October 7th, 2015 I married this man..
I felt it was only fitting on the week of my two year wedding anniversary to share the details of my Hartford City Hall elopement. That is right, you read that correctly, this wedding planner eloped!
Anthony and I were planning our wedding for October 7th, 2016 which was about two and a half years from when we got engaged. It wasn’t because we wanted a long engagement, we chose that date because it was sentimental. Early into dating we found out that our parents were both married on October 7th in different years. I took that as a sign that not only were we meant to be, we should carry on tradition and get married on October 7th.
Our friends and family thought we were nuts for waiting so long. Especially since from the moment I met Anthony I knew he was the one and after our first month together, I had already started thinking about our wedding day. A year into planning Anthony and I became antsy. I knew he was the one, we bought the house, and got the dog, everything fell into place, except for sharing Anthony’s last name and making it official.
On a whim, we decided to tie the knot on October 7th, 2015 at the Hartford City Hall. At first we had planned for it to be just us, but, after a much needed push from my grandfather, we invited our immediate families. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do as Anthony was happy just walking into the courthouse. I decided I needed a little more to it.
First, I spoke with Kelly and Kathy of Simply K Photography. I have known Kelly since I was 16 and Kathy since Anthony and I started this adventure. They agreed to document the nuptials so I wouldn’t regret looking back and not having pictures. Laura of Marquee Events & Catering was super sweet and reminded me that I could have a little luncheon after we said ‘I do’ and that it didn’t need to be anything extravagant. Rather than just walking into a restaurant in my gown, we arranged to have a lunch in the Mezzanine of the old G Fox building.
I also reached out to some amazing industry friends, Melissa of Stylish Blooms, Pam of Kiss and Makeup CT, The Candy Brigade, Naomi of Naomi’s Salon and Spa, and Erica O’Brian Cake Design, who brought all the finishing touches together for my intimate wedding day.
For attire, Anthony had planned on wearing a suit and I had envisioned a Carrie of Sex in the City style tulle skirt with blue pumps and a statement necklace. In my mind it seemed perfect for a quiet ceremony in the hallway of City Hall. Someone else had a different plan for me. The day before our elopement, my dress arrived and it was damaged and the clutch to match never showed. I went and got my nails done and started to internally slightly panic.
After a few deep breathes, a chair massage and pep talk from my mom, I called one of my closest friends, Kristin of Stylish Impressions. We had planned to have a larger reception the following year where I was going to wear a gown that I had purchased from Stylish Impressions. I told Kristen that instead I was going to have to come and get the dress that day. She must have thought I was nuts. Driving at full speed I went and picked up the gown and Kristen sweetly bagged my dress up and I was on my way.
That night Anthony went to dinner and I headed to Charming Charlies because I really didn’t have anything for a purse or jewelry since the items never showed up. While walking around I remember the girl asking what I was shopping for and I told her my wedding. She asked when it was and I replied with, tomorrow…she looked at me and said well we need to find you something then lol. I found a few items and headed home.
The next day I woke up to my soon to be husband and pup, took a moment to take in the day and then headed to my mom’s to get ready. Nothing meant more to me than spending the morning getting ready with my sister and mom. Pam of Kiss and Makeup CT did our makeup and after having known each other for years, her much needed calming presence made getting ready a wonderful calm experience.
I remember walking out after getting dressed like no big deal and seeing the look on my families faces. That’s when it hit me and I started to get excited and emotional. We headed to city hall as I sat in the back seat thinking of my husband to be and that this moment had finally arrived. As we pulled in to city hall I had a mini melt down on my sister Valerie...god bless her soul. She helped me hold it together as I greeted our families before heading over to see Anthony.
Walking up those stairs to him, I almost lost it. I was shaking while holding onto the railing, I tapped his shoulder and finally got to hold his hand. It was the best moment of my life, the minutes that followed are just a blur. Our families joined us and we said our vows. I just remember looking at him with an overwhelming sense of emotion. Everything could not have been more perfect.
After saying our I do’s we hugged our families and it was like a scene from a moving. The sun was shining and birds were chirping. It was everything and more than I had dreamed of. We took some pictures in downtown Hartford before heading to lunch and since it was a Wednesday at 12pm there were lots of stares of people wondering why I was walking around in a wedding dress lol.
We had a wonderful lunch with family and friends before heading home as Mr and Mrs. That evening we had friends and more family stop by for pizza to celebrate with us. It was wonderful to be able to be with our nearest and dearest who gave us their well wishes and raised a glass to our marriage.
The day was perfect and I would not change it for the world. When it comes to your wedding day big or small remember it is always about the two of you.
So thankful for my amazing husband. He’s taught me a love that I can’t explain and has showed me so many things about life. We’ve built a wonderful like together and I can’t wait for all the future adventures that come with our forever.
Xoxxo Lisa
Vendors:
Photography: Simply K Studios
Florals: Stylish Blooms
Dress: Maggie Sottero from Stylish Impressions
Makeup: Kissandmakeupct
Hair: Naomi Salon and Studio
Ceremony: Hartford City Hall
Venue: Marquee Events & Catering featuring The Gershon Fox Ballroom
Stationary: Grace and Lace Design and Events
Rentals: Nightingale Events
Cake: Erica O’Brien Cake Design