The Pavilion on Crystal Lake

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

In March 2018, we were both accepted into UConn’s graduate program in School Psychology. We didn't know it at the time, but we would soon meet each other later that Fall! (: En marzo de 2018, ambos fuimos aceptados en el programa de posgrado de Psicología Escolar de UConn. No lo sabíamos en ese momento, ¡pero nos conoceríamos ese mismo otoño! (:

March 2018: Graduate School Acceptance

We met in the fall of 2018 when we started graduate school at UConn. With a small cohort of just nine people, we spent a lot of time together. Over the next few months, we became friends. By winter break, we had become inseparable, and the next three years we were "grad school" Billy and Rachel,. This included many Cumberland farm runs, Youtube videos, new tv shows, sleepovers, and homework!!! Nos conocimos en el otoño de 2018 cuando comenzamos la escuela de posgrado en UConn. Con una cohorte pequeña de solo nueve personas, pasábamos mucho tiempo juntos. En los meses siguientes, nos hicimos amigos. Para las vacaciones de invierno, ya éramos inseparables, y durante los siguientes tres años fuimos "Billy y Rachel de la escuela de posgrado", ¡lo que incluyó muchas visitas a Cumberland Farms, videos de YouTube, nuevas series, pijamadas y tareas!

August 2018: Adventures begin at UConn (Still Friends)

After we graduated and landed our first jobs as school psychologists, we decided we wanted to spend MORE time together, so we moved into our new place (August 2021)! It consisted of walks, taco nights (many food nights), and daily rock climbing sessions! Después de graduarnos y conseguir nuestros primeros trabajos como psicólogos escolares, decidimos que queríamos pasar AÚN más tiempo juntos, ¡así que nos mudamos a nuestro nuevo lugar (agosto de 2021)! Esto consistió en caminatas, noches de tacos (¡y muchas noches de comida!) y sesiones diarias de escalada.

Summer 2021: Moving In Together (As Friends)

With many talks about their futures, Billy knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Rachel. He "proposed" the idea of a future together. Their relationship officially began in January 2022. Después de muchas conversaciones sobre el futuro, Billy sabía que quería pasar el resto de su vida con Rachel. "Propuso" la idea de un futuro juntos, y su relación comenzó oficialmente en enero de 2022.

Jan 2022: Friends to Lovers Trope

In Spring 2022, Billy bought his first house! Rachel came with him (of course), and they started a new chapter together that consisted of Costco, facebook marketplace, and home improvements! En la primavera de 2022, ¡Billy compró su primera casa! Rachel, por supuesto, se mudó con él, y comenzaron un nuevo capítulo lleno de Costco, Marketplace de Facebook y mejoras en el hogar.

April 2022 - Billy Buys A Home, Rachel Goes With Him

Between the fall of 2023 and the fall of 2024, Billy spent months planning the perfect proposal for Rachel. With plenty of support from friends and family, everything from making sure Rachel got her nails done to rescheduling proposal dates went according to plan (except the drone crash! lol). Entre el otoño de 2023 y el otoño de 2024, Billy pasó meses planeando la propuesta perfecta para Rachel. Con mucho apoyo de amigos y familia, todo salió según lo planeado (¡excepto el choque del dron, jajaja!).

Fall 2023 - Fall 2024: The Proposal Plan

Billy asked the big question, and Rachel said yes! Now, we are thrilled to celebrate this exciting celebration with their family and friends! We are happy bois! (: Billy hizo la gran pregunta y Rachel dijo ¡sí! Ahora estamos emocionados de celebrar este momento tan especial con nuestra familia y amigos. ¡Somos muy felices! (:

October 3rd, 2024: We’re Engaged!

