Wedding Day

The Chapel at Allaire 

Ceremony

American Hotel

Reception

Our Wedding

Forever My Always 

One thought, one swipe, one click, one world.One day I had a thought to put aside my griefs and look for my somebody in what I used to think was a very unconventional way. Oh how I was wrong. I met you online, on bumble, I heard of this app through social media and some friends but never knew it would do so much for me. One swipe, one hope, one moment. I swiped on you in the hopes of getting to hear your life, your story. One hope, waiting to hear from your destined soulmate was agonizing. One moment, to not blow it and make a good impression of myself. The day I met you, the one moment my life began to make sense. The day I met you, Dana Morgan Mendez. Our first few conversations were about breaking the ice, talking about animals, movies, and crazy out of this world ideas about building a theater in our houses to watch horror movies on late nights with a popcorn machine and candy bar in the corner of the room. The words off the tips of our tongues collided and nothing of what we said would make sense to anyone but ourselves. That’s all it ever had to be and it’s all that it would be from then on. We spent that entire night talking as if we met in past lives knowing we both had work early in the morning. We met only a day after Valentine’s Day, and what I would give to rewind the clock a day to ask you to be my valentine. I knew you were special. You had to make sure I was right for you. FaceTiming you for the first time was the most nerve racking thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Once i shook off those jitters I was straight to acting like my weirdo self, doing impressions, cracking jokes, being a dork. Somehow I didn’t drive you away and I knew then this would be great.&nbsp; We had to meet up right away to see if this would work. I suggested through our conversations that you loved books so much why not take you to Barnes and Noble and Starbucks. The way you lit up when I suggested that was priceless, like giving a kid a lollipop. You wore the cutest outfit. You in your fluffy white sweater and cheetah leggings and me in my casual jeans and black jacket. You came out to meet me and I gave you a big hug, you were stunning. We drove off on our day of adventure. We stood in line at Starbucks and I ordered your drink, which had to be the most complicated thing to remember. Venti Cafe latte, with almond milk, with 8 pumps of sugar free vanilla syrup. We browsed the store and I bought you and I a book of which I still haven’t read.. whoops.. still is in my car though. After our day was all over I brought you home and I was head over heels for you. I was so happy you came into my life.&nbsp; We met for our third date which was a biggie because this time you go to meet some of my family. You got to meet Mama, Mom , Martha, Papa, and Bucky. They all adored you from the start. That day after all the delicious food we went to our go to place again, Barnes &amp; Noble. That day I asked the inevitable question, will you be my girlfriend and from then time took off. We ended going so many places together on the next several of months like a few concerts, including Avenged Sevenfold which was my first time in New York, and Yungblud which was my first time at Stone Pony. We went to Atlantic City, Rider for my sister a couple times, I came on your family trip to Wildwood which was amazing. We went to a couple Mets games, we went to Smithville, we went to Seaside, so many times for our Lucky Leos addiction. We went to Rayaki where I got you addicted to their food, played a ton of Top Golf. We also went to broadway for Sweeney Todd and Aladdin, we went to the Harry Potter store and exhibition, and my favorite our first out of state trip to Ocean city Maryland . We also had our sweet homey dates like buildabear, carving pumpkins, Christmas presents, making knot blankets, breakfast dates, making crafts, and when we got our circuit machine we made a ton of shirts. The fact that we crammed a million things into 1 year and plus some makes me realize we have so many years to cram millions of more things into. Especially since the one moment that topped it all was just after our anniversary together I took the steps to ask you to marry me. Which started with sneakily getting permission from your parents and sis, buying a ring, and waiting 5 months for the right time to pop the question In the place where it started it all, Allaire, also where we are planning on getting married. In all this planning, paying, and prepping, I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. I love you Dana Morgan Mendez to be DeMarco.

