explore fresh local produce and artisan goods while supporting the community vibe. (<a href="https://www.hotels4teams.com/venues/cruiser-club-sparta-nj-07871-1209/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotels4Teams</a>) 🛍️ Nearby Day Trips &amp; Explorations Lake HopatcongJust a short drive from Sparta, this large lake is ideal for boating, kayaking, and waterfront views — lovely for a post-wedding brunch cruise or afternoon wander. (<a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/hopatcong-sparta/perfect-destination-history-buffs-hopatcong-sparta-area?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Patch</a>) Sussex/High Point AreaFor guests who want more rugged scenery, consider a trip to High Point State Park or Sussex County hiking trails for panoramic views and spring wildflowers. (<a href="https://koa.com/find-a-koa/us/northeast/nj/sparta/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KOA</a>) 🍷 Wineries &amp; BreweriesThe region around Sparta and Sussex County has local wineries, breweries, and tasting rooms — (<a href="https://www.hollymelody.com/blog/usa/new-jersey/sparta-nj-interesting-facts-famous-things-history-information-what-is-spa?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HollyMelody</a>) 🗓️ Seasonal &amp; April-Specific TipsApril is a lovely time for outdoor strolls and brunch by the lake, though it can still be cool early in the month.Many outdoor attractions and seasonal parks begin to open up more fully in spring.

Briana & Eric

Briana & Eric

Registry