In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Sarah and Ali about the meaningful DIY projects and personal touches that helped them create a wedding day that felt completely their own.
(Photo courtesy of Park Ave Studio)
A quick meeting in 2012 planted a seed that didn’t fully bloom until Sarah and Ali were re‑introduced in 2019. From that moment on, their story unfolded into a wedding day that reflected not just their love, but the journey that brought them back to each other.
Finding Their Way Back to Each Other
Sarah and Ali first met briefly through mutual friends in 2012, then went their separate ways until a 2019 re‑introduction changed everything. “My roommate said her friends were coming over, and she walked in with Ali and it was over from there,” Sarah says. Two years later, on March 11, 2021, Sarah surprised Ali with a proposal on a pier surrounded by family and friends. A week later, Ali proposed in their backyard.
After celebrating with a party, the two enjoyed their engagement before officially diving into planning in late 2023.
Planning With Confidence (After a Nervous Start)
Once they booked Stonebridge Country Club, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, Sarah and Ali eased into planning with a mix of excitement and the nerves that come with being a same‑sex couple navigating the wedding industry. “We walked in holding our breath, but the second Diana greeted us, it felt safe and welcoming,” Sarah says. Ali added the property, the pricing and the people made every decision easier. “The moment we stepped inside, we just knew — it felt like our place.”
With the venue locked in, she immediately reached out to the makeup artist she’d been eyeing on Brides of Long Island – LisaMarie Makeup, a BOLI Preferred Vendor. Sarah says she booked her the same day because she loved her soft, natural style.
From there, the rest of the process unfolded smoothly as they relied mostly on the venue’s vendor package. They rounded out their team with Absolute Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, a florist who matched their vision and Rev. Joe Iadanza, of Long Island Wedding Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, who had guests laughing and tearing up all night.
(Photo courtesy of Park Ave Studio)
Handmade Details That Made the Day Theirs
Sarah and Ali poured so much of themselves into their wedding, choosing a palette of pinks, mauves and sage green, and filling the space with personal touches they created by hand. They built a memorial display, customized a mirror and crafted favors by filling jars with honey and flower seeds. “We wanted something personal, not just something bought — something we actually put together ourselves,” Sarah says.
Their bouquets were made of sola wood flowers so they could keep them forever, and pearls and diamonds appeared throughout the décor as a nod to their birthstones. Ali loved that their DIY choices felt both meaningful and practical, adding, “We wanted things people would actually use.”
A Day Full of Calm, Joy and Genuine Connection
On the morning of the wedding, both Sarah and Ali felt the kind of nerves that only come with a day you’ve imagined for years. Sarah started out composed until the reality of it all hit her, but the moment they shared their first look, everything shifted. “The second I saw her, every bit of nervousness disappeared,” she says.
Ali had been shaking all morning, hands sweating through the anticipation, but the first look grounded her instantly and turned the day into pure fun. They loved getting a few quiet minutes alone in their fully-set reception room before guests arrived — dancing, taking photos, and soaking in the space they created together.
Throughout the day, a few standout vendors made the experience even more meaningful. Their MC, Terrence, became a true anchor — checking in constantly, personalizing every detail, and even taking videos for them since they didn’t hire a videographer. “He never felt like a vendor; he felt like a family friend,” Sarah says.
Their officiant, Rev. Joe, left a lasting impression too. Ali remembers how comfortable he made them feel, and guests still talk about how he moved seamlessly from heartfelt moments to laughter.
(Photo courtesy of Park Ave Studio)
Stonebridge’s team kept the day running flawlessly, from the quick room flip that surprised guests to the bar setup that kept lines nonexistent. Their DJ team kept the dance floor full, even pulling off a table dash so Sarah and Ali could get photos with every guest. By the end of the night, they both agreed that everything went smoothly, every detail felt cared for and it truly was the best day.
A Sweet Ending
Sarah and Ali leaned on the Brides of Long Island community throughout planning, using the search bar for everything from vendor research to tiny details they didn’t even know to ask about. “Anything I needed, I typed it in and there was always an answer,” Sarah says, and Ali loved that “no question ever went unanswered.”
Now that they’re on the other side, their biggest advice is simple: stay present. Ali encourages brides to slow down enough to enjoy the food and the moments you’ve been planning for, while Sarah adds, “Remember it’s your day — stay together, soak it in and don’t let yourselves get pulled in a million directions.”
As for the sweetest surprise of all, Stonebridge partners with Dortoni to gift couples a recreated version of their wedding cake for their first anniversary. Sarah and Ali loved the tradition, especially since they barely tasted their cake on the actual day. Returning for that anniversary treat felt like reliving a piece of their wedding, a small but meaningful reminder of a celebration that still feels like it happened yesterday.
(Photo courtesy of Park Ave Studio)
Vendors:
Venue: Stonebridge Country Club, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Park Ave. Studio, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: Rev. Joe Iadanza, Long Island Wedding Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Absolute Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Flowers by Brian
Hair: Sarah used Jenn Turk; Ali used Emily Gargiulo
Makeup: Sarah used LisaMarie Makeup, a BOLI Preferred Vendor; ; Ali used Emily Gargiulo
Dress: Sarah used Burton’s Bridals, a BOLI preferred vendor; Ali used Blossom Bride
Cake: Dortoni Bakery
Transportation: Mark of Elegance Limousine Service, a BOLI preferred vendor
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Long Island, a BOLI preferred vendor
(Photo courtesy of Park Ave Studio)