The Event Center at Blue

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Christina and Mark met at Mansfield University when she was a sophomore and he was a freshman. However, they didn't really start hanging out until the following year. In November 2008, Christina was about to leave for Thanksgiving break when her car refused to start. She knew that Mark was driving the same route as her and would pass her exit on the way back to New Jersey. Christina asked Mark if he'd be kind enough to drive her home and was so grateful when he agreed. They spent the three hour car ride talking and flirting. It was also there that she told Mark that she liked him (Mark had spent the past two months trying to win her over-Christina was just a little flakey and it look a little bit longer than expected!). After Mark dropped her off, they spent the weekend texting each other. Mark picked her up at the end of break to go back to Mansfield and a few weeks later, they "made it official."

How We Started Dating

Originally, Mark and Christina planned on going to Ruth's Chris that evening to celebrate being done with their winter choral concerts and to kick start Christmas break. They were all set on dinner until their friend Mike invited them to Philadelphia that Friday evening. Not knowing that Mark was going to propose, Christina told Mike that they'd "definitely be there". Mark was such a good sport and changed the time they'd go out to late in the afternoon. They had a half day of work that Friday so they were both able to come home early. Christina got home first and was hanging around the apartment until Mark walked in with a beautiful bouquet of flowers "just because" (clue #1).Once Mark and Christina got to the restaurant and ordered, Mark started acting funny. He kept saying that he wasn't feeling that hungry and that his stomach was a little queezy. Christina kept asking if he wanted to wrap his food up and leave but he kept saying no. When it was time for the bill, the waitress came over with two champagne glasses and says "congratulations!" (Mark hadn't proposed yet). Christina asked Mark if he told them that they were celebrating being done with their concerts and he said "yes, they bring champagne out for everything these days" (clue #2). He quickly paid and they left. Mark walked Christina out to the pier which overlooks the New York City skyline and got down on one knee. He asked if she wanted to "make this official" (the line he used when he aSked her to be his girlfriend) and she said yes amidst the many "oh my god's" coming from her mouth. Even with all of the little hints throughout the day, Christina was completely surprised

How He Popped the Question

Our Story

Details

Kyle Shoemaker

Emily Paulin

Katey Jirsa

Caleb Grove

Mike Hogue

Gina Mazzariello

John Madas

Katie Palmatier

Kevin Shoemaker

Meg Test

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

A block of rooms has been set aside for the night of May 29th. Please ask for the "Paulin Shoemaker Wedding" when calling for our group rate, or follow the website address listed here. Your reservation must be made on or before April 29th

Christina & Mark

Christina & Mark

Wedding Party