In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Kimberly about why she chose BOLI Preferred Vendor Chateau at Coindre Hall as her venue and what special touches made the day perfect.
(Photo courtesy of Tino Photography)
Some brides prefer a shorter engagement, while others love a long runway. For BOLI Kimberly, landing right in the middle turned out to be the sweet spot. Thanks to thoughtful, intentional planning with her husband Alex, she felt the entire day flowed so smoothly that she could truly savor every moment.
A Chance Meeting
Kimberly and Alex met on a dating app, but the truth is that they had been orbiting each other for years. She grew up in Dix Hills, he grew up in Commack, and later they both landed in Ithaca for college — she at Ithaca College, he at Cornell University. They shared the same neighborhoods, the same haunts, even the same childhood trick‑or‑treat routes without ever crossing paths. “It’s crazy to think how close we were all those years,” she says.
It wasn’t until they matched on Tinder in late 2018 that they finally had the chance to meet, choosing a cozy brunch spot in Huntington for their first date — the same town where they’d eventually say “I do.” It was a full‑circle moment she still treasures.
After years of dating, moving in together and building a life in Manhattan, Alex proposed during the first night of a cruise that sailed out of New York City. In the ship’s lush outdoor “Central Park,” surrounded by greenery and the unexpected soundtrack of a Latin guitarist, Alex got down on one knee. “It wasn’t planned, but it was so romantic,” Kimberly says. They spent the rest of the trip celebrating their engagement, a perfect beginning to the next chapter of their story.
Planning Pro
After getting engaged in September 2024, Kimberly and Alex dove into planning almost immediately. They toured six Long Island locations, hoping to find something with history, water views and a layout that felt intentional rather than cookie‑cutter.
“We were pretty open about where on Long Island,” Kimberly says, “but we knew we wanted something with character.” Chateau at Coindre Hall, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, quickly rose to the top. Its mansion-style layout with separate dining and dancing rooms felt perfect for their guests’ comfort. “We’d been to weddings where family members had to escape the noise,” she explains. “At Coindre, people could dance all night or sit and talk without shouting.” The venue’s one‑wedding‑per‑day policy, its Huntington location and its pricing sealed the deal. “It checked every box,” Kimberly says. “And honestly, the fact that the cake was included — and from Rolling Pin Bakery — was such a nice bonus.”
(Photo courtesy of Tino Photography)
Once the venue and date were set for June 20, 2026, Kimberly and Alex took advantage of their longer engagement and chose vendors with intention. The first call they made was to Rev. Joe Iadanza of Long Island Wedding Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor. “We wanted a ceremony that felt personal and meaningful,” Kimberly says. “Not just something standard. Rev. Joe’s style really resonated with us.”
Next came photography and videography, which Kimberly describes as “one of the most important parts of the whole day.” They met Tino Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, at a venue showcase and immediately connected with Tino and Erica. “They’re a family‑owned business, and we just hit it off,” she says. When Tino Photography later reached out with a package that included ten hours of coverage of photo and video, Kimberly said their decision became obvious. “My gut was like, this is it. This is who we’re supposed to work with.” They booked early in 2025 and never looked back. “We were so happy with them. It really felt meant to be.”
A Fairytale Wedding
Kimberly and Alex leaned into Coindre Hall’s castle‑like charm, choosing details that felt “a little fairy‑tale, a little historic,” without committing to a formal theme.
One of her favorite personal touches was a whimsical one — tiny decorative birds she inherited and asked the banquet manager to tuck throughout the mansion. “We told them, ‘Just place them wherever you think is fun,’” she laughs. “And then during the ceremony, there were actual birds singing outside. It felt like the universe was in on it.”
On the reception mantel, they displayed their engagement photo flanked by each set of parents’ wedding portraits — a sentimental tribute to the families joining together. “It was simple, but it meant so much to us,” Kimberly says.
Rev. Joe Iadanza also made a lasting impact. Through a custom ceremony workshop, he helped them craft something deeply personal. “It was exactly what we wanted,” she says, adding that guests told her afterward they were moved to tears.
The day itself was filled with moments Kimberly will never forget, from their waterfront first look outside of Coastal Creative Studios, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, to the ceremony she describes as “surreal in the best way.” Walking down the aisle to instrumental music when she saw Alex already teary‑eyed. “It was everything I’d been planning for so long,” she says.
(Photo courtesy of Tino Photography)
And once the reception began, the joy didn’t stop. Their photographer and cinematographer impressed them with both artistry and speed. “We got our photos the following week!” she says. Even more meaningful was their sensitivity to Kimberly’s mother’s vision disability. “They made sure she always knew where the camera was. The photos with my mom are some of my favorites ever.” Coindre Hall’s staff also delivered moments of kindness, like preparing a full cocktail‑hour plate for her mother without anyone asking.
And their DJ from Long Island Sound, a BOLI Preferred Vendor kept the energy sky‑high all night. “He exceeded every expectation,” she says. Kimberly says each vendor contributed something extraordinary. “In their own way, every single one did something amazing.”
Trust Your Instincts
Kimberly says the Brides of Long Island Facebook group became one of her most valuable planning tools. “I did so many searches,” she says, adding that other brides’ questions often answered things she hadn’t even thought of yet, from tipping etiquette to vendor comparisons. “It really steered me toward the vendors I ended up booking,” she says.
Her advice for future brides is simple: take your time and trust your instincts. “It’s your wedding — don’t rush or compromise on what you really want,” she says. Kimberly believes her longer engagement gave her space to plan intentionally and enjoy the day fully. “Because I put so much effort into every detail, I felt like I could slow down and take it all in,” she says. “Let yourself linger in the moments. It’s your day — enjoy it.”
(Photo courtesy of Tino Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: Chateau at Coindre Hall, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo/Video: Tino Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: LI Sound DJ Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Getting Ready Space: Coastal Creative Studios, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Jazz Trio: Edward Daniels Ensembles
Florist: Black Dahlia
Officiant: Rev. Joe Iadanza, Long Island Wedding Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hair/Makeup: Jesella Beauty
Dress: Bridal Suite of Bay Shore, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Alterations: Bridal Alterations by Kirstyn, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Rolling Pin Bakery
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
(Photo courtesy of Tino Photography)