In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Erin Grace tells us that despite the high level of stress in planning two weddings, everything went smoothly on both days.
(Photo by iClicks Photo and Films)
When Erin Grace joined a dating app, she didn’t expect to meet her future husband with her first swipe. Three years later, they planned not one but two weddings for the perfect wedding weekend.
A Six-Hour First Date
Erin took a chance on Sadman when she swiped right in 2018. “I thought he looked like trouble,” she says. But their first date lasted six hours, making Sadman late for work, because they just couldn’t say good-bye to each other. Sadman proposed four years later, in January 2022. “He had planned to propose at my birthday party, but we can’t keep secrets from each other.” Instead he surprised her at their home, which he decorated with curtain lights, roses and candles. “It was just the two of us, and it was so special.”
Planning Two Weddings
Erin’s family is Christian, and Sadman’s family is Muslim, so it was very important that they honor both families’ traditions for their wedding. This meant hosting two weddings. On Saturday, Nov. 11, they had a nikah ceremony in Erin’s mother’s backyard. And on Sunday, Nov. 12, they had a civil ceremony and reception at the Watermill, a BOLI preferred vendor.
They started planning shortly after they got engaged, and by May 2022, they had booked the Watermill. “It was really important that we found a venue that was not only within our budget, but that would also accommodate halal food,” Erin says. “The Watermill not only guaranteed that they could serve halal food, but didn’t charge any extra fees for it.” The Watermill was a stand-out venue for Erin, as it had a newly renovated room with a beautiful fireplace and lighting fixtures.
Despite a hiccup with flowers, the rest of her planning went smoothly. All of the vendors she wanted were available – and she used BOLI recommendations to help her decide. Her mother was also a big help. “My mom is so good with party planning, so it was so great to have her help me, especially with a lot of the DIY stuff.”
(Photo by iClicks Photo and Films)
MORE: 9 Wedding DIY Ideas That Any BOLI Can Tackle
A Wedding Weekend to Remember
It was important to Erin and Sadman that they incorporate their puppy – who they adopted a month before they got married – into their wedding day. “Our drink menus and napkins at the Watermill had cute photos of him on them!”
For their nikah, they put together little honey jars – a Muslim wedding tradition – as favors for their guests. And while she admits the DIY project was difficult, it all worked out and was a great personal touch to have on that day.
(Photo by iClicks Photo and Films)
There were so many moments that stood out during that weekend. The first was during the nikah. Erin and her cousins choreographed a Bengali dance for Sadman and his family. “We did it as a surprise, and everyone loved it.” The moment that brought tears to her eyes – and still does to this day – is when her mother and grandmother walked her down the aisle at the Watermill. “I grew up with my mom and my grandma. It was always just the three of us, and they hold a very special place in my heart. We still tear up every time we hear the song we walked in to.”
Erin says that the Watermill staff made sure everything ran smoothly, even thinking of things she didn’t think of during planning. She also says that Manny from iClicks was a fantastic photographer. “He’s like part of our family since we used him for my Sweet 16, my mother’s wedding and now my wedding,” says Erin. “He just knows how to make people feel comfortable and capture all of the special moments between us.”
(Photo by iClicks Photo and Films)
MORE: How We Honored Two Cultures on Our Wedding Day
Make Sure You’re Happy
Something Erin realized is, it’s important to go with your gut, especially when it comes to vendors. “Shop around. It doesn’t hurt to reach out to other vendors if you’re not happy,” says Erin. “Don’t ever feel like you’re stuck with your vendor, know that you have options.”
And, of course, use the BOLI Facebook group! “There are so many brides out there with great ideas! And they’re all so kind and willing to help each other out!”
Nov. 11 Vendors:
Tent Rental: Long Island Tent Rentals
Décor: Trend Rentals
Outfit: Chandan Fashion
Jewelry: Rangdil in Hicksville
Food: Kabobjees in Hicksville
Henna: HennabyInder
Nov. 12 Vendors:
Venue: Watermill, a BOLI preferred vendor
Photographer: iClicks Photo and Films
DJ: Excellence Sound Krew
Hair: Albana Hairstylist
Makeup: Kim Sharma
Invitations: Minted
Dress: Bridal Reflections in Carle Place, a BOLI preferred vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Dortoni
Tuxedos: Indochino
(Photo by iClicks Photo and Films)
