Mrs. July: How This BOLI Honored Two Important Family Members

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Stephanie discusses why changing their original plans led to the best photos.

As Stephanie and Sean were planning their April 18, 2025 wedding, they wanted to make sure that they acknowledged all of the important people in their lives – including two very special family members.

A Family Proposal

The newlyweds met at a Babylon bar right before the Covid pandemic, but due to the resulting shutdowns, didn’t start dating until about 18 months later. Fast forward two more years to 2023, and Sean proposed at an East End vineyard in front of their families. “His family was visiting from Ireland, so everyone was there,” Stepanie says. “Sean put a tag on our dog that said, ‘Mom, will you marry my daddy?’ It was so cute.”

Planning a Big Party

After they got engaged, Sean and Stephanie knew they wanted a huge party. “We were going to have so many people in the room on the same day – a lot of them international – so we wanted to make sure it was going to be a great party.” Because of this, she says the venue, the photographer and the DJ were the most important – and the first – vendors she booked.

Stephanie says that when she and Sean toured Larkfield, it was the only venue that excited him. “He loved the European feel of the venue,” she says. “And since we’re both foodies, we loved that they offered a huge variety at the cocktail hour. Between the atmosphere, ambiance and the food, we were both sold on Larkfield right away.”

Once the venue was booked, Sean and Stephanie focused on their other important vendors. For the DJ, they hired one of Sean’s friends who runs an entertainment company. “It was kind of a no-brainer because they used to work at a bar together, and it was the exact vibe we were looking for,” she says. “And they did not disappoint.” 

For photography and video, Stephanie says they were torn between The Glenmar Studio and Michael John Photography, both BOLI Preferred Vendors. Ultimately, they chose a package with Glenmar that included videography and a second photographer. On the day of their wedding, Stephanie realized that Glenmar’s second photographer was actually Mike from Michael John Photography! “We were super lucky with our photography because we got the best of both worlds,” she says. “I couldn’t be more thankful for them.”

MORE: 39 Questions to ask when choosing a DJ

Personal Touches and Honoring Loved Ones

In addition to a huge party, Stephanie and Sean wanted to make sure there were plenty of personal touches sprinkled throughout their day. From customized drink stirrers to a playlist packed with their favorite songs, the pair definitely pulled off their dream wedding. “Our signature cocktail was actually a drink that Sean made up when he used to work at a bar,” Stephanie says. “It’s not a real cocktail – but Sean and his friends went crazy when they saw it!”

The pair had a table with their family members’ pictures on it, as well as a memorial chair for Stephanie’s grandfather who passed away before their wedding day. They also made sure to highlight their closest loved ones: Sean’s father was his best man, and their dog was their flower girl. And not waiting to leave her mother out, “I did a special dance with her to a song she used to sing to me and my sister growing up.” Stephanie adds that a lot of the little things they incorporated throughout the day might have been very subtle to most of their guests, “but we knew they were there, and that’s what mattered the most to us.”

Those Special Moments

Stephanie and Sean planned to have their first look by their apartment on a path lined with cherry blossom trees. “It’s literally a walking path we take every day,” she says. Their photographers agreed it was a beautiful spot, so they ditched their original plans and decided to take all of their photos among the beautiful cherry blossoms. “The photos came out great, and it was so special that we can go back and revisit the spot whenever we want.”

Another special moment for the pair was sitting at their table and looking out at all of their loved ones. “Seeing everyone having a great time all together in one room was just an amazing feeling,” she says. “Especially for Sean’s family being all together not just in one room but on one continent. It was a truly special day.”

MORE: 7 of the Best Wedding Invitation Vendors on Long Island

Perfect Planning

All of the vendors they booked went above and beyond. Their florist, Vivian from Lindenhurst Village Florist, “gave us extra flowers for our cake, and for my grandpa’s memorial chair,” Stephanie says. “She is so easy to work with, and a saint of a woman.” 

