Desmond's Restaurant & Pub

Rehearsal Dinner

The Vineyard at East Wind Long Island

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you all so much for attending our wedding! It was a truly magical night, and we're so happy to have shared in it with you &lt;3-----If you forgot your card in your car, or are looking to send us anything after the fact, please email us at <a href="mailto:handycooperwedding@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">handycooperwedding@gmail.com</a> or text/DM Lauren or Matt to get our mailing address!-----Keep an eye out on social media and our photos tab within the next couple of months for wedding photos!

Need to contact us?

Email us at <a href="mailto:handycooperwedding@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">handycooperwedding@gmail.com</a>!

Our Wedding

We're the two greatest goofballs the world has ever seen, and we're hitching ourselves to each other for life! Our story is one that the dating service companies DREAM of touting. We matched on OkCupid in June of 2018, and we had our first date at the Miller's Ale House in Levittown. We made it official just a week later, and moved in together within the year! ----------We got engaged at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens in April 2021, in the peak of cherry blossom season. To this date, it's the greatest deception Matt has ever pulled! His words to her: "I love you with all of my heart and soul, with every fiber of my being, and now, I want it to be until the end of time. Lauren Michelle Handy, will you marry me?" Her response: "Of course I will, yes!!!"----------We've been together for over 4 years now, and we can't wait to call each other husband and wife! It already feels that way to us, but now it'll be EXTRA official!

Our Story

-- Page Contents --

All Wear | Masculine Wear | Feminine Wear

General Guidelines

Our dress code intent is the formal black-tie-optional area, but no tuxedos. Guests are expected to adhere to the provided dress code.These guidelines should help inform your attire decisions.

-- All Wear --

Do's:* We encourage guests to wear colors and express themselves (it's boring otherwise!). Feel free to experiment with designs and accessories.* Use your discretion to avoid overshadowing the bride and groom (though we promise it'll be hard to). Dont's: * No white/ivory/etc. dresses, suit jackets, or pants. (White dress shirts are completely acceptable!)* White wear with significant patterns (i.e. flowers, stripes) should be fine; check with us if you're uncertain.* No crowns or tiaras.

-- Masculine Wear --

Clothing: Dress shirts &amp; pants, ties/bowties. Suit jackets for adult guests (optional for younger guests). Pocket squares optional.Footwear: Dress shoes. * Underdressed - Sports jackets, chinos/khakis, flannels, polos* Overdressed - Tuxedos* Groomsmen attire - light grey clothes, brown shoes. You can wear these without worry.* Rainbow ties, bowties, and pocket squares should NOT be worn (that privilege is the groom's).

-- Feminine Wear --

Clothing: Dresses, cocktail dresses, little black dresses, dress separates, pantsuits, dress suits (refer to masculine wear guidelines), blouses with dressy skits/dress pants.Footwear: Heels or flats. * Underdressed - Sundresses* Overdressed - Fancy evening ballgowns (floor-length dresses are fine)* Bridesmaid attire - Lavender/purple dresses of various colors. You can wear purple dresses without worry.* Dress length is to your discretion, from floor to midi to mini and anywhere in between!* Bring shoes you'll be comfortable in.

Dress Code

Wedding | Engagement | Proposal

Wedding Photos

Wedding Photos will be available within 1-2 months of the wedding. Wedding Photos taken by <a href="https://www.adastudioinc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADA Studio</a>

Engagement Photos

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/langstrandphotography/albums/72157720254961360" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link to Flickr Album - Engagement Photoshoot</a>

Engagement Photos taken by Kristyn Langstrand of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/langstrand_photography/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Langstrand Photography</a>

Matt's Proposal to Lauren

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/langstrandphotography/sets/72157719170841832/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link to Flickr Album - Proposal Photos</a>(Start at the bottom of the page!!!)

