The First Baptist Church of Freehold

Wedding Day

Wedding

American Hotel

Reception

Dave & Buster's 

After Wedding Celebration!

Please Read Me First!

Welcome to Our Wedding Website!

Hello Family and Friends!

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;We are so thankful that you have come for more information through our wedding website! We hope you enjoyed the Save The Dates (Check out the rest under the "photos"&nbsp;tab!)





&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Please be understanding that we are still working out lots of little details (including the hotel blocks) so please be patient as we work to add those necessary things. We are doing our best to find the best deals on hotels, flights and other information you may need for your travel here. Currently in&nbsp;the&nbsp;works is that we are&nbsp;trying to get a group airfare discount for everyone so flights are more affordable as we know so many of you are coming out of town. Updates for that will be posted under the "Travel/Transportation"&nbsp;tab. Hotel blocks will be listed under the "Accommodations" tab which are under the "Details"&nbsp;main tab.







Please check back frequently (The website is updated on a bare minimum weekly basis but many times, several times a week by Heather) as more information will be added as it is received by us.





Feel free to check out "Our Story" (Just keep scrolling down), "Photos" and other fun or important things posted already. :)







Thanks for your patience as we still add the final details. We look forward to seeing you in December!!&nbsp;







Love,







Michael and Heather





Feel free to reach out to either one of us with questions if needed!&nbsp;:)&nbsp;P.S. All future updates will be listed under the "Updates" tab.&nbsp;

Most people don't know our story because we kept our relationship between a select few of our family and friends. We met online but not on a conventional dating site--&nbsp;Facebook of all places!&nbsp;

We actually met in a Christian Autism Facebook group. A group for those who identify as Christian and also happen to be on the autism spectrum. Michael and I both were diagnosed with&nbsp;autism spectrum disorder as adults, formally known as Asperger's (which is where the self identifying term "Aspie" comes from). And to find some like minded people who thought and felt as we do, we sought some online support groups on Facebook. And while some deem autism as a sad thing or some scary thing, it actually is something we appreciate about each other and love about each other.&nbsp;

It was actually a big part of how we fell in love and connected with each other because we finally met someone who thought like us and dealt with the same struggles. It was like we no longer felt out of place, but understood, like that finally home feeling.&nbsp;

I, Heather, love and am amazed at his intelligence and his unending supply of trivia and facts. I endearingly call him my human encyclopedia. Haha I know if I need information for something, he can fill in the blanks that I don't have. It also leads to lots of fun and fascinating conversations. Even if it loops around to baseball trivia one too many times! 😆😜

I also enjoy our differences. It sure keeps things interesting! A funny story of one of our first "fights" that we still laugh about is the first time I asked him to pick up some butter and cheese on the way home. He comes home with blue bonnet margarine and fake processed cheese product in plastic wrap! I told him this isn't real butter or real cheese! It's gross fake crap! I told him to never bring that crap into our home again. We have real food in this house. After a few weeks he tried to sneak that stuff into our shopping cart and I told him, no way! He said, to save money because it lasts longer. And I said, yeah that's because you're the only one eating it. Haha&nbsp;

While we both pride ourselves for being thrifty and save money (it actually keeps us from having any fights about money because we both have the same mindset as it relates to money), I learned that Michael will cut corners with food to save money. Where I prefer to have real, whole foods, for a bit more and save on other things like clothing or household items. So that was a fun learning curve for us.&nbsp;But I do know that Michael has gained a new appreciation for food since we have been together.&nbsp;And to this day, we only keep REAL butter and cheese in our home. HAHA 😂

Embarrassing stories notwithstanding, meeting this one over here (points to Heather) has brought me a LOT&nbsp;of joy, happiness and a ton of banter at the grocery store. Anyone who has known me before this roller coaster of a ride with her knows how I ran on pop, bacon, tacos and wings (not necessarily in that order) and for the most part has helped me see a lot of things in life that aren't just food related (though she will appreciate Deep Dish once she actually has it).I won't be all mushy about it, but Heather makes me smile each and every day with her wit, smile and not gonna lie, her big heart for pretty much everybody drew me to her no matter how much she spoils our puppy. #DamnMunchkinAre we similar on some things, Yep. Are we polar opposites on others? Yep. Is she a lot more social than I will ever be on even a REALLY good day? Damn Straight. But as my mother-in-law says, there's a pot for every lid, and &nbsp;she fits the mold as if God Himself brought us together (He did, but we can all tell you that later on). Oh, and she really likes my chicken, though anyone in my family can do it better than I can.&nbsp;We hope you enjoyed our story so far. We look forward to the next chapters ahead of us!&nbsp;We are so excited to celebrate our love with you in December!&nbsp;See you then!Love,Michael &&nbsp;Heather (and the furbabies)

Our Story

Other Updates

Please Note The Ceremony & reception Time Change

In a previous update, I&nbsp;mentioned that the ceremony time MAY change. And it DID change. The original time was 11am. But we finalized it at 10:30am to allow enough time for the ceremony and photos.&nbsp; The reception will begin at 12pm so feel free to freshen up after the ceremony.&nbsp;

Flights & Hotel Updates

Flight & Hotel updates

Hello,

Apologies for delays on any updates. I&nbsp;was required to avoid the wedding website due to my registry during my Bridal shower. But now I&nbsp;am back to weekly updates.So I&nbsp;attempted to get a discount code or discount rate for flights for you all,&nbsp;that I&nbsp;kept reading on bridal blogs. Unfortunately most airlines don't do that anymore. Southwest said that in groups of 10 or more can get a discount if they are booked all on the same flight, same time and paid with ONE&nbsp;credit card.&nbsp; So if you want to recruit other friends/family that you know are going to do that, that may be worth doing.