Stephanie says her photos from The Glenmar Studio came out phenomenal. “Our video came out amazing too,” she adds. “And the best part was it only took them a week to get it back to us! They even gave us a reel for Instagram, which they put to our first dance. I loved all of their attention to detail.”

Stephanie says that the BOLI Facebook page really helped her in researching vendors. “I had a spreadsheet with my own notes, and then notes from other brides to help me choose,” she says. “The group really allowed me to see real reviews, which was super helpful.”

MORE: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

As she and Sean relax on their Jamaican honeymoon, she wants other brides to know that no matter how stressful planning can be, their wedding day will be perfect. “Honestly, when we got to Larkfield, I noticed a table wasn’t decorated exactly how I wanted it, but then I realized that no one else would know that but me. So then I just relaxed and enjoyed the day. Because in the end, it’s about you and your spouse, everything else just falls into place.”

Vendors:
Venue: Larkfield
Photographer/Videographer: The Glenmar Studio & Michael John Photography BOLI Preferred Vendors
DJ: NRG Entertainment
Florist: Lindenhurst Village Florist
Hair: Ink & Ivy, a BOLI preferred vendor
Makeup: ZORIGLAM
Dress: Village Bridal, a BOLI preferred vendor
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse Glen Cove
Transportation: Sir Oliver, a BOLI preferred vendor
Flower preservation: La Boda Flores

This article brought to you by Michael John Photography, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

Want to say “I do” abroad? Here’s how to choose the best destination for your destination wedding

You love being a bride of Long Island, but your ideal wedding day would happen…well, on another kind of Island. 

Plenty of brides want to get married somewhere other than home. And that’s great! Destination weddings add excitement and novelty to your big day. But how do you go about choosing the perfect destination? While you may have a few places in mind, there are some important factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you pick the best destination for your destination wedding.

• MORE: 7 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

Decide on your budget 

Solidifying your budget is the first — and most important — thing you should do. You don’t want to get your heart set on a location you can’t afford, and you don’t want to go into massive debt just for one day. 

Before you start searching “Italian villa weddings,” have a solid budget in place. 

Brainstorm with your fiancé 

You’re thinking an oceanside ceremony and reception on the pool deck, but they’re thinking cocktail hour at the lodge and a first dance by the fire place. Make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page, and if you’re not, find a compromise.

Even if you both know exactly where you want to get married, have a few other destination options in mind. You may find that your first choice is out of your budget, or that it won’t work for some other reason.

Think about your VIPs

Let’s go back to that oceanside ceremony. It’s your dream, but have you thought about how your grandmother with a walker will make it down to the shore? Or how your bridesmaid who’ll be 7 months pregnant will feel about flying internationally?

While it would be impossible to make decisions that make everyone happy, you should think about the people that you absolutely want in attendance. If they have mobility concerns or health issues, that may limit the destinations you should consider. You may also want to do a bit of research on accessibility at the destinations on your list.

Consider the weather

You’ve decided that October is the best month for your wedding, but October is not such a great month in the Caribbean. Why? Hurricane season. There’s nothing stopping you from planning a tropical wedding anyway, but just know you’ll be taking a huge chance on the weather. 

When you’ve narrowed down your choices, check the seasonal weather patterns at each destination. That could make your decision a lot easier. 

• MORE: Honeymoon Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank

Research marriage laws 

This is a big one if you’re considering international locations. There are some places that require couples to be physically present in the country for a certain amount of time before getting legally married.

If you don’t want to have a legal ceremony before or after your wedding day, and you don’t want to spend weeks (or more) in your destination’s country, you may have to look at other destinations instead.

Compare pricing

You’re stuck between two different destinations that both seem perfect. Now’s the time to get into the nitty gritty — money. One destination may be hundreds (or even thousands) more than the other. If both would be equally appealing, going with the cheaper option could give you some extra spending money to splurge on fun extras. 

Be sure to also compare prices of area vendors, lodging, and transportation!

