This was a wedding that many of us have been waiting for quite some time. Alison and Patrick’s family more than myself to be honest. In fact, it goes back generations. Truly! I’m not sure if me telling this story will even do the story itself justice, but I’m going to try! Because it’s a story that simply cannot be contained to those who know these two.

Alison and Patrick’s grandmothers were close friends who lived down the street from each other on Staten Island. Pearl and Elaine had kids similar in age who were each other’s ‘first besties’ (as Alison’s Dad would refer to them), Steven and Elisabeth. As Steven and Elisabeth grew up, they started families separately but remained friends and at one point actually introduced these two when they were maybe 6 years old! There’s a photo to prove that. A really adorable one in fact. But it wasn’t until about 11 years later that Alison and Patrick would see each other again at Alison’s high school graduation party. Patrick was a bit hesitant to go to “his mom’s friend’s daughter’s graduation party” but heard there was a pool and that was all he needed to know.

After the party, Patrick announced to his Mom “I’m going to marry that girl someday.” Alison would also ask who the cute guy was. And every year Alison’s family’s Christmas card appeared in the mail, Patrick would continue to say how he would marry Alison one day but they actually wouldn’t see each other again for another 5 years. When Pat had his own college graduation party, Alison’s dad, Steven showed up without Alison and to say Patrick was disappointed is an understatement. Steven returned from the party and Alison GRILLED him with questions at which point, the parents stepped out of the way and let Alison and Pat take their relationship from there and the rest is history.

I’ve personally grown to love these two in the short time period that I’ve known them. I was really looking forward to their original wedding date in April this year when an unexpected event forced a change in their date last minute. Alison and Pat’s family and friends came in FULL force this past weekend to celebrate them for all that they deserve and more. So much more! These two are good souls apart but also so much so together. The journey to this past weekend may have been a bit bumpier than expected, but it was so worth the wait. Because when soulmates meet when they’re 6, and then again at a pool party at the end of high school and their hearts are simply drawn together in a way that’s inexplicable, time is not a factor.

Congrats Alison and Patrick! To say I am HONORED to be there to capture this day for you and your families simply does not justify how I truly feel. I’m humbled to be a very small piece to such an incredible chapter in this love story of yours. I can’t wait to turn the page to see how it continues.

xo.