The Estate at Florentine Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony 

Cocktail Hour

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

We’ve technically known each other since we were 14. Sam was the football player, and Sarah was the cheerleader — so yes, she cheered for him every Friday night under the stadium lights. There were a few stolen kisses and definite crushes back then, but we never actually dated. We just stayed friends through high school and college, always with that quiet connection in the background.Fast forward a few years, and that old spark turned into something real. One of our first hangouts happened after one of Sarah’s night shifts — she had slept all day, woke up at 6 PM, and showed up at Sam’s house at 7 ready for “breakfast.” She asked for scrambled eggs, and Sam couldn’t stop laughing as he made them, completely entertained by her upside-down schedule.The next time, Sarah invited Sam over after another shift so she could nap while he worked from home. When she woke up, there was a Dunkin’ coffee waiting beside the bed and a note that said,&nbsp;“You’re cute while you sleep. Enjoy coffee.”That’s when we both knew — this was something different.As our relationship grew, we built a life together in our first apartment just 15 minutes from NYC — our favorite place to escape for skyline views, late dinners, and long walks by the water. During that time, Sam encouraged and supported Sarah as she followed her dream of going back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner, always cheering her on through every late-night study session and exam.Four years, countless laughs, and endless NYC memories later, Sam proposed in Edgewater, NJ, overlooking the city we love. He completely surprised Sarah with a celebration right after, surrounded by our closest family and friends.From high school crushes to lifelong partners — our story has come full circle, and we can’t wait to begin our forever together.

Our Story

Photos

The Maids

Michela and I met when we were 5 years old in Level 4 Gymnastics at Galaxy Gymnastics. On our very first day, she asked what my favorite animal was — I said “dolphin,” she said “monkey,” and decided those would be our names. (Spoiler: we didn’t stick with them, but the friendship stuck for 22 years and counting!)
We’ve literally grown up together — from chalk-covered hands and matching leotards to traveling the world side by side. We’ve been to Italy (twice!), Greece, Germany, the Bahamas, and too many in-state trips to count. Michela is my rock, my person, and one of the loves of my life. She’s loyal as hell, always shows up, and has been there for me through everything. I can’t imagine this day — or my life — without her.

Michela 

Kristin and I met at Galaxy Gymnastics when we were just 7 years old, after our gyms “merged.” To help everyone bond, the coaches made us do team building exercises — and naturally, I was paired with Kristin. Within minutes, she had me cracking up. Everything that came out of her mouth was pure gold, and I knew right then she was something special.
On the car ride home, I told Michela we’d just found a new member for our best-friend circle. Michela said “no”… but spoiler alert — that didn’t last long. Before we knew it, we became the best little throuple around.
Kristin and I have been best friends for 20 years now — and somehow, life brought us full circle to working together as Registered Nurses in High Risk OB at Westchester Medical Center. We’ve shared a lifetime of laughs, countless inside jokes, and enough memories to fill a book. Kristin actually nicknamed me “Sassy” when we were 15, and somehow, it stuck — people still call me that today!
She’s my ride or die, my daily dose of laughter, and one of the loves of my life. There are too many memories to list — but I know for sure I wouldn’t want to walk through life, or down the aisle, without her by my side.

Kristin

Allison and I met in 6th grade at Farley Middle School on the Blue Team! Her opening line to me was, “You never repeat an outfit and you do something different with your hair every day!” Being that we were both little fashionistas, we instantly clicked — and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
We have so many memories together — from weekends at my grandma’s house filled with late nights and good food, to convincing my dad to take us to “boujee” lunches and dinners, to running around my mom’s house chasing Joey. Allison quickly became family.
Fifteen years later, not much has changed — we still love to shop, get blowouts, and laugh until we cry. She’s been the person I lean on through every hard moment, always supporting my career moves and cheering me on through every stage of life. I can’t imagine this day without her by my side.

