In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, Brooke talks about how a last-minute decision made her wedding day memorable.
(Photo by Michelle Marie Photography)
From a spontaneous night out with friends to a stunning fall wedding seven years later, Brooke and Patrick made it official on October 24, 2025 at The Bayview House at Captain Bills, a BOLI Preferred Venue.
Her Knight in Shining Armor
Brooke and Patrick’s story began on 11/11 — an especially meaningful date for Brooke, who has always been an “11:11 make‑a‑wish kind of person.” They were both out with friends when Brooke found herself cornered by an overly drunk, aggressive man. Before she could react, Patrick stepped in, placing himself between her and the stranger with an easy confidence that immediately made her feel safe. “He winked at me and said, ‘I thought you were struggling. I got you. My name’s Pat,’” Brooke recalled. The moment broke the tension, and the two spent the rest of the night talking and laughing. They clicked instantly and started dating almost right away.
After years of growing together through college and beyond, Patrick surprised Brooke with a day she’ll never forget. He planned a full date out east, starting with lunch at a quiet waterfront spot before taking her to RGNY Winery for a private tasting where they even made their own wine. “He bought eight bottles so we could open them for future special occasions,” Brooke said. Patrick proposed right there in the vineyard, surrounded by fall colors, and moments later both of their families appeared to celebrate with them.
Jumping Right In
Brooke and Patrick booked their venue within two weeks of getting engaged, knowing they wanted a shorter engagement and already having a clear sense of what they each envisioned. Brooke had always dreamed of renting out a restaurant for the night, while Patrick preferred a more traditional wedding venue. The Bayview House at Captain Bills offered the perfect blend of both. “It was the perfect mix,” Brooke said. “Bayview is owned by a restaurant, so it gave us exactly what we both wanted.” Its waterfront setting sealed the deal — sunset light poured through the space on their October wedding day, creating warm, glowing colors in every corner.
Once the venue was secured, Brooke focused on finding vendors who were independent and people she could genuinely connect with rather than large companies. Her photographer, Michelle Marie Photography, was the first vendor she booked and quickly became one of the most important. “I don’t think the day would have been the same without Michelle,” Brooke said. “She’s so sweet and she genuinely cares.” Michelle delivered 60 sneak peeks by the next afternoon.
(Photo by Michelle Marie Photography)
Hair and makeup took longer to find, but Brooke ultimately booked ARG Beauty, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, and AP Hair Designs after loving their work during her trials. “My hair and makeup didn’t budge all night,” she said.
The rest of their team rounded out the celebration perfectly, including a photo booth from BOLI Preferred Vendor JMC Photobooths and a late‑night pizza truck with cannolis on the dance floor courtesy of The Sicilian Wheel, a BOLI Preferred Vendor. Every vendor fit her vision, her budget and her easygoing planning style.
The Little Things to Make Her Day
Brooke said she truly “hit it home” with her vendors, but the biggest surprise of the day came from the content creator she booked just four weeks before the wedding. After buying a house, renovating it and planning a wedding all at once, she initially felt a content creator was out of budget. But after seeing the incredible work Brittany from The Bridal Club did for her sister‑in‑law, she reached out on a whim. “I didn’t even think she’d be available with that short of notice, but she was.” The next‑day content ended up being one of Brooke’s favorite parts of the entire experience.
One moment in particular meant everything: during their no‑phone ceremony, Brooke’s 2‑year‑old niece yelled, “Yay, Brookie!” as she walked down the aisle. “I didn’t think anyone got it,” Brooke said. “Then a few days later, I found it! Brittany had captured it. It was the sweetest surprise.”
(Photo by Michelle Marie Photography)
What made the day truly unforgettable were the quiet, emotional moments Brooke and Patrick carved out for each other. They did their first look at the Bayard Arboretum, a peaceful pause before the whirlwind ahead. “Seeing him for the first time was just so amazing,” Brooke said. “My day started at 7 a.m., and I didn’t see him until around 2. Finally getting to be together felt so special.”
After the ceremony, they slipped out to the docks to breathe, take in the waterfront views and soak in the reality of the day. They stayed side‑by‑side all night, intentionally experiencing every moment together. Her brother officiated, her best friend created all the décor by hand, and the sunset poured through the windows of The Bayview House — each detail adding another layer of meaning. “Everything just came together so beautifully,” she said. “We really got to live it together.”
Don’t Get Caught Up
Brooke leaned on the Brides of Long Island community from the very beginning, joining the page the day she got engaged and using it as her guide for nearly every decision. “I used the group to book every single one of my vendors,” she said. “The group swayed the majority of my decisions.” Her advice to other brides is to stay grounded and keep your circle small. “Try not to get so caught up in everything — decision fatigue is real,” she said. “Ask a few people you really trust, not a hundred. And remember that at the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner becoming husband and wife. Everything else is just details.”
(Photo by Michelle Marie Photography)
Vendors:
Venue: The Bayview House at Captain Bills, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Michelle Marie Photography
Content Creator: The Bridal Club
Photo Booth: JMC Photobooths, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
DJ: Tommy Tunes, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hair: AP Hair Designs (Amanda Perry)
Makeup: ARG Beauty (Alli Gonzalez), a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Dress: Ivory & Main Sayville, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cannoli’s and Pizza Truck: The Sicilian Wheel, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Transportation: Sir Oliver Transportation, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
After Party: Goodie Two Shoes
(Photo by Michelle Marie Photography)