Proposal Photos taken by Kristyn Langstrand of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/langstrand_photography/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Langstrand Photography</a>

Note: The first dozen photos look staged. We swear they're not. Lauren's reaction is genuine. :)

Photos

Wedding Party | Family | Gentlemen

Wedding Party

William Dowd

LAUREN'S PARTY

Alyssa Caserta

Nicole Cieslewicz

Meghan O'Connor

Elina Grinberga

Jen Cooper

MATT'S PARTY

Erik Baez

Anthony Ricci

James P. Hangley III

Tom Davis 

Christopher Rumore

Joseph McClean

Distinguished Family

Nancy Handy

Laura Cooper

William Handy

Andrew Cooper

Judith Cooper

David Cooper

Joyce Crocker

Distinguished Gentlemen

Professor Pants

Scoops

Safety and Security | Arrival Timing | Accessibility "Unplugged" Ceremony | Open Bar Food Options | Inclement Weather

-----This page will be updated and amended periodically. -----

Q: What should I know about safety and security?

We have the utmost confidence that our wedding guests will respect everyone's well-being and possessions. That is without question to us. That said, everyone's safety and security is important to us, especially if unwanted guests enter the Venue (which we believe is highly unlikely, but it pays to be mindful). Please adhere to these guidelines:

1) Hateful language of any kind will NOT be tolerated. This includes (but is not limited to) race, color, religion, nationality, disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation.2) Be mindful of vulgar language around any children in attendance.3) Put cards in the gift box yourself if you're bringing a card. Do NOT give them to someone else to put in.4) Keep an eye on your personal belongings.5) If you drive, lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.6) If you believe there's a safety or security issue, notify the Maître D’ or East Wind staff immediately.

Q: What arrival timing should I plan for?

Staying at the Hotels? There will be bus transportation to and from the Riverhead Hotels. See the Hotels page for more details. Driving separately? Please plan to arrive at 6:00pm, especially if you're coming from NYC or outside Long Island. There's parking on site at the Vineyard.&nbsp;Search your Maps app for "<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/m9VvPLWciRx1TGNA9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cottage at East Wind</a>". Do NOT drink and drive. If you plan to drink, plan for a designated driver or Uber/Lyft, or stay at the Hotels.

Q: What are the accessibility options?

There are ramps into both buildings at The Vineyard at East Wind. Contact your Hotel for their accessibility options. No smoking is allowed inside the East Wind buildings. Use any designated smoking areas outdoors. Be courteous of others around you. If you require separate transportation to and from East Wind from the Hotels, please contact us and we can find a solution.

Q: What is an "Unplugged" Ceremony? Why can't we take pictures or use our phones during the ceremony?

An "Unplugged" Ceremony is meant to disconnect us from the distractions of the outside world during the Ceremony. It enables all in attendance to be fully present and share in this special moment of celebration.It's also highly distracting and unpleasant to see everyone with their phones (especially taking pictures) in the official wedding photos. Phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are NOT to be used by Guests during the Ceremony (unless medically necessary).Please silence your phones before entering the Ceremony site...but don't shut them off or put them away immediately. There will be a brief time set aside during the Ceremony for Guests to take photos (the Officiant will indicate when this will be). Afterwards, please put away your devices until the end of the Ceremony. Professionally taken photos will be available on the Website to see in the weeks following the wedding.

Q: Will there be an open bar?

Yes! The Cocktail Hour and Reception have an open bar with beer, wine, and cocktails (including a special signature drink!) Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.&nbsp;Make sure you tip your bartender!(See the Menu Page for details.) NOTE: East Wind has a strict no-shot policy.

Q: What are the food options?

Check out the Menu page for details!

Q: What's the inclement weather situation? 

A: First of all, it's not going to rain.Channel your energy into the universe to will it to be so. However, in the event that the universe fights back:The Ceremony will be held in the reception hall. Guests will move to the cocktail hour building for Cocktail Hour, then back to the reception hall for the Reception. Venue staff will have umbrellas to help keep Guests dry as they move between buildings.

-----If you have questions not covered here, email us at <a href="mailto:handycooperwedding@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">handycooperwedding@gmail.com</a>,or call/text/DM Matt or Lauren and we'll get back to you!-----

Q + A

Block Hotels | Bus Transportation

-- Block Hotels --

***UPDATE: Hotel Room Block lockouts have been extended to March 28th!*** If you made a reservation at the hotels outside of the block, let us know anyway, so we make sure you get the information provided to guests on check-in!

