The Salem Herbfarm

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Saki and Matthew have a lot in common, and bonded over their love of powerlifting, cats, nerdy interests, and biology. They first interacted through the Instagram powerlifting community and instantly connected, because they have never encountered anyone else who also has a comically narrow squat stance, combined with an absurdly wide deadlift stance. They first met in person at Odyssey Barbell Club, when it first opened. As they started to meet and visit each other in person, their relationship deepened. Their discussions included talks about the joys and stresses of powerlifting, how much they love cats, Star Wars lores, animes that have incredibly well-made original sound tracks, and going back to school for their doctorates. Because these two are extremely dense sometimes, they didn't know the other person was in love with them, until their friends intervened. A New York City trip later, Saki and Matthew has been as one ever since. Many achievements have been made together- one of the most significant was both of them getting accepted and are now attending a PhD and DMD program respectively, at UConn Health.

How We Met 

Our Story

Photos

Location: Iowa or Indiana depending on the day . Relationship to Saki: Friend from Purdue Swim Club. Interests: Outdoors, coffee, beer, Microsoft Excel

Matthew Wright

Alexander Gmuer

"I am Russian, and I have a hedgehog named Yuri. I helped Saki move from Boston to Connecticut, when Matt prioritized studying for the DAT."

Ariel Fleyshman 

Wesley Cheng

Rochelle is an engineer working at Electric Boat in New London. She met Saki and Matt through powerlifting, which she trained and competed in between 2015 and 2020. In October 2020, she made the switch to strongman and has been competing since. She also enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, and watching anime.

Rochelle Horanzy 

Sean Noriega

"Saki and I have met during our end of undergrad and instantly clicked, since we have a lot in common.  I have competed in powerlifting and has done the same meet as Saki. I'm half Chinese and Polish, I love when pizza has bubbles in it. I have two different sized thumbs, I like to eat fruit roll ups in one bite, and my bread has to be toasted."

Contessa Lai

"I’ve known Matt since we were both three years old, to this day our friendship is the longest one I’ve had. I’ve been in the army for several years now, just got back from Africa, and I am almost done with my history degree/teaching certificate."

Benjamin Way

Wedding Party

Q + A

In Norwich (Westside Norwich)Make yourself at home in one of the 135 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.Located in Norwich (Westside Norwich), Holiday Inn Norwich is within a 10-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This hotel is 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Norwich Golf Course.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Norwich Golf Course - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi  Mohegan Sun Casino - 4.6 km / 2.8 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 4.7 km / 2.9 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 4.8 km / 3 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 4.8 km / 3 mi  Slater Memorial Museum - 5.3 km / 3.3 mi  Leffingwell House Historic Museum - 6.5 km / 4 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 6.5 km / 4 mi  Generations Family Health Center - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 6.9 km / 4.3 mi  Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium - 9 km / 5.6 mi  Minnie Island State Park - 9.8 km / 6.1 mi  Hopemead State Park - 9.8 km / 6.1 mi  Gardner Lake State Park - 9.9 km / 6.2 mi  The nearest airports are:T.F. Green Airport (PVD) - 76 km / 47.2 mi New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 26.7 km / 16.6 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 31.8 km / 19.8 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 42.4 km / 26.3 mi The preferred airport for Holiday Inn Norwich is T.F. Green Airport (PVD). Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, wedding services, and a fireplace in the lobby. If you're ready for some gaming fun, you can hop on the complimentary casino shuttle.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.Enjoy American cuisine at Rendezvous Restaurant, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 11 AM for a fee.

Holiday Inn Norwich

In Norwich (Westside Norwich)Make yourself at home in one of the 113 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Hampton Inn Norwich in Norwich (Westside Norwich), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This hotel is 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Norwich Golf Course.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Norwich Golf Course - 2.5 km / 1.6 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 4.3 km / 2.7 mi  Mohegan Sun Casino - 4.7 km / 2.9 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 4.8 km / 3 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 4.9 km / 3 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 4.9 km / 3.1 mi  Slater Memorial Museum - 5.4 km / 3.4 mi  Leffingwell House Historic Museum - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Generations Family Health Center - 6.7 km / 4.2 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 7 km / 4.3 mi  Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium - 9.1 km / 5.6 mi  Mohegan Park and Memorial Rose Garden - 9.2 km / 5.7 mi  Gardner Lake - 9.6 km / 5.9 mi  Minnie Island State Park - 10 km / 6.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL) - 86.9 km / 54 mi New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 26.8 km / 16.7 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 31.7 km / 19.7 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 42.5 km / 26.4 mi The preferred airport for Hampton Inn Norwich is Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL). Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and a television in a common area.Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of Hampton Inn Norwich. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. For your convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Hampton Inn Norwich