Allison

Giovanna and I first met in middle school, when she played soccer with Michela and I was the cheerleader in the bleachers. We really started getting closer in high school, and from there our friendship just kept growing.
Giovanna has always had a love for makeup, and I was always her willing model — from everyday glam to full-on Halloween looks. Even back then, she had the magic touch (spoiler: she became a professional MUA!). I’ve always admired her creativity and supported her passion, just like she’s always supported mine.
When our moms took us on a college tour to Dominican University for the nursing program, we joked about what our futures would look like. (Another spoiler — only one of us actually did the nursing program). Still, we went to college together, and that chapter just made us even closer.
Giovanna has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. On my 23rd birthday, when I didn’t have any decorations or cake, she ran around like a superhero — gathering pink decor, balloons, and even getting her family’s deli to make me a cake in just a few hours. Then she went above and beyond again for my 25th, planning the most spectacular birthday party ever. That’s just who she is — thoughtful, loyal, and always showing up for the people she loves.
She’s supported me through every milestone — my first job as a nurse, those long night shifts (when she’d come over for facemasks and girl talk), and countless nights out dancing and screaming our hearts out in Hoboken with Kristin. I’ve also had the joy of watching her achieve her dreams — from building her makeup career to marrying the love of her life, and now becoming the most incredible mother to her beautiful baby girl.
Giovanna is more than a best friend; she’s family. After standing beside her as a bridesmaid at her wedding, having her by my side for mine feels like a full-circle moment — one that I’ll treasure forever.

Giovanna

Amanda and I have been best friends since we were 2 years old, when we first met in tap and ballet class wearing the cutest little pink tutus. We spent years doing dance recitals together, and for as long as I can remember, we’ve done everything side by side.
Every summer, we went to Camp Don Bosco, where we told everyone we were cousins — and honestly, it wasn’t far off. People used to think we were sisters because of our similar features, and we totally ate that up at that age!
Over the years, our friendship grew right along with us — from dance floors and summer camps to school, milestones, and now adulthood. Amanda has been there through every version of me — from childhood sleepovers and teenage drama to nursing school stress and wedding planning chaos. She’s the kind of friend who shows up without being asked, makes every day brighter, and somehow still feels like home after 25 years.
We’ve been besties, cousins, and sisters all in one, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Having her by my side as I marry the love of my life feels like the most full-circle moment.

Amanda

Lucia will always hold such a special place in my heart — she was my first cousin on my mom’s side, and I still remember how excited I was waiting for her arrival. Even at a young age, I couldn’t wait to have my first girl cousin — a built-in bestie for life.
Watching Lucia grow up has been one of the greatest joys. She’s kind, funny, and full of so much light. She’s always carried herself with a quiet confidence and a heart that shines wherever she goes.
She’s not just my cousin — she’s family in the deepest, truest sense of the word. She’s my forever little bestie, my confidant, and someone who will always have a piece of my heart. Having her as a bridesmaid feels like the most special full-circle moment, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.

Lucia 

Adelyn is my beautiful little cousin — and truly my mini-me. I was there the day she was born, and from that very first moment, I’ve been completely obsessed with her. Watching her grow into the smart, funny, and sassy little girl she is now has been the biggest joy.Adelyn is witty, funny, patient, and carries herself with a maturity that constantly amazes everyone around her. She’s the perfect mix of old soul and young heart — she can make you laugh until you cry, then turn around and offer the kindest words when you need them most.
She’s my forever little bestie, my partner in laughter, and one of my favorite people to be around. Having her as a bridesmaid feels so special — a full-circle moment for the little girl who’s grown into someone I admire so much. I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.

Adelyn 

Emily and I met five years ago at work, and from the start, she’s been one of those rare souls who just gets me. What began as a work friendship quickly became something much deeper — the kind of connection that weathers every season of life.
We’ve stood side by side through so much — long, sleepless night shifts, the chaos and heartbreak of nursing during COVID, and the moments of loss and change that shape who we are. Through it all, Emily has been my calm in the storm — steady, loyal, and full of heart.
Now, as we take on FNP school together, I’m reminded daily how strong, selfless, and beautifully grounded she is. She’s my sounding board, my late-night study partner, my voice of reason, and truly, my sister in every way that matters.
There isn’t a version of my life — or this wedding day — that exists without her by my side.

