We’re getting married!

Jonathan grew up in Wayside, NJ and always loved the beach and running. He worked as a lifeguard with his brother at Seven President's Beach. Jon chose to go to Sacred Heart University for undergrad and for his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Jon did a rotation for his orthopedic residency at Physical Therapy Specialists of Guilford and was thrilled when he was offered a job there! He was living in Fairfield, CT with his dog Poe and roommate Brandon when we first met. Emilia grew up in Cheshire, CT. Like Jon, she also grew up spending summers on the beach with her family in Myrtle Beach, SC and playing sports. Both the nearby beaches and soccer were a big influence in Emi's choice to attend Salve Regina University for nursing school. After graduation she moved to Wallingford, CT with her dog Koukla. She works as a nurse in the emergency room.

We matched on Bumble just after NYE -- we ironically were watching the same Seinfeld episode. When Emi walked into their first date at Tribus Brewing Company Jon immediately began showing her pictures of his dog Poe and his nephew Ollie. Emi told Jon all about how she had just delivered her first order for her Etsy business — The Snarky Greek. We drank Potion (a beer that they serve) and talked for hours; we closed down the brewery. On our second date a week later we went out for tacos and margaritas and have been inseparable since!

On the anniversary of their first date Jon had told Emi that he was going to plan something special for them; Emi had no clue what was going on. We went to Branford Point to watch the sunset on the beach. We sat on benches nearby and talked about our plans for the year ahead. Then Jon suggested we head down to walk on the beach, Emi was grossed out by the low tide but agreed. He asked and she said yes! Our friend Michaela was hiding nearby to capture the moment on camera. As Jon pulled into the parking lot he said "we started the year at a brewery and we are going to end it at one". Little did Emi know there were a few friends and family at Stony Creek Brewery waiting to celebrate the engagement!

We are so excited to celebrate with you at Branford House at UConn Avery Point! We instantly fell in love with the venue as it checked all the boxes: ocean front, unique and historic property. The second we walked in the Grand Ballroom it gave the nostalgic feeling of being in Ochre Court at Salve Regina University. Some fun facts about Branford House: It was built in 1903 by Morton Plant who’s wife loved the Newport Mansions but wanted a more remote space. Mr Plant grew up in Branford, CT and decided to name his summer home Branford House. The mansion cost $3 million to build and includes a two-story marble fireplace, a winding Italian marble staircase, and paneled walls hand carved by European craftsmen. Outside, a stone veranda and stone terraces mimic the home’s façade, and the sprawling green lawn leads all the way to the Avery Point lighthouse. It was purchased by UConn in 1967, was refurbished in 2001, and has hosted weddings since 2004.