Lyman Orchards

Wedding Day

Wedding

Lyman Orchards Golf Club

Reception

Our Wedding

Who knows you better than your mom? The answer is no one! Matt and Jen met through their moms, who are friends from work. Barb (Matt's mom) and Jackie (Jen’s mom) always talked about their families and especially their kids. They thought that Jen and Matt would be a good pair. After about a year or so Matt reached out to Jen. Although she didn't respond right away to his date, they ended up going out on Black Friday to The Library Bar & Bistro. The rest is history!

How We Met

In August 2018 Matt and Jen went to Myrtle Beach with the Bonini Family. Matt had previously bought a ring. On the Friday night of vacation Matt asked if Jen wanted to go for a walk on the beach before dinner. After a very windy walk on the beach Matt asked Jen to go stand in the dunes so he could take her picture. Jen protested at first, because the wind had not been a friend to hair. She reluctantly agreed and went to stand in the dunes. Matt posed her for the shot and started to set up his camera. As he took the lens cap off of the camera, Jen could see the words "Marry me?” written on a piece of paper taped to the lens. She immediately started crying and saying yes as she ran over to Matt. Matt had also surprised Jen by inviting her family to South Carolina to join in the celebration. Both families were waiting to celebrate at Paula Deen's Restaurant. Jen was so surprised and they spent the rest of the night celebrating with their families.

The Proposal

Our Story

Details

Chris is Matt’s oldest brother. They both share the same passions in graphic design and photography. 

Chris Bonini

Cassie is Jen's younger sister. The two are inseparable and can complete each other's thoughts and sentences. Cassie is the perfect best friend and partner in crime. Jen has always been able to count on Cassie.&nbsp;The two have been through everything together and always manage to laugh at everything!&nbsp;

Cassie Valentine

John is Matt’s older brother. The two are always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. 

John Bonini

Chris is Jen's youngest sister. Chris&nbsp;is the baby sister that Jen always wished for as a young kid. They bond over their shared love for Harry Potter, Parks and Rec, and food.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris is currently earning her degree in Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and making everyone proud.&nbsp;

Chris Valentine

Christine is so close to Jen's family, that everyone refers to her as another sister. Christine and Jen have known each other for over&nbsp;twenty years.&nbsp;Christine is Jen's role model. They have always bonded over television shows, their love of Kate Spade and pretty much everything else.&nbsp;

Christine Brown

Mark is Matt’s cousin. The two love to discuss baseball, tv shows and movies and are in a great debate to figure out the best ice cream place in the state of Connecticut. 

Mark Esposito

Alyssa and Jen met while taking the PSAT in high school. They soon got jobs working at the same coffeeshop and became best friends. They've stayed friends no matter how many miles they lived apart and always celebrate life together.&nbsp;

Alyssa Cymbal

Matt and Chris have been friends since they were young. They met in Boy Scouts and have been friends ever since. 

Chris Kelly

Michelle is Matt's twin. Jen and Michelle hit it off and became friends right away. They always laugh together and bond over Step Brothers and vacation memories.&nbsp;

Michelle Heintz

Erin is Jen's soon to be sister-in-law, she is married to Matt’s brother Chris. Erin and Jen became friends immediately when they met. They enjoy bonding over their shared careers as teachers. Erin also finds Jen new gluten free foods to enjoy!&nbsp;

Erin Bonini

Ben is Matt’s soon to be brother-in-law. Although he lives out of state, they always have a fun time hanging out together. 

Ben Valentine

Kelly is Jen's soon to be sister-in-law, she is married to Matt’s brother John. Kelly and Jen love to discuss and predict what will happen on The Bachelor. Jen is thankful for Kelly's friendship.&nbsp;

Kelly Bonini

Leo is Matt's oldest nephew. He is John and Kelly's son. Matt and Leo love playing dinosaurs and watching movies together! 

Leo Bonini

Henry is Matt's youngest nephew. He is also John and Kelly's son. Henry is always down for a good time and a good snuggle.&nbsp;

Henry Bonini

Adriana is Matt’s niece, the daughter of Chris and Erin. Adriana and Jen bonded immediately over fun socks the first day the met! They love to swim, hang out, craft and explore together.

Adriana Bonini

Charlotte is like a niece to Jen. She is the daughter of Christine, one of Jen’s bridesmaids. Together, Jen and Charlotte love to be silly, complete puzzles, run around and have a good time. 

Charlotte Brown 

Garrett is the son of Jen's bridesmaid Christine. Garrett is so much fun and always makes Matt and Jen smile.&nbsp;

Garrett Brown

Garrett is the son of Christine, Jen's bridesmaid. Garrett is super sweet and always puts a smile on Matt and Jen's faces.&nbsp;

Claire is Charlotte’s younger sister. She is also Jen’s goddaughter. Claire is so funny and makes everyone smile! Jen and Claire love to explore together and sing Moana. 

Claire Brown 

Kaitlyn is Adriana’s younger sister. Jen and Kait have always had a special bond. They love to watch the sunset together and eat ice cream! 

Kaitlyn Bonini

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Rooms are available to book. We do not have a block associated with the wedding. 

Hilton Garden Inn Wallingford/Meriden

Travel

This is the location of Matt and Jen's first date.

The Library Wine Bar & Bistro

Check out Jen's mom and dad's studio in the middle of town.

Words on Wood, LLC

This is the best ice cream in Wallingford. Make sure to sample a few flavors first. 

Jen & Matt

Jen & Matt

Photos