Emily

Nicole and I met a few years ago thanks to Westchester Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery Unit. She was brand new on orientation, and one of our first encounters was me teaching her how to do a blood draw — from my own arm. You could say we became fast friends after that!
Laughing with Nicole is like laughing with no one else. Her laugh is completely contagious, and her one-liners are pure gold — the kind that make you cry-laugh even in the middle of chaos. Work isn’t always easy, but when we’re together, every assignment becomes our assignment, and somehow everything feels lighter.
One of my favorite memories will always be the day we decided we weren’t going to “work” at all — instead, we decked out the entire unit for Christmas like Buddy the Elf the night before Santa came to the mall. That’s just who Nicole is — she brings joy, magic, and warmth wherever she goes.
In just a few years, she’s become one of the most important people in my life. We’ve shared so many milestones — pregnancy, baby showers, grad school, engagements, and now weddings — and through it all, she’s been my cheerleader, my calm in the storm, and my daily reminder to find joy in the little things.
Nicole is one of those rare friends who becomes family — and I feel so lucky to have her love, support, and laughter by my side on this journey and always.

Nicole

Angelica and I met in Rome, Italy back in 2018 — on the Spanish Steps, of all places! I was yelling at Michela to stay close to me in the crowd (in true “protective bestie” fashion), and Angelica grabbed my arm and said, “Let’s do everything together.” From that moment on, we did exactly that.
We were all studying abroad and became instant friends, exploring Venice, Capri, Sorrento, and even Positano together — a dream trip that turned into a lifelong bond. Meeting someone from NYC (Staten Island!) while across the world felt like fate, and we just knew we’d be besties forever.
Since then, we’ve celebrated countless birthdays, cozy fall nights, Christmas parties, backyard hangs at her mom’s house, and way too many TV marathons to count. We even started our own annual NYC holiday tradition — bar hopping, getting drunk, and soaking in the Christmas magic together every year.
Angelica is one of the kindest, funniest, and most loyal people I know. She brings light and laughter everywhere she goes — and I couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without her by my side.

Angelica 

Our darling Aralise is the tiniest ray of sunshine with the sweetest smile and the biggest, most beautiful eyes. She’s Nicole’s precious baby girl — and easily one of the most adored little members of our bridal party.
Aralise has already mastered the art of melting hearts. Whether it’s her little giggles, those perfect cheeks, or the way she lights up the whole room, she brings pure joy to everyone around her. She’s the definition of sweetness wrapped in lace and bows.
Having Aralise as one of our flower girls means the world — she’s a reminder of how much love surrounds this day and how beautiful it is to see life’s next chapter unfolding right before our eyes.

Aralise Iris

Our sweet Vienna Rae may be the tiniest member of the bridal party, but she’s already stealing the show. At just five months old, she’s Giovanna and Matt’s beautiful baby girl — with the brightest blue eyes, the squishiest cheeks, and a smile that melts everyone around her.
Vienna brings pure joy everywhere she goes. She’s the kind of baby who makes the whole room light up — all giggles, coos, and tiny kicks of excitement. She’s our little good-luck charm, spreading love and sweetness wherever she’s carried.
There’s no doubt she’ll be the star of the aisle, wrapped in lace, bows, and all the attention she deserves.

Vienna Rae 

The Men

Brandon 

Jared 

Joesph 

Troy 

Shawn 

Dominic

Christopher 

Andrew

Wedding Party

We've reserved a room block for our wedding guests to make your stay as convenient as possible. We recommend booking early, as availability is limited. Please use the reservation link below to receive our discounted group rate.

Courtyard by Marriott Montvale

Travel

Things to Do

Welcome

We are so excited to celebrate with you! Whether you're traveling from near or far, we've put together a few recommendations to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. We can't wait to welcome you to Northern New Jersey for our wedding weekend!

Getting Here

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)Approximately 35–40 minutes from The Estate at Florentine Gardens. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)Approximately 45–60 minutes from the venue.John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Approximately 60–90 minutes from the venue.

Transportation

For your convenience, complimentary shuttle service will be provided exclusively for guests staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Montvale. Shuttles will transport guests to and from The Estate at Florentine Gardens on our wedding day. Departure and return times will be shared here as the wedding weekend approaches.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available at the Courtyard by Marriott Montvale for overnight guests. At the venue, complimentary valet parking will be provided for all wedding guests. Guests are welcome to drive directly to The Estate at Florentine Gardens if they prefer.

Thank you

Thank you for making the trip to celebrate with us. Whether you're traveling from near or far, your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for. We feel incredibly fortunate to share this special weekend with our favorite people, and we can't wait to celebrate, laugh, dance, and create memories together. We look forward to welcoming you in November!

Sarah & Samuel

Sarah & Samuel

Photos