In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Carol-Anne about how her experience in a wedding band helped to shape her wedding.
(Photo courtesy of Scott Bui Co)
Carol-Anne and Rob met while playing in a wedding band, so when it came time for their own wedding, they knew exactly what they wanted – and what they didn’t want. Having insider knowledge helped the pair plan their perfect day.
A Surprise Proposal
When Carol-Anne and Rob played their first wedding together at The Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, little did they know that six years later they’d be saying their own ‘I dos’ at the very same venue. After the pair met in 2019, it took them a year before they started officially dating.
In August of 2023, Rob proposed to Carol-Anne at home with their two cats, and then surprised her with a celebratory lunch. “He flew my whole family in from Maryland when we got engaged,” said Carol-Anne. “We were surrounded by both our families to celebrate right after he proposed, which was really great.”
An Insider’s Take
Having been in a wedding band for so many years, Carol-Anne and Rob knew exactly what they wanted for their own nuptials. “I pretty much knew all of the vendors we wanted,” said Carol-Anne. “I called them immediately to make sure I could get them.”
The first call and most important aspect to the pair? The venue. “We love playing at the Mansion at Oyster Bay because they work so well with their vendors,” said Carol-Anne. “And they know how to throw a great wedding.” Carol-Anne also loved how beautiful the Mansion is inside. Since it would still be winter for their March 7, 2025 wedding, Carol-Anne wanted to make sure they had good photo opportunities throughout the entire venue.
(Photo courtesy of Scott Bui Co)
Keeping It Chill
Carol-Anne and Rob kept each other calm throughout planning and on their wedding day. “We were really trying to focus on the fact that we were getting married, and everything else was gravy,” said Carol-Anne. “At the end of the day, it didn’t matter if we were running late or the DJ played a song we didn’t like, what mattered was that we got married – and that was all that mattered.”
The pair made sure to hire a great DJ who kept the floor packed all night. “I know we were kind of tough customers,” said Carol-Anne. “But playing so many weddings, we were very particular about what we wanted in terms of music.” And the DJ delivered, bringing positive energy throughout their reception.
And with all of the planning, Rob managed to surprise Carol-Anne as they ate dinner. “Rob wrote and recorded a song for me ahead of our wedding day,” said Carol-Anne. “He gave it to the DJ, who played it during dinner. It was so special and sweet, and a complete surprise!”
(Photo courtesy of Scott Bui Co)
Making It Your Day
Despite knowing which vendors she wanted for her big day, Carol-Anne did call in reinforcements in the form of the Brides of Long Island Facebook group. She looked up a lot of reviews for things like hair, makeup and transportation. “I didn’t know much about those vendors, so I relied heavily on Brides of Long Island for help,” she said. She added that she also looked up reviews on vendors she had her heart set on, just to make sure other brides had good experiences.
In the end, Carol-Anne said her wedding day was amazing. “We’ve played at a lot of wedding venues across Long Island,” she said. “And at the end of the day, your wedding is what you make it – no matter where it’s held. If you vet your vendors, and you’re happy to be getting married – everything else is gravy.”
(Photo courtesy of Scott Bui Co)
Vendors:
Venue: The Mansion at Oyster Bay, BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Scott Bui Co
Videography: JL Films
DJ: 74 Events
Florist: Poppy Flowers
Hair/Makeup: Bridal Rush, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: Michele LaRosa/LI Officiant, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo Booth: Fresh Face Photobooths, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Transportation: Camelot Limos
Coordinator: Hannah Newton Events
Dress Alterations: Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
(Photo courtesy of Scott Bui Co)