Search for reviews and inspo

Now that you’ve gotten your final choices on a list, take some time to read reviews and look at previous weddings. You’ll get a sense of exactly how your day would go, and you’ll be able to scope out a vendor team you can trust.

Plus, seeing real weddings could give you some great ideas for your own big day!

If the thought of planning your destination wedding seems overwhelming, check out one of BOLI’s preferred destination wedding and honeymoon specialists!

• MORE: Find incredible destination wedding vendors on Ring Leader

If diamonds aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other beautiful stones you can get.

Whether you’ve been planning your wedding since you were a little girl, or you’re just starting to think about getting engaged, you might have thought about what type of engagement ring you’d like to wear. But what happens when diamonds aren’t necessarily your best friend? Don’t worry! There are plenty of other beautiful and unique stones you can consider for your engagement ring. Here are nine engagement ring stones that aren’t diamonds.

Sapphires
These stones are great because they can come in several different colors. You can even choose a white or colorless hue that could closely resemble a diamond. And what’s great about these is they are known for their durability, which makes them perfect for everyday wear.

Rubies
Channel your inner Dorothy and get yourself a bright red gemstone! They are one of the hardest stones, second only to diamonds, so they are also perfect for your unique engagement ring.

Emeralds
These green gemstones associated with elegance and glam can set you apart from the rest. While they are a bit softer than other stones, they are a great engagement ring option if set properly.

Moissanites
While not a natural stone, these lab-created stones can match the brilliance of a diamond. They are becoming increasingly popular because of their lower cost and high durability.

MORE: How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Topaz
Another stone that comes in a variety of colors such as yellow, blue and pink. This is also a cost-effective gem that is a great, unique alternative to a diamond engagement ring.

Aquamarine
If blue is your favorite color, this vibrant gem could be perfect for you. It’s known for its calming and soothing powers. So not only could your engagement ring be beautiful, it could bring calm to your life.

Garnet
Another option for a vibrant red engagement ring. Garnets are also gaining popularity as a great option that isn’t a diamond. These are also a more affordable option.

MORE: What To Do If You Don’t Like Your Engagement Ring

Amethyst
If you want your left hand to sparkle and stand out, this purple gemstone could be your favorite. Not only is it a unique stone, it’s another affordable option for an engagement ring stone.

Opal
Opals are a very unique colorful gemstone. Depending on which angle you look at your ring, you can catch a glimpse of another color, setting this stone apart from the rest.

When deciding what engagement ring stone is perfect for you, it’s important to consider durability, budget, color, settings and any extra care requirements to keep your ring looking sparkly and new.

MORE: 8 Popular Diamond Shapes — Which One Should You Choose?

Whatever stone you like the best, it’s important to relay this information to your future spouse so they know exactly what you’re looking for. And remember, putting a ring on it is just the beginning to this amazing next chapter as you get ready to be a wife.

This article brought to you by Atlantis Banquets and Events, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Venue!

Bridezilla? No way! Be crowned a bridechilla by keeping these things in mind.

Your girls all cried tears of joy at your bridesmaid proposal brunch. And now, they can’t wait to help you plan and prep for your big day! But keep in mind something we often say at Brides of Long Island: no one cares about your wedding as much as you do. 

That’s not to say that your bridal party doesn’t care at all. Of course they do! But at the same time, their own lives and their own milestones have to take precedent over your wedding. Not accepting this early on can lead to misunderstanding, resentment, and ended friendships.

You want your girls to be excited for you, but you don’t want to be labelled a bridezilla either. Here’s how to be a ‘bridechilla’ when it comes to your bridesmaids, and still get the love and support you need. 

• MORE: Should I Fire My Bridesmaid?

Honor your bridesmaids’ personal styles

You may have your heart set on identical bridesmaid dresses, but the silhouette you want may not be the most flattering choice for your girls. Or maybe you don’t mind different dresses, but you have a ‘mood’ in mind and an extensive Pinterest board to match. 