If You Ask Eddie 

I never thought I would meet the love of my life online, a place I always considered one of the scariest in the world. But after some convincing from friends to give it a try, and a couple months of left and right swipes, I finally swiped right on my forever guy.&nbsp; I remember suggesting our first date be the Starbucks next to my sister’s job, because I knew if things went south that I could dart over to her and be okay. But it was the complete opposite. From the first hug “hello” I knew I didn't have to worry. It didn’t matter anyway because you suggested we go to Barnes and Noble, one of my favorite places in the world, and I just couldn't say no to your sweet face. It also told me that you listened during our conversations prior and I loved that about you.&nbsp; Saying it was easy to talk to you is an understatement. I felt like I had known you for years and our connection only grew stronger from there. After the third date, and meeting half of your family, you had asked me to be your girlfriend. After another trip to Barnes and Noble I might add. I have been the happiest girl ever since.&nbsp; We did so many things our first year of being together. For instance our multiple trips to New York. Whether it be for a concert, a Broadway play or my first professional baseball game. Taking our trip to Mayland together, where we played endless games of mini golf. I also love our smaller moments, like the crafts we do together at home or the long walks in Allaire, without question one of my favorite datesYou have brought me out of my introverted shell, and I discovered things I didn't even know about myself. Like loving anime. You can ask my family and friends, I was not an anime girly. I love that I can be my silly self around you and that you always match my energy. Even when I am in my worst moods, you do anything you can to cheer me up. I cherish every moment we have shared together so far and look forward to making new ones with you everyday. You are my best friend and love of my life. I can not wait to marry you Edward Robert DeMarco.

If You Ask Dana 

Our Story

Photos

Olivia is Dana's younger sister and partner in crime. She would have it no other way than to have her standing by her side on the best day of her life. Believe it or not, they have never had a fight in their lives. 

Fun Fact: Liv's favorite meal of the day is LUNCH

Olivia Mendez

Micheal is Eddie's brother and best friend. There would be nobody more fit in being in his role because Michael is one of the best guys you'll meet. Eddie would have it no other way than to have him by his side on his big day. Fun Fact: Michael is a great artist!

Michael DeMarco

Dana and Toni met while they worked together at the pediatrician and have been best friends since. She will always yell at Dana for not smiling, which always ends up making her smile. Fun Fact: Toni just became a mommy to a beautiful baby boy. 

Toni Ferriero 

Ethan is Eddie's cousin. On the outside he looks like a tough guy, but on the inside he is a big teddy bear and isn’t afraid to show how much he loves everyone (almost as much as he loves his big red truck). Fun fact: Ethan is trying his best to convince the bride to let him wear his cowboy boots to the wedding.

Ethan Whittaker 

Juliet is one of Dana's best friends. They met in CMA school and bonded through Starbucks and their shopping addiction. They have been inseperable since, they even work in the same building. Fun Fact: Charleigh, the bride and groom's flower girl, is Juliet's daughter.

Juliet Gryga 

Ben is another one of Eddie's cousins. Ben is very adventurous, but he is like humpty dumpty. We always have to put him back together again. Fun Fact: Along with his brother Ethan, he loves to go snowbaording and off roading.

Benjamin Whittaker 

Ida is Eddie's sister and has become one of the brides closest friends. They've bonded through their love of Kane Brown since the day Dana walked in with his name on a tee shirt. Ida will be graduating from Rider University this spring. Fun Fact: Ida can sing her heart out! 

Ida DeMarco

Matt, also another one of Eddie's cousins, is a hardworking kid and is always working nose to the grind. When they were kids it was all about going to the movies and  to McDonald’s together. He’s very quiet but has a big heart. Fun Fact: Matt loves video games, and is great at playing them.  

Matthew Whittaker 

Sabrina is one of Dana's cousins. She loves cars and the New York Giants (no matter how many times they lose). Her and the bride have only grown closer as they got older and became adults. Fun Fact: Sabrina is also a newlywed! 

Sabrina Benigno 

Andrew is one of Eddie's best friends and personal travel agent. You can always count on him for advice on a good place to eat! Fun fact: Andrew's favorite sport is soccer and he would do anything to get to a game.

Andrew Niiboye 

Kay Beth is another cosuin of Dana’s, and Sabrina's older sister. She loves animals, especially her cat Kakashi and is always down to party with her family. Along with her sister, her and the bride have grown closer as they got older. Fun Fact: Kay-Beth was a chef in the military.

Kay_Beth Mendez

Kovacte has been friends with Eddie since first grade. Eddie considers him to be his brother from another mother. Fun fact: he is an anime guru, he can tell you anything and everything there is to know about anime. 

Dana & Edward

Dana & Edward

Photos