The Stay Haven

Bridal Shower

Wedding Party Arrival and Setup

Wedding Day

The National Hotel

Ceremony

The National Hotel Restaurant

Reception

Bachelorette Party

Bachelor Party

Our Wedding

Big sister sat down with the happy couple to get the real story behind their decision to tie the knot. Here’s what Lily &amp; Melvin said in response to my many nosey questions:&nbsp;How would you define who you are to this day in one sentence?&nbsp;Lily: Focused, I have goals that I work towards daily.&nbsp;Melvin: I am a realist with optimistic views.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! A visit with Lily &amp; Melvin is always warm and positive. No matter what mishap befalls them, they always work together calmly to solve the problem and refocus their life on enjoying their time together with an emphasis on family. When asking about their plans for tomorrow, Lily &amp; Melvin speak fondly and united of their dream to push their professional goals forward while sharing a happy home of their own.&nbsp;How would you define who you were when you met?&nbsp;Lily: Naive, just taking life day by day.&nbsp;Melvin: Lonely.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! When they met, Lily was taking it day by day. When I met Melvin, what came through immediately was his openness, honestly and desire to be part of a big family. All these years later, Lily has not only dreamed of tomorrow but taken BIG steps towards it with Melvin’s support and cheers. Melvin &amp; Lily’s ability to bring the people they love together to enjoy experiences is one of my favorite things about them because you can see how much they enjoy each moment in earnest. I couldn’t be more pleased to introduce people to “My Brother and Sister”.&nbsp;&nbsp;What were you looking for in a partner when you met?&nbsp;Lily: Someone to spend time with. I had low expectations because I didn’t think there were any good men out there until I met Melvin.&nbsp;Melvin: Someone I could trust.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! Both Lily &amp; Melvin have had to endure some serious bouts of injustice, unfairness and broken trust. Though both very intelligent, they never let those hard times define who they are and what they want despite the many opportunities to live as skeptics. Whenever Lily &amp; Melvin discuss hard times, it’s always used as the frame for why they are so happy now and why being leaders and partners in a loving, dependable and trusting family gives them so much joy.&nbsp;&nbsp;What did your partner bring to your life?&nbsp;Lily: Laughter and comfort, having Melvin in my life make me feel at home.&nbsp;Melvin: Happiness and a sense of belonging.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! Whenever hanging out with Lily &amp; Melvin, they strive to bring you right into their cozy home life filled with good food, good stories and lots of laughter. When I see them together it reminds me of the values our grandparents, aunties and uncles wanted to pass on.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are some examples of your partner being kind to you during your relationship?&nbsp;Lily: Whenever I am having a bad day Melvin always stops whatever he is doing to try to make me feel better, whether it is something small like making me dinner or listening to my problems and helping me find a solution.&nbsp;Melvin: I always appreciated the fact that she cares about my health and wellbeing.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! Whenever Lily calls me after having a bad day, Melvin is always part of conversation because he’s right there with her favorite snack, an ear, and lots of shoulder rubs. Likewise, Lily will call me to celebrate Melvin’s successes or to ask advice on what she can do to support Melvin or help further his life goals and wellbeing. They are truly on each other’s team.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are some examples of your partner being generous to you during your relationship?&nbsp;Lily: Melvin always shares his food with me no matter what, even if it is a special meal he has been excited to eat he’ll always save me a piece.&nbsp;Melvin: Lily has always made me feel like home, even before we lived together. My friends have always been an important part of my life, and Lily opened her home up to them and treated them like they were family as well. It means a lot that the things that are important to me she always makes them a priority as well.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! Whenever Melvin comes home, he’s always saved something especially yummy for Lily. Lily surprised Melvin with his own Game Room so he can stay up late playing Xbox with his besties. Whether small or big, these two always ask how they can go the extra mile for each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your favorite memory with your partner?