No matter what your preference, think about your bridesmaids’ styles. You don’t have to have your punk rock bestie decked out in destroyed leather, but you should pick look that complements her. 

Think about their body shapes and skin tones too. If you’ve got a group of curvy gals with pale complexions, you might want to skip that yellow slip dress you saved. 

Consider what you’re asking them to spend

Your wedding only happens once, and you’re ready to bend the budget a bit! But it may be your cousin’s third bridesmaid shift this year, and while she’d love to celebrate your bachelorette in Nashville, she doesn’t have much discretionary income left. 

Lavish bachelorettes, grandiose bridal showers, and requiring professional hair and makeup without offering to cover it can really add up. Think about the aspects that mean the most to you, then try to cut back on some of the other elements. For example — if you’re the most excited about your bachelorette but trust your girls with a curling iron, think about making hair and makeup optional.  

Think about their schedules

If you’ve filled up months of weekends with wedding planning fun and want your girls along for the ride, you might want to reconsider. Asking to reserve some days here and there is totally fine, especially as the big day gets closer. But wanting your bridesmaids to dedicate multiple weekends in a row strictly for your wedding may be a bit too much to ask.

You’ll also want to think about timing for your major events. For example — when trying to plan an out-of-town bachelorette, think about a month or season that would work best for the majority of your bridal party (like if most of them are teachers, plan a getaway for the summer).

Appreciate their efforts

Remember the hard work you put into your bestie’s wedding? Think about how it would have felt if she snubbed all your efforts. Your girls love you and want to celebrate you. Be sure to thank them for their care and attention — even if some things don’t go according to plan.

• MORE: Why She Shouldn’t Be a Bridesmaid

Manage your own expectations

Have champagne dreams on a beer budget? Now’s the time to face reality. You would love to be surrounded by your best friends on a yacht sailing through the French Riviera, but none of you have millions just sitting around in the bank. 

Remember — what will make this time special is being surrounded by love and support from your friends, no matter the scenery of surroundings. 

Why Ring Leader is a must for your bridal party

Ring Leader, a state-of-the-art app that makes wedding planning a breeze, allows you to anonymously poll your bridesmaids on everything from dress budget to ideal bachelorette spots. Take the guesswork out of managing your bridal party and get honest answers from your girls! 

These Nassau County bridal salons are some of the best places to buy a gown in western Long Island.

Whether you live in Nassau County or even in one of the five boroughs, there are great bridal salons just a quick drive (or train ride) away. These bridal salons are waiting for you to come in with your bride tribe or just a few friends or family members to say ‘yes to the dress.’ If you don’t know where to begin, Brides of Long Island is ready to help with these best bridal salons in Nassau County!

The Wedding Plaza
Floral Park
The Wedding Plaza staff are more than just bridal consultants, they’re an integral member of your wedding day team! Their sole focus is to get you and your spouse dressed in your best as you walk down the aisle. Yes – they not only cater to brides, bridesmaids and moms, but also grooms, dads and the entire bridal party!

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

The Bridal World
Freeport
This intimate bridal salon on the South Shore is described as relaxed with a homey atmosphere, which is a perfect reprieve to the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. The Bridal World has only two fitting rooms, which means you will likely have the salon to yourself as you search for your wedding gown.

Max Bridal
Syosset
With over 20 years experience, Max Bridal manager Alene is excited to help you look your best in your dream wedding dress. At your 90-minute appointments, Alene and the Max Bridal staff will take their time learning exactly what you’re looking for in a gown.

Bridal Reflections
Carle Place
The staff at family-owned Bridal Reflections is ready to welcome you to their family! For over 45 years, they have been making brides look and feel their best in their dream wedding gowns.

MORE: 6 Things to Wear When Dress Shopping

Here Comes the Bridesmaid & Mom
Bethpage
Recently renamed with mom in mind, Here Comes the Bridesmaid & Mom has been helping brides, bridesmaids and their mothers find the perfect dress since 1995. What’s unique about Here Comes the Bridesmaid is that all of their gowns are original dresses, received diirectly from the designers. If you and your bride tribe can’t make it to their shop, they have a wide selection on their website.

