Blue Mountain Resort

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Beltzville State Park

Zayan Gathering

Our Wedding

On March 20th, 2022, James planned breakfast at their favorite beach in Fairfield, CT. Immediately a wrench was thrown in his plan when their favorite breakfast place happened to be closed. James knew of another breakfast spot and quickly diverted them there. They ordered food, and went on their way to the beach. It was a gorgeous day and there were a lot of dogs walking along the water’s edge and playing in the sand. After eating, they started walking along the beach like they’ve done many times before, reminiscing about previous visits. James suggested they take a photo together, which is seen here, and then dared Nicolette to take a video. After insisting that was too silly, and not necessary unless he was going to jump in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean, she started catching on to his secret plan. Nikki questioned the purpose of the video and asked James if he was going to do what she thought he was going to do. He got a bit nervous and got down on one knee with a ring box opened to a beautiful sapphire and white gold engagement ring. He was so nervous he asked Nicolette “Will you propose to me?” (Rather than “marry” by accident). Nicolette said “yes!” And that is the story of how Nicolette proposed to James.

Our engagement

James and Nicolette both attended Fairleigh Dickinson University. The two met thanks to a couple of mutual friends at a last minute dorm room Halloween party. Nikki was obviously dressed up, head to toe, in a Slenderman outfit getting ready to go out later and scare people.  James was not dressed up as anything as he didn’t even know that people were coming to his suite to have a small game night party until the last minute.  The two became great friends and even took classes together. They would play video games, get food together, and even bother Lisa Ashley to help them pass their biology class. After college was over, the pair stayed in contact and hung out often, getting food and meeting each other’s families. It wasn’t until after 4 years of being friends that James had a bit too much wine and admitted he had feelings. Very long story short 3 months later they were dating and the rest is history. 

How We Met

Our Story

Photos

Tom Zayan is James’ older brother. He has always been very supportive and loving to his younger brother. His wisdom has helped James for many years, and many more years to come.

Thomas Zayan

Lauren is Nikki’s sister. Some would argue she’s the funny sister but she’s also kind, thoughtful and someone to bounce ideas off of. She’s always been by Nikki’s side and we can’t wait to have her there on our big day!

Lauren Stepanchick

Rich is Nikki’s older brother. He got Nikki into video games at an early age when the two of them used to crawl across the floor to sneak into each other’s rooms to play computer games! The nonsense they get into still continues to this day! 

Rich Ashley

Marilynn is Jim’s loving sister. She’s funny, thoughtful and adventurous, often bringing new fun ideas to wherever she goes! We look forward to her being the life of the party.

Marilynn Zayan

Sienna and Sophia are Nikki and James’ nieces. They’re lively and have such big personalities! We are so excited that they’ll be there spreading cheer at our big day.

Sienna And Sophia Stepanchick

Aidan is James and Nikki’s nephew! He has the purest heart out of anyone and enjoys being with the family. He’s going to take his ring bearer role extremely seriously! 

Aidan Zayan

Layla is James and Nikki’s niece! She is sweeter than honey and always puts a huge smile on everyone’s face!

Layla Zayan

Justin and James have been friends since high school. He remains one of James’ closest friends for the last 15 years! 

Justin Safee

Alex and Nicolette met while at Fairleigh Dickinson University their freshman year. She’s also known James for just as long! Nikki and Alex ended up being roommates junior and senior year and have been besties ever since! 

Alex Cappuccilli

James Q., or JP as most know him, and James Z. have been friends since elementary school. Many memories between these two include them causing mayhem around Monroe. 

James Quinn

Kirsten is Nikki’s fousin (or for those who don’t know… fake cousin). She’s in most of Nikki’s favorite memories growing up and always helped Nikki be her true self, whether Kirsten knew she did this or not, she was a real role model! 

Kirsten Williams

James and Steve met in the 7th grade and bonded over music and television. Steve and James were inseparable all through high school. Steve had a huge impact on who James is today. 

Steve Veccherelli

Max and James have known each other for a very long time. Max has opened James mind to more positive thinking and is always a great hiking companion. 

Max Jose

Kasey and Nicolette started their new jobs just one week apart. They got to know each other through the trials and tribulations of absolute chaos but it was oh so worth it! 

Kasey Williams

Wedding Party

If you stay in or near Jim Thorpe, it might be a little busier the weekend of our wedding. You’ll be there right in time for their annual Fall Foliage Festival. There’s vendors, live music, and events taking place throughout the weekend. The first time James and Nicolette went to the festival was when Tom Zayan visited their new home for the first time. This is actually one of the reasons this weekend was picked for the wedding date.

Fall Foliage Festival 

Extras

The cut off date to reserve a hotel room in our block is Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Depending on the room the cost ranges from 145 a night to 229 a night. When calling please ask for the Zayan-Ashley room block

Country Inn & Suites

There will be transportation to and from the hotel to the venue before and after the wedding. The bus will arrive at the hotel around 4pm and will be leaving around 4:15pm to head to the venue. It will arrive around 5pm at the venue. At the end of the night the bus will plan to leave around 11:25p but will be waiting for guests at around 11pm.

Lodging

James and Nicolette went here for James 29th birthday celebration! What a better way to spend your birthday, than in jail! Jim Thorpe is only 20 minutes away from the wedding location and is a fun town as a whole! Feel free to explore, it is one of James and Nicolette’s favorite places to go. 

Jim Thorpe Old Jail Museum

This railroad lines take you through the Lehigh Gorge, it’s a beautiful ride!! Great for those of us who enjoy scenic views. 

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

James and Nicolette always wanted to live in a state park. While they didn’t achieve that goal(yet), they still moved only 10 minutes from one! 

Nicolette & James

Nicolette & James

Photos