Our Story

Registry (House Fund)

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hotel Recommendations Nearby

Best Western Plus New England Inn &amp; SuitesAddress: 2253 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037Average Cost: $92 per nightDistance: Approximately 7 miles (15 minutes) Courtyard Hartford CromwellAddress: 4 Sebethe Dr, Cromwell, CT 06416Average Cost: $134 per nightDistance: Approximately 6 miles (12 minutes) Inn at MiddletownAddress: 70 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457Average Cost: $165 per nightDistance: Approximately 3 miles (8 minutes) Homewood Suites by Hilton® Southington, CTAddress: 1096 West St, Southington, CT 06489Average Cost: $189 per nightDistance: Approximately 15 miles (20 minutes)

Airbnb

For guests looking for a non-hotel option, Airbnb offers a variety of homes and apartments near Middletown, CT. Options range in price from approximately $140 to $400 per night for homes or apartments that can accommodate up to 4 guests. Most places within this price range are within 30 minutes of the venue. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the location, size, and time of booking, so we recommend reserving your stay early for the best selection and rates.

Bradley International Airport (BDL)Location: Windsor Locks, CTDistance from Venue: Approximately 40 minutes (35 miles)Details: This is the most convenient airport for guests flying in, offering a range of domestic and international flights. Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)Location: New Haven, CTDistance from Venue: Approximately 30 minutes (25 miles)Details: A smaller regional airport with limited flight options. Check if flights connect through American Airlines or other regional carriers. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)Location: Queens, NYDistance from Venue: Approximately 2 hours (100 miles)Details: JFK is a larger international hub with more flight options, but it is further away. Consider this option if flights to Bradley are unavailable or expensive. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)Location: Queens, NYDistance from Venue: Approximately 2 hours (95 miles)Details: Another major New York airport, often more affordable but with a similar travel time to JFK.

Closest Airports

Travel

If you’re visiting CT during mid-September, don’t miss The Big E, New England’s largest fair! Enjoy everything from giant cream puffs and fried treats to carnival rides, live performances, and unique exhibits. Billy and Rachel’s favorite part of The Big E is exploring the state houses representing all six New England states. You can shop for crafts and enjoy food that each state is famous for. Ticket Prices: $20.About 40 minutes away.

The Big E

A special place for us, as this is where Billy proposed to Rachel! Castle Craig offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area (you can drive and park at the top), and Hubbard Park is perfect for a scenic walk.About 30 minutes away.

Castle Craig

A must-visit for pizza lovers! Whenever Billy and Rachel visit family in Milford, they make it a tradition to pick up several Colony Grill pizzas to enjoy and freeze for later. Known for their thin-crust style and famous hot oil topping, Colony Grill is a local favorite. Whether dining in or grabbing a pizza to-go, it’s a delicious slice of Connecticut pizza culture.About 1 hour away.

Colony Grill - Milford

Mystic Aquarium is one of Connecticut’s most popular attractions and a perfect destination for animal lovers! It’s a fun, family-friendly spot that offers a mix of education and adventure. Take a stroll through the nearby Olde Mistick Village for shopping and dining. Rachel and Billy enjoy walking through Mistick Village, so please check out the shops! (:About 1 hour away.

Mystic Aquarium

Visit this family-friendly destination for seasonal fruit picking, a walk through their corn maze, golf, or shopping for fresh pies and cider at the farm store. Rachel and Billy visit this place frequently during the Fall time.About 20 minutes away.

Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel

Stroll along Main Street, filled with charming boutique shops, coffee spots, and a variety of restaurants. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the local vibe.About 7 minutes away Examples:Amato's Toy and Hobby Middletown StoreWesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore

Downtown Middletown

Step back in time with a visit to Avery’s Beverages, a family-run soda company that’s been crafting unique and delicious flavors since 1904. As Billy’s favorite soda brand, this place is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious and fun/creative drinks. Try their "Totally Gross" line or mix and match your own custom soda flavors!About 30 minutes away

Avery's Beverages LLC

For anyone looking to get active and try something new, Central Rock Gym is a fantastic indoor climbing facility offering bouldering, top-roping, and leading. This gym holds a special place in our hearts since it’s where Rachel and Billy climb together.About 23 minutes away

Central Rock Gym

For guests traveling with little ones, this hands-on museum is designed for kids aged 1-8. It’s full of interactive exhibits!About 10 minutes away

Rachel & Billy

Rachel & Billy

Registry (House Fund)

In lieu of a traditional registry, we've created a house fund. Your generous gifts will go toward a home for our future family!