 And if you want to look at some great bridal salons and a little further east, here are all of the best bridal salons on Long Island. You can’t go wrong with any of our preferred vendors, so get ready to find the gown of your dreams!

You’ve got a bundle of joy on the way! But your big day is coming up. Should you postpone your wedding if you’re pregnant?

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage? Um, not exactly in that order.

Listen, it’s 2025. Many of us are living together, buying homes, and starting families before we walk down the aisle. And that’s great! There’s no timeline that every single person has to follow. 

But if you’ve been planning your big day only to be surprised by two little pink lines, you might wonder if pushing things off is the best option. Should you postpone your wedding if you’re pregnant? Just like any other decision, there are benefits and drawbacks. 

• MORE: The Best Wedding Venues in Nassau County

Consider the specifics

Obviously, a lot will depend on your specific circumstances. If you just got a positive test and your wedding is 6 weeks away, there’s probably no need to postpone (unless being pregnant really impacts your idea of an ideal wedding day — more on that below). If you’ve just found out and your wedding is 9 months away, then postponing is probably the safest option (unless you don’t mind going into labor during your first dance).

What if your wedding is 5 or 6 months away, though? You could really go either way. If that’s the case, you’ll want to think about the following.

Your ideal wedding day

You’ve been thinking about your wedding for a long time. When you envision your “perfect” day, what does it look like? Are you tasting all the sushi rolls you requested for cocktail hour, zipped up into a formfitting gown that’s already been ordered? Are you sipping your signature cocktail, living it up at an after party or toasting with your girls as you get ready? Or are you more focused on being with friends and family, dancing to a few of your favorite songs, and reveling in the joy of finally being a “Mrs.”?

There’s no right or wrong answer. But there are certain things you shouldn’t do when you’re pregnant — if your ideal day involves a lot of those things, you may want to think about postponing. 

The importance of having a wedding

How important is having a wedding to both you and your fiancé? Because in reality, all you need to do is fill out some paperwork, head to the courthouse, and boom — you’re married. No big party, fancy dress, or loud music required. 

Truthfully, life will get a lot more complicated once you’ve got a little one in the picture. You may find yourself too busy to make a wedding happen on top of caring for baby. If you’re okay with that possibility, then postponing may be a good idea. If your heart is set on a traditional wedding, you may want to carry on as scheduled.  

• MORE: 6 Tactful Ways to Say ‘No Kids at Our Wedding’

Deposits and other non-refundable payments

You may be okay with postponing until after your pregnancy, but then you think about the money you’ve spent. Many venues consider their deposits and payments to be non-refundable, and won’t carry over existing payments to a new date. That may not be the case for ALL venues, but you’ll want to check your contract and talk with venue staff to confirm.

The same goes for any other vendor you’ve hired. If you’ve made a lot of deposits already and your vendors won’t honor those payments for a postponement, that could impact your decision.

Vendor availability and guests’ schedule

You’ll also want to think about your vendor team’s availability. Chances are, you booked some of them far in advance of your original date. They may or may not be available for your postponed date. 

Your guests matter too! If there are certain people you would definitely want by your side, determine a possible postponement date and check in with them on their availability. 

• MORE: Ring Leader takes the guesswork out of planning

Being in the bridal party is a huge honor, but it’s also a huge responsibility. If you’re not able to take on the role, here’s how to decline a bridesmaid proposal.

A friend you love dearly is tying the knot, and she’s just invited you to a “picnic brunch.” Or she’s asked you over for wine with a few other gal pals. Or she’s just slid a beautiful box with a white ribbon in front of you.

A bridesmaid proposal can be an intimate moment or a lavish event, but no matter the fanfare one thing is true — your friend wants you by her side on one of the most important days of her life. And that’s a huge honor.