I&nbsp;did hear on the radio this week&nbsp;that September is the best time to book flights because they don't start increasing flight costs until October for the coming holidays. So I&nbsp;strongly encourage everyone to book your flights now.&nbsp;





Michael had to book a flight for my brother's wedding for next month &&nbsp;through Google Flights (which lets you put the dates you are flying & then get notified of lower prices, helps you find what day is cheapest to fly too) got a round trip for $165 + taxes/fees for a total cost of $214. So snatch up those good deals now.&nbsp;





As for hotel blocks, I&nbsp;do know the American Hotel (where the reception is)&nbsp;block is filling fast. It may already be full. I&nbsp;hadn't heard the exact # yet. I am waiting to hear back about that.&nbsp;





&nbsp;I&nbsp;am trying to secure one more block at another hotel this week&nbsp;so look for that. Otherwise I&nbsp;have listed hotels that are nearby &&nbsp;their estimated price ranges (based on checking their sites this month) so those may change the longer you wait.



So check out the Details tab for more information on flights/hotels.





As for transportation here, the church where the ceremony is at, is on the same street as the reception at the hotel by a few blocks. So it is walking distance.We are working on finalizing other details this month. The times listed on the wedding details page are estimates at the moment so those MAY&nbsp;change. I encourage everyone to arrive Friday morning. Thursday is best if you are in the wedding party &&nbsp;are going to be needing to come to the rehearsal &&nbsp;rehearsal dinner Friday. But I&nbsp;understand some can't afford to do that. Just a suggestion so everyone is well rested. :)





Don't hesitate to reach out to me or Michael at anytime between now &&nbsp;then with any questions. More updates to come soon.&nbsp;





-Heather&nbsp;

November Update

The American Hotel where the reception is, has plenty of hotel rooms left. Feel free to snatch them up. Be sure to ask for the Thompson wedding to get the discount!&nbsp;:)&nbsp;If you don't have your flights yet, do try to get those as we only have 37 days left!&nbsp;Woo-hoo!&nbsp;It's going to fly by!&nbsp;haha&nbsp;I was not able to get the other hotel block but there are plenty of nearby hotels in Freehold listed under the accommodations page.&nbsp;

Updates

Our Wedding

Details

Photos

Michael and I met Libby on Facebook. She has been a mutual friend for the course of our relationship. We endearing call her our "marriage counselor" haha as she has been there through the ups and downs helping us navigate things. But she is so much more than just that to us. She is our very close friend, like a big sister to me, and most importantly our sister in Christ. 

We have enjoyed our fellowship with her as she has challenged us, helped us grow and laugh. We love you Libby! 

Elizabeth "Libby" Tomlin

Deanna, who goes by Dee, grew up with Heather. They lived in the same neighborhood for about 5 years. They remained friends on Facebook for years now and kept in touch, seeing each other over the years at different places such as church or grocery shopping. Dee and Heather continue to be good friends even to this day and Heather is so happy that Dee could be apart of our special day! 

Deanna "Dee" Walsh

Lisa&nbsp;&&nbsp;I&nbsp;(Heather),&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;friends&nbsp;for&nbsp;over&nbsp;22&nbsp;years.&nbsp;We&nbsp;met&nbsp;when&nbsp;we&nbsp;were&nbsp;7&nbsp;years&nbsp;old&nbsp;&&nbsp;have&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;in&nbsp;touch&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;years&nbsp;in&nbsp;person&nbsp;&&nbsp;through&nbsp;Facebook.&nbsp;

Lisa Stanziano

Heather&nbsp;has&nbsp;known&nbsp;Ashley&nbsp;since&nbsp;January&nbsp;of&nbsp;2009.&nbsp;They&nbsp;met&nbsp;at&nbsp;Brookdale&nbsp;Community&nbsp;College&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Campus&nbsp;Crusade&nbsp;for&nbsp;Christ&nbsp;college&nbsp;group&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;very&nbsp;good&nbsp;friends&nbsp;ever&nbsp;since.

Ashley Mottley

Alyssa&nbsp;is&nbsp;Heather's&nbsp;sister&nbsp;in&nbsp;law.&nbsp;She&nbsp;is&nbsp;married&nbsp;to&nbsp;her&nbsp;brother&nbsp;Jeffrey.&nbsp;Alyssa&nbsp;&&nbsp;Heather&nbsp;actually&nbsp;met&nbsp;at&nbsp;Girl&nbsp;Scouts&nbsp;when&nbsp;they&nbsp;were&nbsp;kids&nbsp;in&nbsp;middle&nbsp;school.&nbsp;So&nbsp;our&nbsp;families&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;in&nbsp;each&nbsp;other's&nbsp;lives&nbsp;for&nbsp;quite&nbsp;some&nbsp;time&nbsp;now.&nbsp;

Alyssa De'Angelo-Grzankowski

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

More About Us...

