Mark and Angela’s love story began at Sarah and Jake's bonfire bash, Pig and Swig. Sarah, Angela’s sister, had convinced Mark, a buddy from Virginia Tech, to make the trek from Connecticut to Virginia. When Mark arrived, Angela greeted him with a handshake that was charmingly awkward. The bonfire crackled, the conversation flowed, and it was clear that they had stumbled into something special. The next morning, Angela, still smitten, asked Sarah for Mark’s number, despite the miles that separated them. A month later, Angela invited him to a semi-formal event at James Madison University. Mark, undeterred by the distance, made the commitment to go see her. They had a nice dinner downtown where they continued to get to know one another better. Despite their attempts to avoid it, their first kiss was endearingly captured that night by her friend's kiss cam at the party. From there, their relationship blossomed. Angela’s decision to move to New England after graduating in May 2020, even amidst the global pandemic, spoke volumes about their deepening bond. In December 2023, Mark popped the question under twinkling holiday lights, proving that even the longest road trips and awkward handshakes can lead to a happily ever after. They eagerly look forward to celebrating their marriage with all of you, surrounded by the warmth of good BBQ, fine beverages, and a slightly smaller bonfire.
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
We just wanted an opportunity to welcome our guests into town for those who are arriving on Friday! Please plan to eat beforehand as this is more of a reserved space for us to spend time with our guests and food and drink will primarily only be available for purchase.
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Garden Attire Formal
See FAQs for more information on what to wear.
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Garden Attire Formal
See FAQs for more information on what to wear. Appetizers, Bar-B-Que, and donuts for dessert!
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Casual Attire (Bathing suits welcome!)
Mark's parents, John and Christina, are welcoming people to their home on Sunday after the festivities for those still in town for a lake day. Welcome to come whenever and stay for as long as you'd like. Not required but certainly welcome! Please request address if interested in attending!
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.
Travel Note
We have quite a few airport options for those who will be flying. The closest is Bradley International Airport about an hour from the venue. However, since it is a smaller airport, it may require a connecting flight. Other (possibly cheaper) options include Logan International in Boston or JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark in New York. All of these are still within 2 hours of the venue by car.
Hotel
We have reserved a hotel block with the local Courtyard Marriot in Shelton, CT which is approximately 10-15 minutes from the venue. The rates are from $169-$199 per night depending on the type of room you reserve and are good for Friday, September 5th through Sunday, September 7th, 2025. Please note that if you are only staying overnight on Saturday that you will likely want to request an early check in on the reservation as the ceremony is at 3:30pm and check in is at 3:00pm. The last day to book before the room block is released is August 6th, 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out!
Father of the Bride
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Groom
Mother of the Groom
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
Bridesmaid
Groomsman
Groomsman
Groomsman
Officiant
This is a fall staple in New England. If you are sticking around for some site seeing, we highly recommend The Big E. It is the New England state fair and usually starts up the second weekend in September. Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine all join together and throw this fun festival. We love walking the state houses and trying their various delicacies, getting a refillable boot at the beer garden, or Angela's favorite, drinking a pumpkin cider with a cinnamon sugar rim.
A great orchard for a variety of fall activities including apple picking, corn mazes, golf, and more. If you go, you have to try their apple pie with the streusel topping, it's the best apple pie we've ever had!
New Haven is well known for it's fantastic pizza! Some recommended places include: Sally's Apizza, Modern Apizza, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.
Mohegan is a beautiful casino that we enjoy visiting. You can't go wrong with dinner, a show, and some games here! It is also the only place in Connecticut that has Krispy Kreme donuts making it an extra sweet treat.
Attire is Garden Party Formal, which suggests mid or floor length dresses for women, floral or otherwise. We do ask that you avoid primarily white/off white dresses. It is also recommended that you avoid stilettos or similar shoes as some of the festivities will take place on grass. For the gentlemen, dress pants and jackets are recommended at a minimum. Early September should still be warm, but be sure to check the weather as you may want a jacket depending on the expected temperature on the day of.
All festivities for our wedding from ceremony to after party are taking place at The Hops Company in Derby, CT. The address is 77 Sodom Lane, Derby, CT 06418. There is parking in the front of the building as well as separate event parking provided for the venue at 43 Marshall Lane, Derby, CT 06418. This is just around the corner and recommended to avoid parking amongst the other possible wedding onsite.
Given that the ceremony is at 3:30pm, it is recommended that all guests arrive by 3:15pm to ensure arrival prior to the start of the ceremony. If you arrive after the start of the ceremony, you will be allowed to join the festivities after it has concluded.
Your invitation should indicate if you have a plus one by including the name of your invitee on it. If there is any confusion, please do not hesitate to reach out!
While our wedding is not specifically child free, we are trying to limit children in attendance. Your invitation includes your child's name if they're invited. Please reach out if you have any questions!