***LOCKOUT DATE: March 28th, 2023﻿***---If you need to cancel, PLEASE contact Matt or Lauren first to try and transfer it to someone else (or we'll lose the room in the block).---

Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead

***ROOM BLOCK LOCKOUT: March 28th, 2023***---If you need to cancel, PLEASE contact Matt or Lauren first to try and transfer it to someone else (or we'll lose the room in the block).---

Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island East End

------PLEASE let us know if you're having an issue booking the hotel rooms! Email us at <a href="mailto:handycooperwedding@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">handycooperwedding@gmail.com</a>!------

-- Transportation --

Complimentary shuttle service is provided for guests staying in Riverhead hotels to and from East Wind.Shuttle pickup and drop-off will be at the Hilton Garden Inn. (Note to Residence Inn Guests: the Hilton is right across the parking lot.) Please be prompt with bus times to minimize delays.The shuttle will make one trip to the Venue before the ceremony, and two trips back to the Hotels in the evening. From hotels to East Wind:- Departure time is at 5:55 pm. From East Wind to hotels: - Early shuttle departure is at 11:30 pm.- Post-Reception departure is at 12:05 am.- The MC will make announcements about bus departure timing. Bus information will be provided to hotel guests upon arrival.If you miss both trips, please arrange for a carpool or Uber/Lyft.These times may change. Monitor this page for updates.

Hotels

JFK Airport | MacArthur Airport | LIRR Trains

-- AIR TRAVEL --

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - Queens, NY

***Recommended Air Travel Option***<a href="https://www.jfkairport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JFK Airport Website</a>- Wide variety of airlines, international airport.- Public transit by train is available to and from Riverhead from JFK. Transit time is between 1.5-2 hours.- JFK can get busy during travel weekends. Plan your trip times accordingly. How to get to Riverhead from JFK:1) On arrival at JFK, exit the terminal to the AirTrain. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station (it loops every 15 minutes or so).- Purchase a MetroCard upon arriving at Jamaica Station for the AirTrain.(OMNY isn't yet available for AirTrain like it is for NYC subways.) 2) Take the eastbound Long Island Railroad (LIRR) train to Riverhead station. This will be on the Ronkonkoma/Greenport branch.See "LIRR Trains" below. 3) The hotels are a 10 minute drive from Riverhead station. You can arrange for transport or Uber/Lyft easily from there. How to get to JFK from Riverhead:1) Get to the Riverhead or Ronkonkoma LIRR station.2) Take a westbound train back to Jamaica.3) At Jamaica, take the AirTrain to your terminal at JFK Airport.

MacArthur Airport (ISP) - Islip, NY

<a href="https://www.macarthurairport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MacArthur Airport website</a>- Closest airport in proximity to hotels.- No easy method of public transportation to or from hotels.- Not an international airport. How to get between MacArthur and Riverhead:- Rental cars are available at MacArthur Airport. Uber and Lyft are also readily available.- The Riverhead Hotels are 30-35 minutes by car.

-- LIRR Trains --

Trains with an asterisk (*) must purchase a Peak ticket.All other trains are Off-Peak.All Riverhead trains will transfer at Ronkonkoma Station. IMPORTANT: LIRR schedules are changing as of February 27th. The times listed reflect the new change. -- From Jamaica to Riverhead --Depart - Arrive (Mon-Fri)6:22-8:09am | 10:52am-12:42pm2:52-4:42pm | *5:24-7:08pmDepart - Arrive (Sat-Sun)8:21-10:11am | 1:21-3:11pm -- From Riverhead to Jamaica --Depart - Arrive (Mon-Fri)*6:02-7:48am | 10:05-11:54am2:34-4:23pm | 5:04-6:54 pm | 9:32-11:21pmDepart - Arrive (Sat-Sun)12:32-2:23pm | 5:32-7:23pm As a backup: LIRR trains run every ~30 minutes between Jamaica and Ronkonkoma. Ronkonkoma Station is ~30 minutes from Riverhead by car.<a href="https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/lirr-to-grand-central/branch-service" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The new Ronkonkoma/Greenport PDF schedule is at the bottom of this web page.</a> You can download the MTA TrainTime app on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mta-traintime/id1104885987" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">App Store</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mta.mobileapp&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Play</a> to purchase tickets and check schedules. Physical ticket kiosks are available at LIRR stations.You can also check LIRR schedules and fares <a href="http://lirr42.mta.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">on the LIRR website.</a>