Our Likes/Dislikes And Favorite Memories So Far

Here is some more about us...&nbsp;

Michael's Likes/dislikes:&nbsp;



Favorite food: tacos
Least favorite food: greens&nbsp;
Favorite soda/drink: Mountain Dew&nbsp;
Favorite hobby(ies): research, baseball, eating
Favorite childhood memory: my first baseball game, September 1990, when I was 4. My first white sox game.&nbsp;
Favorite memory as an adult: marrying Heather on August 11, 2017
Favorite activity with Heather: watching Lupin the 3rd together.&nbsp;Heather's Likes/Dislikes:&nbsp;Favorite food: NY style pizza&nbsp;
Least favorite food: mushrooms
Favorite Soda/drink: Dewshine
Favorite hobby (ies): singing, writing, and painting
Favorite childhood memory: As a kid being told the noise on the roof was Santa (it was actually a squirrel), then getting to fall asleep in the living room after seeing the gifts under the tree and snuggling with a stuff animal I got that year. We also found a few gifts that "fell out of Santa's sleigh" on the roof that year. Haha That was a fun memory.&nbsp;
Favorite memory as an adult: Meeting Michael and seeing how far we have come together.&nbsp;
Favorite activity with Michael: any of our car rides, especially when Michael gets silly and sings songs to me. Or we have some deep discussion with each other. It's always memorable every ride.

More About Us

This hotel is the location of our reception so it's convenient. Please note that the hotel has a bar/restaurant that is open late so it may be noisy for light sleepers. There are only 10 rooms blocked here. The rate is between $150-200/night depending on room chosen. 

Ask for Joy. Mention that you are booking under the hotel block for the December 15th Thompson Wedding. 

For out of town guests, it is strongly encouraged that you fly into Newark (EWR) airport. As any other airports are quite far away. 

We encourage you to fly in Friday evening as the ceremony is Saturday morning and the reception is an afternoon brunch. You certainly wouldn't want to miss the fun due to travel delays! :)

Newark Liberty International Airport

As of September 9th 2018, rates for December 14-16, 2018 are $100/night.&nbsp;It's a 2 star motel with fairly good reviews at almost 4 stars. Budget friendly.&nbsp;2.2 Miles from the American Hotel.&nbsp;

Freehold Motel

Use Google Flights to help you find the cheapest flight. You put in your departure and arrival airports with your dates and Google Flights will help you find the cheapest day to fly on. Feel free to come a day or two early if you want to see NYC or other fun places nearby (see Things To Do Tab) if that is how you get the best price.&nbsp;

Google Flights

This website lets you put in your airports/dates and compare flights with multiple website (Be prepared for MULTIPLE&nbsp;windows that pop up, one for each website chosen). That can help you get the best deal as well.&nbsp;

49 Flights

As of September 9, 2018, rates are between $90-100 a night. It is budget friendly, almost 4 stars. It is also 2.2 miles from the American Hotel. It is next to the Freehold Motel

Red Roof Inn

We recommend a cheaper alternative to rental cars are getting Ubers or Lyft rides either to &&nbsp;from the airport and/or around town. Everything is fairly close by though.&nbsp;Uber.com or Lyft.com

Uber/Lyft

As of September 9, 2018 rates are about $198/night. It is 2.9 miles from the American Hotel. Four star hotel.&nbsp;

Radisson Hotel 

Travel

Living in the tri -state area there is a lot of fun nearby! One being NYC. From most train stations, it's a short 45 minute ride to Penn Station.&nbsp; Heather's family has many memories going to Broadway shows, dinner in Time Square. And even meeting several celebrities unexpectedly! Who knows what NYC will offer next! **Remember to dress extra&nbsp;warm as it's colder in the city than in NJ in December.**

New York City, NY, USA

Discover the majesty of the Statue of Liberty and the history of Ellis Island on this engaging walking tour. With convenient priority boarding on the ferry, enjoy quick access to the Statue of Liberty and take an informative stroll around these historic sites with your expert guide.
Meet your guide at Castle Clinton, a former fort built for the War of 1812, and board a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. As you cruise to Liberty Island, learn about Lady Liberty's history and inspiring meaning to millions of immigrants. Upon disembarking, stroll around the island and admire a remarkable view of the Big Apple's skyline.
Enter the Pedestal of the Statue and tour the museum to learn about the construction and architecture as well as remarkable stories of the people involved in erecting this symbol of freedom and welcome. After you leave the Pedestal, hop on the ferry to Ellis Island.
Listen to your guide share stories of the more than 12 million immigrants who traveled through Ellis Island, which was busiest between 1892 and 1924. Walk around the historic grounds, explore the Immigration Museum, and, after the guided tour ends, feel free to grab lunch or spend some more time on Ellis Island before heading back to the city on your own.

Heather & Michael

Heather & Michael

Photos