Avenue

A Change of Plans (and a Beautiful New Beginning!)

Our Wedding

We met in January 2024 during a yoga teacher training—both of us on personal journeys to heal, grow, and reconnect with ourselves.It was a time of deep transformation, and neither of us could have predicted what life had in store. By what can only be described as a twist of fate (and with a little help from a rather unconventional “fairy godmother” who is now one of our beloved witnesses), Mark decided to join the training last minute. That decision changed everything. Destiny placed us in the same teaching group. As two introverts, it’s likely we would’ve admired each other from afar—too shy to ever start a conversation. But the universe had other plans, and being grouped together meant we had no choice but to work closely, open up, and slowly build a connection. We came from very different yet equally difficult pasts. And looking back, every experience, every challenge, every step had been quietly guiding us toward that moment. Toward each other. Over the next few months, as we shared long conversations, practiced together, and learned about ourselves and one another, something beautiful began to bloom. We became inseparable, and soon, love quietly entered the picture. At first, we tried to keep our budding relationship under wraps. We thought we were being subtle—but when we finally shared the news on our graduation day, everyone just smiled and said, “We knew it!”(some in more explicit ways that others LOL). Since we both love the beach and the peace it brings—plus the joy of practicing yoga by the water—our wedding will celebrate these themes. We’re excited to share a day that honors not only our love but also the beautiful practice that brought us together. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.

“ Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind; And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind.” “Are you sure That we are awake? It seems to me That yet we sleep, we dream.” ~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream~

Our Story

Photos

Meet Our Wedding Party!

We are so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible group of people who have supported us through every season of life—and now, they’ll be standing beside us on our big day. Each member of our wedding party holds a special place in our hearts, whether they’re lifelong friends, chosen family, or siblings we’ve shared countless memories with. We can’t wait for you to meet them and celebrate love, laughter, and everything in between.

Valentina and the bride grew up side by side—sharing childhood adventures, secrets, and more laughter than we can count. Everyone always thought they were sisters (and honestly, so did they). Her unwavering support, honesty, and love make her the perfect person to stand by our side on this special day

Valentina Rigato

Sara Page is the yoga teacher who unknowingly changed everything and brought us to this day.
She encouraged the groom to join the teacher training program where fate (and a few sun salutations) led him to meet his future wife. Her guidance, wisdom, and gentle push brought two paths together—and for that, we’ll be forever grateful.

Sara Page Hall

More than a friend and co-worker, Paola entered the bride’s life right when she was needed most. Through life’s challenges and growing pains, she offered strength, laughter, and presence. She stood by the bride during the hardest moments—and witnessed her blossom into her brightest, truest self. Their bond is one of those rare, cosmic gifts.

Paola Ruberto

Kurt and the groom have been  friends since sixth grade—surviving awkward haircuts, questionable fashion choices, and just about every life milestone together. Their friendship has stood the test of time, distance, and growing up. He’s more than a best friend—he’s family, and there’s no one else the groom could imagine by his side on this day.

Kurt Bergstedt

He may be 30 now, but to the bride, he’ll always be her little brother. Whether he was tagging along, cracking jokes, or offering a quiet kind of love only siblings understand, Mattia has always had a special place in her heart. On this day, he's the Lord of the Rings—but he's also carrying years of memories, mischief, and unconditional love.

Mattia Busatto

Once just a coworker of the bride, Raffaele quickly became a close friend and an essential part of the her support system during life’s tougher moments. He welcomed the groom with open arms into their tight-knit friend family and has been a steady, thoughtful presence ever since. As the most responsible (and secretly sentimental) one in the group, he was the natural—and perfect—choice to officiate our ceremony.

Raffaele Pingue

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’ve reserved a block of rooms for our wedding weekend to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible! To book your room, please use the link below or mention the Block code 906 when calling the hotel. Reservation Deadline: 05/04/2026 We encourage you to book early to secure the discounted rate and ensure availability! https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=EWRETHW&groupCode=CHW906&arrivaldate=2026-06-19&departuredate=2026-06-21&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Homewood Suites by Hilton Eatontown

Travel

Long Branch Boardwalk &amp; Beach For sunrise walks along the boardwalk to barefoot strolls in the sand at sunset, take advantage of the lovely waterfront in Long Branch. Enjoy the sandy beach, take a stroll or bike ride on the boardwalk, and participate in beach sports.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longbranch.org/171/Beach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.longbranch.org/171/Beach</a>

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park This Park offers beach fun, swimming, fishing, boating, volleyball, and a skatepark.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com</a>

Pier Pins Bowling, Arcade &amp; Entertainment! <a href="https://www.pierpins.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pierpins.com/</a>

Asbury Park Boardwalk &amp; Beach Just 10 miles away, stroll along the artsy Asbury Park, catch a concert at The Stone Pony (where Bruce Springsteen first started!), relax on the beach.<a href="https://www.cityofasburypark.com/185/Beach-Boardwalk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cityofasburypark.com/185/Beach-Boardwalk</a>

Mirajana & Mark

Mirajana & Mark

Travel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Eatontown