-----Travel issues? Contact Matt or Lauren and we'll help you figure it out!-----

Flights & Trains

Registry

Cocktail Hour: Bar, FoodDuet Course | Entree | Dessert

Bar Offerings

(also applies to the Reception)-- Alcoholic Beverages --Bottled Beer: Bud, Bud Light, Heineken, Heineken Lite, O'Doul'sWhite Wine: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, MoscatoRed Wine: Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, ZinfandelLiquors: Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Scotch, Bourbon, WhiskeyFrozen Drinks &amp; Cordials, Assorted CocktailsSignature Drink: "Universal Love" (we hope you love it!) -- Non-Alcoholic Beverages --Sodas, Club soda, Juices (Apple, pineapple, cranberry, orange), WaterAsk your bartender for "mocktail" options!

Food Stations

Butler Style Hors d'Oeuvres featuring various small dishes, hot &amp; coldFarm-To-Table various vegetable, fruit, and cheese dishesItalian Stationeggplant rolatini, assorted stromboli, focaccia breads, garlic knotsPasta Stationtricolor tortellini carbonara, rigatoni bologneseNorth Fork Potato Bartwice baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pureeseasoned house-made and hand-cut sweet potato friesvarious accompaniments

Duet Course

East End Riesling Poached PearPears poached in a local vineyard riesling, accompanied by local spring mix, crumbled gorgonzola, cranberries, candied walnuts with a raspberry honey vinaigrette

Entree

choose one Beef: Peppercorn Crusted Prime RibHorseradish au jusSeafood: Faroe Island SalmonGinger agave glazePoultry: Roasted Farm Raised Frenched Chicken BreastSeasoned with garden-fresh herbs and roasted to excellence, served with a cabernet au jusPork: Double Cut Pork ChopCider-brined and grilled, served with caramelized onions, grilled apples and warm bourbon pecan maple glazeVegetarian: Vegan RavioliEggless pasta stuffed with roasted vegetables served with a tofu and caper tomato sauce Second helpings are offered to guests by the Maître D’

Dessert

Wedding Caketwo different flavors:chocolate w/chocolate mousse fillingfunfetti w/creme chantilly fillingIce Cream Sundae Barmake-your-own-sundae barvanilla, chocolate, strawberry ice creamvariety of toppings offeredCoffee (regular &amp; decaf) &amp; Tea

Menus

Restaurants &amp; Bars | Activities &amp; Shopping | TripAdvisor﻿

Restaurants & Bars

Places to Eat

Bars and Breweries

Riverhead Ciderhouse | Craft'D Long Ireland Beer Co | Peconic County BrewingThe Birchwood of Polish Town

Activities & Shopping

Entertainment

-- Long Island Wine Country --Eastern Long Island is host to over 30 wineries with varying selections of wines, VIP tastings, and rural Suffolk County life.<a href="https://liwines.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Long Island Wine Country website</a>

-- Long Island Aquarium --Home to a variety of aquatic life exhibits, including one of the largest coral reef displays in the Western Hemisphere.<a href="https://www.longislandaquarium.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Long Island Aquarium website</a>

Shopping

-- The Shoppes at East Wind --Right next door to East Wind; home to a variety of local small business shops, food, and a grand carousel.<a href="https://eastwindlongisland.com/shoppes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Shoppes at East Wind website</a>

-- Tanger Outlets Riverhead --Shop at a wide selection of designer and brand outlet stores.<a href="https://www.tangeroutlet.com/riverhead" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tanger Outlets Riverhead website</a>

TripAdvisor

Riverhead, NY

There's plenty more things to do near Riverhead!<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g48502-Activities-Riverhead_Long_Island_New_York.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TripAdvisor page for Riverhead, NY</a>

Hamptons, NY