But at the same time, let’s be real — being a bridesmaid isn’t exactly an easy task. Depending on the bride and her wedding plans, you could be looking a quite an expensive few months (or even years). And all that free time you were counting on? Not so fast! You’ve got a bachelorette to help plan, a bridal shower to help organize, and dress shopping trips to make.

It’s not that you don’t love your friend, but you also can’t take on bridesmaid responsibilities right now. Here’s how to decline a bridesmaid proposal in a way that won’t ruin your relationship.

• MORE: Why She Shouldn’t Be a Bridesmaid

Reasons to decline a bridesmaid proposal

Did you know that the original role of a bridesmaid was to protect the bride from evil spirits? While you won’t have to fight off any demons, you will be expected to do a lot in the months leading up to your friend’s big day. 

There are things that can get in the way of those tasks, and money is one of the biggest factors. Bridesmaid dresses aren’t cheap, you can’t afford a cross-country flight for the bachelorette, and chipping in for a bridal shower is going throw your budget way off balance.

Time is another common issue. Whether you work odd hours, you’re finishing up your degree, or you’ve got 2 littles under the age of 2, bridesmaid commitments can time away from your family and other pursuits.

Major life events also come into play. Maybe you’re due with your first baby a few weeks before the big day, maybe you’re busy planning your own wedding, or maybe you’re getting ready to start a demanding job. You’d end up having to skip a lot of the bridesmaid events anyway, which could harbor some bad blood between the two of you. 

And not to sound harsh, but it’s also possible you don’t feel as close to the bride-to-be as she does to you. You may have been best friends in college, but you’ve drifted a part over the years and don’t have the same relationship as before. It may be hard to justify taking on such an important role in her wedding when the feeling isn’t mutual.

Finally, maybe you just don’t want to be in the bridal party. You love your friend dearly, but being a bridesmaid just…isn’t your thing.

All of these are valid reasons to decline a bridesmaid proposal. 

• MORE: Do I Have to Make My Sister My Maid of Honor?

How to decline a bridesmaid proposal

We don’t have to tell you that saying “no” to a bridesmaid proposal has the potential to be super awkward (not to mention friendship-ruining). It’s much better to decline now than accept and cause friction later, but you should still handle the situation with empathy and care. 

First, don’t decline the proposal right away — especially if you’re a part of a public event, like a group brunch or picnic. You don’t want to say “yes” if you don’t really mean it, so instead tell the bride-to-be that you’re so honored she asked.

If you’ve been asked one-on-one, you can still express your gratitude for being included and then request a few days to think it over. It’s important to take some time and put together your thoughts in a respectful way.

When you’re ready to break the news, ask to chat in person or over the phone. Don’t rely on text or email, where your tone can be misinterpreted easily. 

First, tell her again that you’re honored she asked. Then, follow up with your decline. If you’ve got a super specific reason, like you’re having a baby around the same time or you’re moving away for a new job, you can mention it here. If the reasons are more emotional or sensitive, keep it vague — you can say you’re declining for “personal reasons” or because you can’t devote the time required. Lastly, offer to help the bride in some other way that’s more manageable for you. Maybe that means doing a reading for the ceremony, or jotting down a thank you list at the bridal shower, or helping her bring decorations to the venue. 

Here’s an example of what to say:

Thank you so much for asking me to be a bridesmaid. It would be such an honor to stand by you on your wedding day. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to accept for personal reasons that would keep me from being there for you fully. I hope you understand, and I would love to help you in another way. Can I help with your decor?

• MORE: Ways to Handle Bridal Party Tension

What happens after you decline a bridesmaid proposal

Your friend may be hurt, and that’s understandable. But ultimately, it’s better to say “no” to being a bridesmaid if your heart isn’t really into it. Forcing yourself to be in the bridal party when you don’t really want to could end in resentment on both sides. Honesty and transparency is always the best policy, as long as it’s done with careful thought. Your relationship will be the better for it. 

