It was the kind of night no one would ever want to leave their home. Freezing rain and snow turned New York City into a snow globe filled with thousands of drunken Santa Clauses. It was SantaCon, the City’s annual celebration of Yuletide debauchery, a night any sensible New Yorker spends at home with Netflix and a bottle of wine. No good could ever come of venturing out on a night like this...or could it? Lauren and Joe had never met before, despite having crossed paths several times during their college years, but on this frightful December night a random meet up of old college friends would change their lives forever. At the time Lauren was living with her future Maid of Honor, Ariana. They had met as RAs at Hofstra where they also met one of Joe’s best friends, Anthony. It was that reunion of Hofstra’s Constitution Hall where all the magic happened. That frigid night at the Stumble Inn is where our story begins. Lauren and Joe met, Joe impressed Lauren with his dance moves and the rest is history.

Soon after Lauren and Joe started dating and falling in love and before you know it they were living together in Astoria, Queens with their dog, Bentley and cat, Martini. They love spending their time traveling, eating, and going to concerts. That love of food and travel lead to the next milestone moment of their lives.

Last year they began planning a trip to Europe, a first for both, with Spain, Italy and Croatia on the itinerary. For months leading up to the trip they dreamed of the delicious food and beautiful scenery they would soon be experiencing, but it would all pale in comparison to a special night Joe had planned. It was their fifth day in Europe, after a great weekend in Barcelona, Lauren and Joe were now in Positano, Italy. Not only is Positano one of the most beautiful places on Earth, it also has very special meaning to the Groom as it is the birthplace of his Grandfather, Frank. What better place to ask the love of his life the most important question he will ever ask. As the sun set over the Amalfi Coast Lauren and Joe took their seats for a dinner they would never forget. It was a perfectly beautiful night, almost the opposite of the night they had met. The couple sat overlooking the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea as Joe nervously checked his pocket every two seconds. He just couldn’t take the anticipation anymore, before they could even settle in Joe got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry him. Lauren stood there in stunned silence until she began crying. She had to remind herself that Joe was still on his knee waiting for a response, she was only able to excitedly shake her head yes. They kissed and popped a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate, both on cloud 9 and shaking. They spent the rest of the night planning their future over pizza and beer as Italian music played in the distance. After months of planning and excitement Joe and Lauren are thrilled to bring their family and friends together for the next step in their journey. We love you all so much and can’t wait to celebrate with you. Thank you all for the support and outpouring of love we have received.