Near Mohegan Sun CasinoMake yourself at home in one of the 105 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.In the heart of Montville, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Uncasville Groton Area is within a 5-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This hotel is 17.3 mi (27.8 km) from Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration and 17.7 mi (28.5 km) from Mystic Seaport.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Mohegan Sun Casino - 1.8 km / 1.1 mi  Norwich Golf Course - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 2 km / 1.3 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 5.7 km / 3.6 mi  Stoddard Hill State Park - 6.3 km / 3.9 mi  Slater Memorial Museum - 6.5 km / 4 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Mohegan Park and Memorial Rose Garden - 8.3 km / 5.2 mi  Leffingwell House Historic Museum - 10.3 km / 6.4 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 10.3 km / 6.4 mi  Generations Family Health Center - 10.4 km / 6.5 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 10.7 km / 6.6 mi  Maugle Sierra Vineyards - 11 km / 6.8 mi  Preston Ridge Vineyard - 12.5 km / 7.8 mi  The nearest airports are:New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 22.7 km / 14.1 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 51 km / 31.7 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 31.6 km / 19.6 mi Montauk, NY (MTP) - 118.2 km / 73.5 mi Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a television in a common area. Guests who want to try their luck at the slots can hop on the complimentary casino shuttle.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Uncasville Groton Area

Near Mohegan Sun CasinoMake yourself at home in one of the 120 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Uncasville in Montville, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This hotel is 9.5 mi (15.3 km) from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 17 mi (27.4 km) from Mystic Seaport.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Mohegan Sun Casino - 2.7 km / 1.7 mi  Norwich Golf Course - 2.8 km / 1.7 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi  Stoddard Hill State Park - 6 km / 3.7 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 8.7 km / 5.4 mi  Mohegan Park and Memorial Rose Garden - 9.2 km / 5.7 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 10.4 km / 6.5 mi  Maugle Sierra Vineyards - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 10.8 km / 6.7 mi  Connecticut College - 11.5 km / 7.1 mi  Connecticut College Arboretum - 11.5 km / 7.2 mi  Preston Ridge Vineyard - 12.5 km / 7.8 mi  Lyman Allyn Art Museum - 12.7 km / 7.9 mi  The nearest airports are:New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 22.5 km / 14 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 38.2 km / 23.7 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 27.6 km / 17.1 mi Montauk, NY (MTP) - 114.2 km / 71 mi The preferred airport for Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Uncasville is New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London). Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and a television in a common area. Guests who want to try their luck at the slots can hop on the complimentary casino shuttle.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Montville? This hotel has 400 square feet (37 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Uncasville

Near Mohegan Sun CasinoMake yourself at home in one of the 176 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and iPod docking stations. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with sofa beds. 42-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.With a stay at Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun in Montville, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This hotel is 9.4 mi (15.1 km) from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 17.2 mi (27.7 km) from Mystic Seaport.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Mohegan Sun Casino - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi  Norwich Golf Course - 2.5 km / 1.5 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 2.7 km / 1.6 mi  Stoddard Hill State Park - 5.7 km / 3.5 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 6.4 km / 4 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 8.3 km / 5.1 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 8.4 km / 5.2 mi  Mohegan Park and Memorial Rose Garden - 8.9 km / 5.6 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 10.1 km / 6.3 mi  Maugle Sierra Vineyards - 10.4 km / 6.4 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 10.5 km / 6.5 mi  Connecticut College - 11.7 km / 7.3 mi  Connecticut College Arboretum - 11.8 km / 7.3 mi  Preston Ridge Vineyard - 12.3 km / 7.6 mi  Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium - 12.6 km / 7.8 mi  The nearest airports are:New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 22.1 km / 13.7 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 37.9 km / 23.6 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 31.6 km / 19.6 mi Montauk, NY (MTP) - 118.2 km / 73.4 mi Enjoy recreational amenities such as an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and a television in a common area. Guests who want to try their luck at the slots can hop on the complimentary casino shuttle.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Montville? This hotel has facilities measuring 850 square feet (79 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/café. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Hyatt Place Mohegan Sun