• MORE: Ring Leader gets your bridal party on the same page, without the awkward convos

The pair started dating in 2022 while working on her album.

Disney Channel alum and musician Demi Lovato married singer-songwriter Jordan “Jutes” Lutes Memorial Day weekend in California.

The pair met in the studio in 2022 while working on her album. Lutes proposed in December 2023. They said “I do” at an estate in Santa Barbara on May 25. “The location is so beautiful. It features rolling greens and has an amazing view of the ocean,” Lovato told Vogue. The couple worked with celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss to create their dream wedding weekend.

MORE: 46 Great Long Island Wedding Venues

According to Vogue, the weekend kicked off on Saturday night with a rehearsal and dinner at Arnoldi’s Café. Lovato wore a strapless Monique Lhuillier dress. The next day, Lovato and Lutes said their vows in front of 135 of their friends and family. She wore a pearl white Vivienne Westwood dress, with a corset and dramatic draped neckline. “I’ve been a fan of Vivienne Westwood for so long,” Demi told Vogue. “I love the way that they designed the dress, it feels perfect and makes me feel so confident in my body.” Lutes wore Saint Laurent for the ceremony.

MORE: 6 of the Most Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes – Which One Should You Choose?

After the ceremony, the newlyweds took a moment for themselves – as most couples do. For the reception, Lovato changed into an ivory silk satin column dress with a draped corset top – also by Vivienne Westwood. For their first dance, Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls performed “Iris.”

For the after-party, the bride changed again into a custom Lapointe suit and Jimmy Choo heels, followed by a short off-the-shoulder send-off look custom-made by Idan Cohen with Gianvito Rossi heels, according to Vogue. They danced with their guests until the wee hours of the night, and eventually sped off in a vintage white Cadillac to begin the next chapter in their lives.

The May 25th incident left Brooke Skrocki with life-altering injuries. A fundraiser was established by her family.

A Hamptons boat crash has left a mom and Bride of Long Island critically injured. 

On May 25, BOLI Brooke Skrocki, her fiancé, and their two young daughters were onboard a fishing boat that crashed into the Shinnecock Canal jetty. While Skrocki’s daughters Emma, 6, and Ava, 2, were not harmed, Skrocki was left with severe injuries and faces a long road to recovery.

“She’s looking at a year of intensive rehabilitation and will require considerable support,” Skrocki’s aunt, Melissa Barravecchio, said in a GoFundMe she established for her niece. “Brooke’s progress…has taken some steps backward but the family is holding strong that she will continue to fight. We need all the prayers we can get to help send Brooke the strength she needs to heal.”

Skrocki is described as “the sweetest soul and the best mom” by friend Alexa Licciardi. Similar sentiments were shared across social media as those in her circle learned of the accident. 

“Skrocki was a huge part of my childhood,” said Riley Werner in a Facebook post. “She feels like a bonus sister to me. Anyone that knows her knows she lights up any room she’s in.”

In addition to Barravecchio’s GoFundMe campaign, Skrocki’s cousin Kristina Gries has started a Giveinkind fundraiser to support Emma and Ava during their mother’s recovery.

To make a contribution towards Skrocki’s recovery, click here.

To make a contribution towards Skrocki’s daughters, click here.

Saying “I do” on Long Island? Check out the best wedding venues in Nassau County!

Choosing the right wedding venue is almost as important as choosing the right fiancé!

All kidding aside — your venue sets the stage for your perfect wedding day. Whether your want a sleek and sophisticated affair or a cozy boho get-together, your venue provides the framework for everything that happens. 

Nassau County is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues on Long Island. If you’re walking down the aisle between New Hyde Park and Oyster Bay, check out these best wedding venues in Nassau County! 

• MORE: Great Long Island Wedding Venues

Westbury Manor
Westbury

Westbury Manor is home to 5 acres of lush landscapes and beautiful greenery. Inside you’ll find a stunning ballrooms, Gold Coast architecture, and cocktail spaces that can fit up to 300 guests. 