&nbsp;Lily: The first time we said I love you. It was a beautiful Halloween Night we spent walking through the streets of Lambertville. Always brings back romantic memories when the fall season comes.&nbsp;Melvin: One of my favorite memories with Lilly was the first time I met Cole and we took him to the Fire Museum. I was just starting feel like we were moving forward into the relationship, Cole was very young and being able to meet him made me feel like I was becoming an important part of her life.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: Y’all are gonna make me cry.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is the trait you love the most about your partner?&nbsp;Lily: He has a personality that lights up the room. Talking to him is always the highlight of my day.&nbsp;Melvin: She is a very understanding person and she always builds me up and gives me confidence to be the best man I can be.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! In 3 decades of knowing Ms. Lillian Abraham, I can honestly say I have never seen Lily light up to see someone like she does each and every day when she sees Melvin. Likewise, in 1 decade of knowing Mr. Melvin Troy Harris, Jr. I have seen him grow into a confident and admirable partner, father and person. When they are out and about together, all eyes are on them and the self evident love they share.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your dream tomorrow with your partner?&nbsp;Lily: Spending each day together, buying a home, having a child, growing old together.&nbsp;Melvin: Happily married with a family of our own.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: Watch out happy future, here they come!&nbsp;&nbsp;How does your partner help you feel prepared to meet that tomorrow?&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily: Melvin is always in my corner; we have gone through rough times and good times, but we were always happy because we were together. This makes me feel like we can take on anything that happens in the future.&nbsp;Melvin: By having honest conversations about our expectations. Having an understanding of what we want in life.&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: It’s true! Lily and Melvin have shown each other equality, mutuality and reciprocity time and time again. Every time I see them disagree, they come back with more understanding and appreciation for each other as well as considerate modifications to their shared dreams. They move forward from adversity and chaos stronger than before each and every time.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is your favorite inside joke?&nbsp;Lily: At least I’m honest….&nbsp;Melvin: “Are you ok?”&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: I’ve heard you both say this….&nbsp;&nbsp;What is the story of your favorite inside joke?&nbsp;Lily: One of the first encounters me and Melvin had was a three-hour phone call. In the middle of the conversation, he told me a long story detailing a night of debauchery that he and one of his best friends spent in Atlantic City. Entirely inappropriate for a first-time conversation which I abruptly told him. His response was at least I am honest, which I agreed was a good trait which he continues to exhibit.&nbsp;Melvin: My childhood friend Greg would always ask repeatedly “are you ok?” when I am having a bad day. It has become a staple phrase whenever we are acting out of sorts which me and Lilly frequently use with each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Big Sis thoughts: …and now we all know the secret!&nbsp;&nbsp;Big Sis Final Word: I have had the privilege to stand witness to this lovely relationship as it grew and bloomed. Lily has always been the anchor to our ship in life, even keeled, loyal, determined and unflappable even in the darkest times. As big sis, I felt she was always in need of someone who she felt easy with to express her deepest worries, thoughts and dreams despite her tough exterior. One of my very favorite things in this life has been witnessing Melvin “TJ” become that person for my sister. All I can say is how worthy and deserving he is of that special place because of the integrity, humility, empathy, strength and love of family he has shown time and again. Melvin is the one who never leaves any one behind, who reminds us of the teachings of those before us, and who always asks without pride how to be a better person. This is a couple that shows what dreams are made of, and I can’t wait to celebrate it with all of you!&nbsp;Congratulations Lily and Melvin, tomorrow looks all the more bright knowing it’s with you &lt;3

