Rehearsal Dinner

DIBBLES INN

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Meeting people during the pandemic was difficult, at least for some. Like many single people during the pandemic, Lauren and Jacob were on Tinder. In December 2020, Lauren went on Tinder to delete her account. Lauren decided to take one last look at her options before deleting her account. It was during that moment that Lauren came across Jacob’s profile. She sat there for five minutes, contemplating if she wanted to swipe right on him. His biography said, “Let’s adopt a Dalmatian together. Need a date to my sister’s wedding.” With a conflicting biography like that, Lauren kept going back and forth to herself, trying to decide if she wanted to swipe right on him. But something in her mind and heart told Lauren to swipe right and see what happens. Sure enough, Jacob super liked her. Not even five minutes later, Jacob messaged Lauren. Despite him starting their first conversation with “hey gorgeous,” (one of Lauren’s least favorite first messages), something about Jacob felt different, so Lauren decided to keep talking with him. Jacob caught COVID, and spent everyday during his 2 weeks of quarantine talking to Lauren and, in the wise words of Jacob, working hard to “win her over.” Eventually, Lauren agreed to a double date with her friends Sam and Kate. On a chilly Monday evening in January, Lauren and Jacob met in person for the first time at a Carabbas. After the meal was done, Jacob joined Lauren at Target. The rest is history.

All Because They Swiped Right…

Our Story

The First Year

The Second Year

The Third Year

The Fourth Year

The Fifth Year & Final Year Before We Say “I Do”

Photos

Lauren’s sister, best friend, and role model since 1998.

Kim Cornell

One day, Lauren and Kristi started talking to each other at work and they haven’t stopped. Bestie and Forever Nail Date since 2022.

Kristi Marrotta

Lauren and Sarah bonded over their love of ice cream, while sharing a suite during their summer internships in 2018. They’ve been friends ever since. 

Sarah Levesque

Lauren and Lillie were both incoming freshman in the Atmospheric Science Department at Lyndon State College. They first bonded over terrible self checkouts, and now they’ve been friends since 2016. 

Lillie Farrell

Lauren and Jess became friends during their summer internship in 2018. Jess is always there for Lauren in times of need, both personally and professionally. They bonded over tummy problems, MATLAB error codes, and Atmospheric Dynamics.

Jess Langlois

Lauren and Kate became friends while Resident Assistants at Lyndon. They spent almost everyday together, with Kate’s hubby, Sam. Kate convinced Lauren to do a double date with Jacob, and the rest is history. Friends since 2019. 

Kate Raymond

Jacob and “Dolan” have been best friend since the third grade. They also played lacrosse together in high school. “Dolan” played defense. 

Zachary Dolan

Hunter is one of Jacob’s elementary school best friends. They also played lacrosse together in high school. Hunter played attack and defense. 

Hunter Staley

Aaron is Jacob’s co-worker turned friend after many doubles at the powerhouse. They both share an interest in reading and swap books with each other often. 

Aaron Riley

Jacob and Alex have been friends since their early elementary years. Despite Alex moving away to serve in the Air Force, they have stayed in touch. 

Alex Smith

“Haas” and Jacob have been friends since middle school. They played lacrosse together in high school. “Haas” played attack. 

Justin Haas

Andrew is Jacob’s cousin. He is known for showing up to every family event in an Under Armour hoodie. However, he surprisingly agreed to wear a suit for the wedding. 

Andrew DeStefanis

Wedding Party

Q + A

Lauren & Jacob’s Favorite Local Eats

Best Breakfast Spots

• Willie’s Bagel Cafe - 219 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY  • Raspberries Cafe - 1700 North James Street, Rome NY or 4784 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY  • Boulevard Diner - 24 Roosevelt Drive, Whitesboro, NY  • Apple Betty - 5350 Seneca Street, Vernon, NY

Best Burgers

• Rooster’s - 51 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY

Best Subs

• Brooklyn Pickle - 600 State Street, Utica, NY

Favorite Italian Spots

• Georgio’s - 62 Genesee Street, New Hartford, NY  • Chesterfield’s Tavolo - 131 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY  • It’s a Utica Thing - 350 Leland Avenue, Utica, NY  • Carmella’s - 8530 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY

Best Pizza

• Big Jay’s Pizza - 421 North James Street, Rome, NY

Best Steakhouse

• 69 Steakhouse - 409 Oriskany Boulevard, Whitesboro, NY  • TS Steakhouse - 5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY

Best Mexican Food

• El Jarocho - 1305 Floyd Avenue, Rome, NY or at 4648 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY coming Fall 2025  • Arizona Taco - 242 West Dominick Street, Rome, NY

Family Friendly With a Good Variety

• Babe’s at Harbor Point - 80 North Genesee Street, Utica, NY

Places To Stay

We recommend staying at any of the below hotels in Verona, New York. These hotels are conveniently located just off of I-90, and are approximately 10 minutes from the wedding venue. There will be a shuttle available from the reception to the hotels listed below (except to the Inn at Turning Stone and Comfort Inn and Suites) for those in the wedding party, immediate family, or those unable to drive due to high levels of intoxication. Please note: this shuttle is only available towards the end of the reception. It does not bring you to and from your hotel on the day of the wedding. Cars that are left overnight at the venue must be retrieved by noon the next day.

This hotel is located across the street from Turning Stone Resort & Casino. There is a free shuttle to the casino from the hotel.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Verona

This hotel is located next to Turning Stone Resort and Casino. There is a free 24 hour shuttle to the casino, and free breakfast. 

Hampton Inn Verona At Turning Stone

This hotel is located near Turning Stone Resort and Casino. There is a free shuttle to the casino from this hotel. There is free breakfast provided. Note: The shuttle from the reception does not stop at this hotel. 

Comfort Inn & Suites Verona at Turning Stone Resort Casino

Turning Stone has a variety of accommodations that fit every guest’s needs. Listed from most expensive to least expensive - • The Lodge at Turning Stone • The Tower • The Brook • Sandstone Hollow Inn • The Inn at Turning Stone (no shuttle available from the reception to this inn)

Turning Stone Resort & Casino

Food & Lodging

Vernon Downs Casino Hotel

The Stanley Theatre

Home to the Utica Comets (AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils) and Utica City Football Club of the Major Arena Soccer League! 

Lauren & Jacob

Lauren & Jacob

Things to Do

Turning Stone Resort & Casino

Vernon Downs Casino Hotel

The Stanley Theatre

Adirondack Bank Center

Utica Zoo