The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Welcome Party

Lounsbury House

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour and Reception

The Benjamin

Farewell Breakfast

Our Wedding

Francesca (Frannie) and Maxwell (Mac) met on August 20, 2021. At the time, Frannie was a general medicine nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital. Luckily, Mac had just moved back from Los Angeles to start his ophthalmology residency at Yale. Although they met through Hinge, Mac had a rotation on Frannie’s unit a month later- it was meant to be that they meet! By their third date, Mac knew Frannie was just the kind of person he was looking for. Frannie’s mom observed that Frannie was simply giddy when she came home that night. Over the past four years, they have grown together individually and as a couple. Mac will complete his residency months before their wedding and enter the exciting world of eye surgery and medical technology. Frannie will be halfway through her doctorate program at Columbia, training to become a nurse practitioner. When asked what they love most about each other, Frannie said, I love Mac because he is incredibly inspiring yet humble in heart. It takes a special person to embody both those traits, and that’s why he is perfect for me. Mac responded, Frannie is warm-hearted, caring, creative, driven, and brilliant - wise beyond her years, a rock through challenging times, and impressively modest. I love Frannie because she inspires me, she makes me laugh, and she’s my best friend. Although we'll both be living in New York City by the time of our wedding, we wanted to celebrate our special day in the state where we grew up. If Mac hadn’t chosen to move back to Connecticut for residency, our paths might never have crossed. We’re thrilled to have you join us to celebrate our love. Your presence means the world to us. See you on the dance floor!

our story

Our Story

Photos

Hillary is Mac’s older sister and Frannie’s soon-to-be sister-in-law. She’s a brilliant economist at the Boston Federal Reserve and a loving mother of three (soon to be four!). Arthur, Cora, and Autumn are an absolute joy, and we can’t wait to meet our newest niece this summer. We wanted someone we know and love to officiate our wedding, and Hillary is the perfect person. We are so honored to have her tie the knot for us. 

Hillary Stein

Frannie feels lucky to have Alexandra as her sister every day—and even luckier to have her as Maid of Honor on her wedding day. A few years ago, Frannie was Alex’s Maid of Honor, and now their roles have come full circle. They’ve come a long way since Alex gave Frannie a botched haircut before preschool picture day! Five years older, Alex brings the wisdom and advice of a big sister yet she somehow kept up with the energy of Frannie’s twenty-something friends on the bachelorette weekend. She’s an energetic commercial real estate investor and twin mother to Ava and Madeline. 

Alexandra Merola

Frannie and Lauren’s first photo together is from their very first playdate in kindergarten—they ate baked ziti and played in the sprinkler. That sunny summer day marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship that’s lasted 21 years and counting. Lauren is an incredibly talented dancer—catch her in Death Becomes Her on Broadway!

Lauren Celentano

Frannie and Emily met in high school, where they became close friends through the Sacred Heart Academy musicals. Emily matched Frannie’s wonderfully weird energy and helped make those four years unforgettable. Now, she’s a kind-hearted child life specialist at Children’s National Hospital—and is getting married just a few months before Frannie!


Emily Jansen

Cara and Frannie have shared many stages of life together—from high school to college. Frannie even followed Cara into gynecology oncology at Yale, where they worked side by side as nurses for two years. Cara is now a kind and compassionate oncology nurse at MidState Medical Center. 

Cara Walsh

Not many people can say they’ve known their college roommate since kindergarten—but Frannie and Julia can. Their lives ran in parallel for years, and thankfully, college finally brought them together. They were roommates for three years, living everywhere from Fairfield Beach to Down Under in Australia. Today, Julia is a fabulous operating room nurse at MidState Medical Center.

Julia Mayer

Frannie and Nicole met in nursing school and lived next door to each other on Fairfield Beach during senior year. Nicole’s friendship was one of the best parts of Frannie’s college experience. She now shares her sincere, caring, and hilarious personality with her patients as a pediatric neurology nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital.


Nicole Spinelli 

Kevin and Mac became fast friends after having adjacent lockers at the boathouse at Princeton. They went on to be roommates their junior year. Kevin is a deep thinker with a heart of gold and a gifted way with people. Mac had the honor of being Kevin’s best man and is thrilled to now have Kevin as his best man!

Kevin Putt

Andy is Mac’s brother-in-law, but more brother at this point, as he’s been with Mac’s sister Hillary since Mac was 17 years old! Fun fact – it was Andy that whipped up the garage door to reveal the guests waiting to surprise Mac for his 18th birthday party. Mac has looked up to Andy as a role model and is inspired by the excellent dad he is to Arthur, Cora, and Autumn!

Andy Stein

Matt is Frannie's brother-in-law (husband to Alex Merola). Matt is good natured, easy going, and a one-of-a-kind storyteller which makes him a valuable friend to many. He is a wonderful dad to Mac’s nieces-to-be Ava and Madeline. Mac is lucky to welcome him as a brother-in-law!  

Matt Merola

Ed rowed with Mac at Princeton and was one of the first athletes who welcomed Mac onto the team after he walked on. He’s a brilliant engineer and has made growing an AI robotics startup look easy. Mac is lucky to count Ed as a friend, as he has given Mac countless advice on starting a venture that has guided and inspired Mac’s own journey!

Ed Walker

Isaiah also rowed with Mac at Princeton and has inspired Mac through his hard work, intellect, and dogged pursuit of success, from being captain of the crew team to leading a large company. More importantly, he’s been a great friend. Mac is excited to be moving to NYC, where he’ll get to spend more time with Isaiah, and they can go for some nice runs along the west side!

Isaiah Brown

Jack rowed with Mac at Princeton as well (there’s a theme here). As with his other friends, Jack has inspired Mac with his hard work and professional success but on top of that, Jack could make a rock laugh and livens up any room he’s in. He also is a crazy runner and will be joining Mac and Isaiah on their runs.

Jack Jablonski

Joe and Mac first got to know each other on a trip to China with Jack and Ed after graduating college. Over Joe’s many trips to visit Mac in LA when he was there for medical school, they’ve become close friends. Despite being a hedge fund wonderkid and having the coolest name, Joe is a kind and thoughtful person and Mac is looking forward to spending more time with him after moving to NYC!

Joe Atlas

Drew is one of Mac’s oldest friends. They met at sleepaway camp when Mac was 10 years old and were bunkmates in subsequent years. Then they reconnected again as roommates in LA when Mac was in medical school! Drew has been a trusted and loyal friend for a long time. On top of that he is kind, well-natured, and a brilliant comedian, writer, and creator.

Drew Zwetchkenbaum

Wedding Party

Q + A

Country inn featuring 17 beautiful rooms. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast on the front porch or in the breakfast room. Approximately 0.5 miles (a 10-minute walk) from the Lounsbury House.

West Lane Inn

A historic bed and breakfast offering six guest suites. Approximately 0.1 miles (a 2-minute walk) from the Lounsbury House.

The Fountain Inn

A modern hotel offering accommodations plus complimentary breakfast and fitness center. Approximately 7.5 miles (about a 15-minute drive) from the Lounsbury House.

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury

Suites with fully equipped kitchens. Complimentary breakfast included. Approximately 7.3 miles (about a 15-minute drive) from the Lounsbury House.

Residence Inn Marriott Danbury

A stylish and convenient stay just 7.5 miles (about a 15-minute drive) from the Lounsbury House.

Francesca & Maxwell

Francesca & Maxwell

Q + A

When and where is the wedding?

What should I wear?

Where should I stay?

Is there parking on site?

Tell me more about the welcome party!

Tell me more about the Farewell Brunch!

Will there be an after party?