Wedding Day

Water's Edge Resort and Spa

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all began in the fall of 2015, when Sara first noticed John walking by and immediately turned to her friend Casey to ask, “Who is that?” Casey replied, “Oh, I think that’s John Griffin.” Sara made note of it — but didn’t act on it right away. A few months later, John sent Sara a message on Twitter, asking for her number. From there, they started texting and Snapchatting, slowly getting to know each other. Eventually, in June of 2016, they decided to hang out one-on-one for the first time. On that very first night, Sara told John she wasn’t looking for anything serious — she had plans to head off to the University of New Hampshire in the fall and was just looking to keep things casual. John laughed, and they kept spending time together anyway. As the summer went on, something unexpected happened: they started falling for each other. Sara remembers telling Casey, “This wasn’t the plan,” but her heart had other ideas. They began having conversations about what to do, knowing a long-distance relationship wouldn’t be easy. Still, they both felt something special and decided to take a chance on each other. On August 10, 2016 — just two weeks before Sara left for college — they officially became a couple. Over the next four years, they made long distance work with visits during the semester and time together on school breaks. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. And now, nearly a decade later, they’re so excited to start the next chapter — together, for good.

Our Story🫶🏼 (featuring our first picture ever taken together)

Our Story

Photos

Kate Salerno

Sarah Donermeyer

Molly Serra

Casey Doyle

Jasmin Toledo

Raneen Nassar

Chelsea Sihombing

Amber Heredia

James Griffin

Clinton St. Peter

Paul Rivera

Anthony Chonmany

Eric Girard

Niko Delviscio

Chris Picard

Bennie Wright

Aiden Bendzinski

Florence Roncarati

Matt Bendzinski

Denise Salerno

Karen Zarlengo

Rob Griffin

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please call the resort and mention you are coming for the Salerno/ Griffin wedding if any issues occur when using the link provided. The room block rate is $459 on the night of the wedding. Room options include: 1 king bed or 2 queen beds.

Waters Edge Resort And Spa

Quality Inn

Pier Blue Inn

Econo Lodge Inn And Suites 

Travel

On the outside, it’s a medieval fortress, but once you step inside the glorious 24-room estate of Playwright William Hooker Gillette, you’ll be blown away with the detail. Located just up the road in East Haddam, the grounds span 184-acres and are open to the public year round. The castle is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, from 10am to 5pm.

Gilette Castle State Park

Connecticut’s premier orchard with family-friendly events, pick-your-own fruit, farm market, award-winning pies, sunflower and corn mazes, and a year-round golf course. Elephant Bet Aviatorpin upmostbet casinorazor shark Apple

Lyman Orchards 

Outlet shopping only 10 minutes away from the resort!

Clinton Crossing

At Coastline Brewing Co. we love trying great beer, so we decided to create some of our own. We have offerings for all tastes whether you love hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing sours. We are devoted to crafting our brews with innovative, locally sourced ingredients.

Coastline Brewing Company

Part of the Connecticut Wine Trail, and nestled in the shoreline town of Clinton, visit Chamard Vineyards for dinner at the Bistro or a glass of wine in the Tasting room.

Chamard Vineyards

The Spa at Water’s Edge offers guests a collection of thoughtful spa specials for  day and overnight guests, designed to provide you with a transcendent spa experience.

The Spa At Waters Edge

One of the largest casinos in the world, just 45 minutes away. Foxwoods Resort Casino has it all, including the only $1 Blackjack table in Connecticut! With over 250 tables and 22 types of games – Foxwoods offers gaming, high-end shopping, golf, dining and live entertainment.

Foxwoods Casino

Stand face-to-face with New England’s only Beluga whales, marvel at the African Penguins as they splash, waddle and flap their wings, dare to touch the slippery sting rays as they swim around their tank. . . Mystic Aquarium offers a unique sea-exploring experience that is one-of-a-kind, interactive and unforgettable. Experience science come alive.

Mystic Aquarium 

Things to Do

Registry

Dress Code

Sara & John

Sara & John

Dress Code

Dress Code coming soon!