Near Mohegan Sun CasinoMake yourself at home in one of the 91 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and complimentary bottled water, as well as phones with free local calls.When you stay at The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Mohegan Sun Arena and Mohegan Sun Casino.  This golf hotel is 11.3 mi (18.3 km) from Foxwoods Resort Casino and 18.7 mi (30.2 km) from Mystic Seaport.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Norwich Golf Course - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi  Mohegan Sun Casino - 2.1 km / 1.3 mi  Mohegan Sun Arena - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi  Norwich Arts Center - 3.7 km / 2.3 mi  Spirit of Broadway Theater - 3.8 km / 2.3 mi  Upper Falls Heritage Park - 4.6 km / 2.9 mi  Slater Memorial Museum - 4.9 km / 3 mi  William W. Backus Hospital - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi  Generations Family Health Center - 5.7 km / 3.5 mi  Leffingwell House Historic Museum - 5.8 km / 3.6 mi  Norwichtown Mall - 6.2 km / 3.8 mi  Mohegan Park and Memorial Rose Garden - 6.5 km / 4 mi  Stoddard Hill State Park - 8 km / 4.9 mi  Preston Ridge Vineyard - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Senator Thomas J Dodd Memorial Stadium - 11.6 km / 7.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL) - 89.4 km / 55.6 mi New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 24.3 km / 15.1 mi Fishers Island, NY (FID-Elizabeth Field) - 35.2 km / 21.9 mi Westerly, RI (WST-Westerly State) - 54.6 km / 33.9 mi Montauk, NY (MTP) - 121.8 km / 75.7 mi The preferred airport for The Spa at Norwich Inn is Bradley Intl. Airport (BDL). Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and a spa tub. Additional features at this Georgian hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a hair salon.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Norwich? This hotel has facilities measuring 6932 square feet (644 square meters), including a conference center.Grab a bite at Ascots Pub, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.

The Spa at Norwich Inn

Accommodations

40+ life-sized dinosaurs over 60 acres, with nature trails, a splash pad &amp; a dino-themed playground.

The Dinosaur Place

Mohegan Sun Casino

Supercharged Indoor Karting and Axe Throwing

Things to Do

Registry

Seating Arrangements

Upon Guest Arrival - before Wedding Ceremony – Compliments of MatthewSummer Fruit infused Water Stationary Appetizer Display&nbsp;Italian Flat Breads – Gluten Free Availableo&nbsp;&nbsp;Margareta, Traditional Pepperoni, Meatball Parmesan,o&nbsp;&nbsp;” Buffa Que” (Buffalo chicken &amp; Barbeque) Portobello Mushroom &amp; SpinachButler style Passed Hors d’ Oeuvreso&nbsp;&nbsp;Barbeque Pulled Pork on Honey Baked Corn Bread, Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheeseo&nbsp;&nbsp;Old Bay poached Shrimp served "Martini” Style with Cocktail Sauceo&nbsp;&nbsp;Maple Soy marinated Stonington Scallops wrapped with Bacon baked in Brown Sugaro&nbsp;&nbsp;Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Tarts, Balsamic Glazeo&nbsp;&nbsp;Rueben Eggroll Salad and Table Accompaniments- Served Family StyleGarden Cucumbers, Heirloom Tomato Medley, Roasted Native Corn, Sweet Vidalia, and Red Onionso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;with Feta Cheese, marinated in a Mustard Herb Vinaigrette Bakery Basket – Gluten Free AvailableBaskets of assorted freshly baked dinner rolls, cornbread, biscuits served with sweet cream butter Dinner Presentation - BuffetLemon Honey Balsamic ChickenHibachi style grilled Flank Steako&nbsp;&nbsp;With a Soy, Ginger &amp; Sesame glaze &amp; Asian SlawOven Roasted Baby Red PotatoesSeven Cheese Cavatappi Mac &amp; cheeseo&nbsp;&nbsp;Gluten Free availableHoney whiskey glazed CarrotsVegetariano&nbsp;&nbsp;Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Quinoa &amp; Grilled Vegetables DessertWedding Cake- ENTIRE CAKE IS GLUTEN FREE&nbsp;Italian Cannolio&nbsp;&nbsp;To include Traditional, Nutella &amp; Lemon Cello Coffee Station·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Freshly brewed New England roasted regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee,and assorted flavored teas. Served with half &amp; half, sugar &amp; sweeteners Alcohol·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Open bar provided by Gordon’s Yellow Front Wine and Liquors

Saki & Matthew

Saki & Matthew

Registry