• MORE: Brides are Treated Like Part of the Family at Westbury Manor

The Inn at New Hyde Park
New Hyde Park

Established in 1938, this Long Island landmark can host anywhere from 10 to 500 of your closest friends and family. The Inn has a staff of event planners and culinary experts — all with a combined 200 years of experience! 

The Lannin
East Meadow

Located inside Eisenhower Park, this fully renovated venue can customize the luxury wedding of your dreams. The Lannin is surrounded by lush scenery and offers a modern look, an award-winning chef, and a staff of passionate professionals.

• MORE: Customize the Luxury Wedding of Your Dreams at The Lannin  

Fox Hollow
Woodbury

If you’re looking for endless options, Fox Hollow is your venue! From on-site ceremonies, outdoor gardens, multiple reception rooms and even a luxury hotel, Fox Hollow has everything to offer brides of Long Island. 

Opus Steakhouse
Jericho

Opus is more than just a steakhouse — it’s a re-imagined North Shore mansion! There’s dramatic spaces, lush gardens, and even a suspended wine loft for a truly unique photo op. Impress up to 225 guests at Opus!

Heritage Club at Bethpage
Farmingdale

Did you know that the Heritage Club at Bethpage hosted the 2021 Brides of Long Island Summer Soirée? Offering the finest service and cuisine, The Heritage Club at Bethpage has grand chandeliers, beautiful wooden floors, and a charming gazebo with the Bethpage Black golf course as your backdrop. 

The Mansion at Oyster Bay
Woodbury

A ‘Great Gatsby’ feel awaits you at The Mansion at Oyster Bay! A roaring fireplace, marble floors, a grand staircase, and a beautiful outdoor patio will graciously host up to 500 guests. 

The Barn at Old Bethpage Restoration Village
Old Bethpage

With over 8,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor spaces, The Barn at Old Bethpage blends rustic comforts with modern charm. Up to 300 of your guests can enjoy architectural details like high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, country fields, and an authentic farmhouse.

Swan Club on the Harbor
Roslyn

Breathtaking views and impeccable landscapes make Swan Club on the Harbor a truly unique venue. This Gold Coast-era estate dates back to the 1600s, and a recent restoration has combined old world charm with modern luxury. 

• MORE: Celebrate Your Day in Gold Coast Perfection at Swan Club on the Harbor

The Mansion at Woodside Club
Muttontown

Elegant. Charming. Luxurious. Just a few of the words that describe The Mansion at Woodside Club — a one-of-a-kind property that boasts beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Enjoy an open-plan ballroom and a staff of seasoned professionals!

Pine Hollow Club
East Norwich

Pine Hollow Club is a perfect blend of old world charm and modern sophistication. This private club features historic architecture, multiple ballrooms, and plenty of gorgeous outdoor gardens.

• MORE: Enjoy Premier Long Island venue Pine Hollow Club — All to Yourself

Bayview on the Water
Freeport

Bayview on the Water is nestled in Freeport’s iconic Nautical Mile, featuring three levels of panoramic bay views. Entertain up to 300 guests for your formal wedding or 400 for your cocktail affair! 

Rare650
Syosset

For brides that want a unique dining experience with a modern flare, Rare650 is the ideal venue. With several event spaces, a floor-to-ceiling wine room, and a brightly-lit conservatory, Rare650 adds a touch of sophistication to your wedding. 

Riviera Waterfront Mansion
Massapequa

Say your vows on the water! Featuring stunning views and rustic indoor spaces, Riviera Waterfront Mansion offers the best of Long Island’s breathtaking scenery. Perfect for brides looking for a waterfront locale. 

The Royalton Mansion
Roslyn Heights

Tucked away in Roslyn Heights, this colonial estate features 10 acres of stunning greenery and English gardens. The Royalton mansion transports your guests to a time of luxury and opulence.

• MORE: Find great venues on Ring Leader!