Q&A With Lily and Melvin "TJ"

Our Story

In the historical districtMake yourself at home in one of the 10 guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations are provided. Conveniences include desks and ceiling fans.Located in Frenchtown, The National Hotel is in the historical district, within a 15-minute drive of Delaware Canal State Park and Ralph Stover State Park.  This inn is 9 mi (14.5 km) from Delaware River Heritage Trail Trailhead and 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from Linden Hill Gardens.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Delaware Canal State Park - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Ralph Stover State Park - 12.3 km / 7.6 mi  Delaware River Heritage Trail Trailhead - 14.5 km / 9 mi  Linden Hill Gardens - 16.3 km / 10.1 mi  Lake Nockamixon - 16.3 km / 10.1 mi  Paradise Golf Center - 17.4 km / 10.8 mi  Liberty Village Premium Outlets - 18 km / 11.2 mi  Samuel Fleming House - 18.1 km / 11.2 mi  Famous Trials Theater - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  Nockamixon State Park - 20.3 km / 12.6 mi  Quakertown Swamp - 20.4 km / 12.7 mi  Spruce Run Recreation Area - 20.5 km / 12.7 mi  Red Mill Museum Village - 21 km / 13 mi  Hunterdon Medical Center - 21.1 km / 13.1 mi  Hunterdon healthcare - 21.6 km / 13.4 mi  The nearest airports are:Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) - 89.6 km / 55.6 mi Lehigh Valley Intl. Airport (ABE) - 45.1 km / 28 mi Mercer Airport (TTN) - 45.2 km / 28.1 mi Princeton, NJ (PCT) - 50.4 km / 31.3 mi Manville, NJ (JVI-Central Jersey Regional) - 47.4 km / 29.4 mi The preferred airport for The National Hotel is Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR). Enjoy recreation amenities such as bicycles to rent or take in the view from a terrace. Additional amenities at this inn include complimentary wireless Internet access, wedding services, and a fireplace in the lobby.The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.At The National Hotel, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekends from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Travel

To-Do list Sunday, October 10, 2021National Holel31 Race St, Frenchtown, NJ 08825908-996-3200 Questions to ask TJ at tastingLimo / CarriageOpen bar after in the basement Questions to ask Pete at tastingCan we decorate the porch with sashes? Get ideas from Cathy.Can we decorate the room? Get ideas from Cathy.Center pieces flowers - How many tables will there be?Will there be a bridal table?Plate range from $25 to $135Include the Booze? Playlist for dancing downstairOpen bar after in the basementSpeciality drink - The "Lillian &amp; TJ"Karaoke machine InvitationsAsk Nadia or TJShould send out by MayRSVP by June 1 The DressAppointment with BHLDN Flowers CeremonyAsk Gail, or Kathy, or Julia for something to have at the towpathGram Gram’s grasseswhite pumpkinswhite bucket Bridal PartyCall Audrey see what she wants to wearCole to go with MelvinNadia ordered dress

Things to Do

Our Wedding Colors

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Our Photographer

Laura Pedrick

<a href="https://www.pedrickphoto.com/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pedrickphoto.com/about</a>Titusville, NJ609.865.6506<a href="https://www.facebook.com/laurapedrick" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/laurapedrick</a><a href="mailto:laura@pedrickphoto.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">laura@pedrickphoto.com</a>

Photographer

Catherine Harrison Abraham

Aunt Cathy, as she is better known to the family, is an experienced wedding cake designer and has offer to make Lillian's and T.J.'s cake. This is the cake that she made for Danny Joe's and Caitlyn's wedding on May 24, 2013. Nadia would not get too far from the cake or the candy shop table that Aunt Jill created. We are looking forward to what Cathy has envisioned for this occasion.

Cake Designer

Wedding Guest List (37-42) Melvin1. Melvin Sr.2. Felicia (Mother in Law)3. Deana (Sister) Brides Maid4. Aurora (Neice)5. Aunt Linda6. Aunt Linda's Beau7. Uncle Jimmy8. Kiki (cousin)9. Chris (Groomsman)10. Greg (Groomsman)11. Maurice (Groomsman)12. Jake (Friend)13. Chase (Friend)14. Grandmom15. Pop popLillian1. Geo2. Jim3. Jules4. Audrey5. Nadia6. Cole7. Aunt Cathy8. Uncle Mark9. Aunt Jill10. Aunt Gail11. Uncle Bill12. Rita13. David14. Katrina + 115. Danny Joe16. Caitlyn + 217. Ron (Reverend)18. Ron's guest19. Brett West20. Skip Chalker21. Anne Chalker Friends1. Jaqueline (Lil's bestie)2. John Jaqueline beau3. Julia's BF Bridal Shower1. Felicia2. Deana3. Rita4. Aunt Gail5. Aunt Linda6. Jaqueline?

Guest List

Photographs from our guests

Lillian & Melvin

Lillian & Melvin

Photographer

Our Photographer

Laura Pedrick