In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Lindsay tells us about the in-depth research she did to create her perfect day at RGNY Vineyard.
(Photo courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography)
Although Lindsay and Nico first connected online, they ran in the same crowd so they believe their paths would have crossed eventually. Eight years later, they celebrated the love that had grown between them in front of family and friends, made even more meaningful by a dear friend who officiated their wedding. Having that friend officiate made the ceremony feel deeply personal, adding an unforgettable touch to their celebration.
A Fateful Swipe
When Lindsay swiped right on Nico in 2017, she had no idea they already shared mutual friends — including her cousin. “We actually grew up about five minutes from each other,” she said. “When I met his friends for the first time, my cousin was in the room! And he was friends with people I went to high school with.”
With so many connections, their bond grew naturally over the years, leading to a summer 2024 day trip to Montauk with Lindsay’s brother and his girlfriend. “And then Nico proposed at the Lighthouse,” she recalled. “Turns out, my brother was there to take photos of us getting engaged!”
Building Her Dream Wedding
Lindsay and Nico wasted no time diving into plans for their November 8, 2025 wedding at RGNY Vineyard. Once the venue was booked, they quickly realized they would need to bring in their own vendors. “RGNY made things easy when it came to vendors, since they provided a long list,” she said. “We could have chosen anyone we wanted, but for catering we did have to stick to their eight or nine preferred caterers.”
Photography was the most important vendor for Lindsay, followed closely by hair and makeup. “I think for Nico, photography was important as well,” she said. “He also wanted a content creator. He thought that was such a unique and special thing.”
With RGNY serving as a blank canvas, Lindsay and Nico embraced the freedom to design a celebration that reflected their personalities. “We had a black tie wedding, but the vineyard itself is rustic and a little bit boho,” Lindsay said. “I always made a joke — it was like Black Tie Barnyard wedding. We wanted it to feel very relaxed and comfortable, but also very elegant.”
(Photo courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography)
Their color scheme of black and silver, accented with greenery and plenty of disco balls, created a vibe that was both chic and playful. The couple took care to interview each vendor, ensuring they felt comfortable with the people who would play such a big role in their day. “We had a really, really great process,” Lindsay shared. “I’m so thankful for all of our vendors…we took a lot of care when we picked them, and I had such an amazing experience with all of them.”
A Bet Worth Making
One of the most meaningful parts of Lindsay and Nico’s day was having their best friend officiate the ceremony. “My friend and I made a bet. Neither of us remember what the bet was, but I wrote on a Post-it note that he could marry me. He kept that note in a lockbox for five years, and when we got engaged, he said, ‘By the way, I’m going to cash in on this,’” Lindsay shared.
(Photo courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography)
It was his first time officiating, but his authenticity and genuine delivery made the ceremony unforgettable. “It was just so special to have someone who knew us so well – who’s had a front row seat in our entire relationship – marry us and make it such a memorable moment,” she said. Lindsay and Nico chose to exchange their vows privately in RGNY’s rose garden, to create a quiet moment for the two of them, and to keep the focus on their friend’s words during the ceremony.
The couple’s vendors also played a huge role in making the day extraordinary. Their DJ, Ello Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor and a longtime friend, tailored the music perfectly to their tastes. “He knew exactly what we would like, and threw in oldies and Latin music because Nico is Puerto Rican,” Lindsay said. “It appealed to everyone, but it still felt like our wedding and our music.”
Their photographer, Janelle Brooke Photography , a BOLI Preferred Vendor, was another standout. “She was out of this world — I have no words for how amazing she was to be with,” Lindsay recalled. “You spend so much of your day with your photographer, and her being so great really had such an impact.”
Trusting the Process
Lindsay credits the Brides of Long Island Facebook group as a helpful resource throughout her planning. “I always searched for vendors. And I read everything,” she said.
Looking back, she describes herself as a relaxed bride who trusted the process and enjoyed every moment. “Just relax — that’s my best piece of advice,” Lindsay shared. “Nothing is that serious. Everything is going to work out, and you’re going to have the best day ever. If you love your partner, your friends and your family, you’re surrounded by good people. I could have gotten married in a shoe box and it still would have been the best day.”
(Photo courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: RGNY Vineyard
Photographer/Content Creator: Janelle Brooke Photography , a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ/Videography: Ello Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Florist: Hometown Flower Company
Hair and Makeup: Beyond the Brush
Dessert/Cake/Food Truck: The Treatery
Tuxedos: Thomas Mitchel Clothiers
Transportation: Sir Oliver Limousine, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Day of Coordinator: Fab Day Events
Catering: Christopher Michael Catering
(Photo courtesy of Janelle Brooke Photography)