Hotel Ballast Wilmington

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

The River Room

Ceremony

River Room

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

From COVID to Newlyweds! 

Would you rather hear a dad joke or an interesting fact? The question Holly came across on the dating app Hinge. Despite the multiple pictures of Stefano in a different country, Holly had to decide whether or not to pursue a connection with Stefano. Swipe left and never see Stefano again, or swipe right and hope that Stefano would form a connection. With no hesitation, Stefano formed the connection and shared his worst dad joke ever. Luckily for Stefano, Holly thought it was cute and the conversation continued to speaking about Stefano shark cage diving in South Africa. How Holly did not immediately run away we will never know, but that was the least of her concerns as soon after they connected COVID happened. Given the uncertainty around COVID, Stefano and Holly would spend weeks on Zoom having virtual dinner dates. The connection was undeniable and they were both itching to meet in person. Two months go by, and Stefano gets the chance to see Holly at a park nearby and enjoy their forever favorite meal Chick-fil-a.&nbsp; From that moment forward, there was nothing stopping Holly and Stefano from continuing their love story. From moving in together in Stefano’s apartment to buying a townhouse and their sweet little pup Maisey, their journey to a perfect spring day in March 2022 was more than anything they ever dreamed of. Holly thought it was a day like no other, where she was taking pictures with Stefano as her Uncle Ron wanted to see how a new photographer would interact with strangers. Holly and Stefano walked up to a beautiful decorated gazebo, but before they could enter, Stefano proceeds to get down on one knee to tell Holly how she was his best friend and loved her so much. He then pulls out a ring from his jacket and asks Holly to marry him, which Holly immediately says yes. Both of them full of excitement and happiness, could not stop smiling. They ended their engagement celebration surrounded by friends and family.&nbsp; They are so excited to spend their wedding day the same way, surrounded by friends, family, and delicious food! They can’t wait for the next chapter in their story.

Our Story

Photos

The sister of the bride, who is also her best friend. 

Elisha Hood

The cousin of the bride, bride’s best friend and wedding planner.

Briana Randle 

Janelle Wolkonowski 

Christina Mazza

Sister of the groom, new sister to the bride

Isabella Visca 

Ron Randle 

Robert Visca

Reagan Hood

Kenny Mazza

Matt Grey

Mike Romano

Brandon Verdura

Braden Kohlman

Wedding Party

Q + A

To book online guests can go to www.hotelballast.com. You will enter the requested dates, select Special Rates and then enter the Group code 91K. The code can be entered up until one month prior to February 22. After this date, please note the group rate will no longer be valid. The rate is good for any days from February 21-February 25. If you want to stay outside of these dates, you will not be able to make the reservation on line. Please call the hotel directly Monday-Thursday between 9am and 2pm (910) 763-5900 and ask for Pam in Reservations. She will check availability of the discounted rate.

Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The closest airport to the hotel block and wedding venue, which is only a 10 minute drive.

Wilmington International Airport

The closest big city to the hotel block and wedding venue, but will require you to rent a car and drive 3.5 hours.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

A smaller city than Charlotte that is closer to the hotel block and wedding venue, but will require you to rent a car and drive 2 hours.

Stefano & Holly

Stefano & Holly

Things to Do

Battleship North Carolina

Wilmington Riverwalk

The Cotton Exchange

Chandler's Wharf

Museum of the Bizarre

Airlie Gardens

Wrightsville Beach