Alexis & Paul met and started dating in high school and their love has only grown in over a decade that they have been together. They have been planning their dream wedding for two years since they were engaged (in a rather adventurous way, read their full engagement and love story here). While the pandemic changed their wedding plans a bit this year (as it has for all couples getting married in 2020), they decided to still get married on their original wedding date that they planned for. They started the day by getting ready at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel, followed by an intimate church ceremony, surrounded by their wedding party and closest family members, and from there we did wedding party and bride & groom portraits at Franklin Square Park in Syracuse, NY! They will celebrate again next year with a larger reception, when all of their friends and family are allowed to join, on their one year wedding anniversary! I'm excited to keep the celebrations going next year, because Alexis & Paul have been such a joy to work with!
After their wedding, I asked Alexis and Paul a few questions...
What was your favorite part of planning your wedding? Least favorite?
Alexis: I would say my favorite part was picking out all the outfits. Of course shopping for my own dress was exciting, but I also enjoyed picking out bridesmaid dresses and helping Paul choose suits for himself and his groomsmen. Seeing how everything we picked was coming together made it seem more real and got me excited! My least favorite part of wedding planing was all the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19. Pretty much all of our original plans had to change in some way, which was stressful. But in the end, none of that really mattered, because I still got to marry my best friend and love of my life.
Paul: I very much enjoyed planning who would be standing up with us - it was exciting building our wedding party. Just having those important to us being there to celebrate our special day with us was meaningful. And not going to lie - the final suit fitting was fun. Not only did I realize how 'absolutely stunning' I'd be for my bride, but it was at that moment things were setting in - this was happening! It was just a feeling that was hard to describe. What seemed like a simple moment was so big symbolically. Least favorite part is easy - maneuvering around all the Covid-19 restrictions was just such a hassle. It derailed our initial plans - though I am trying to see it as a blessing in disguise because even with a change of plans, we still had a wonderful day.
What was your favorite part about your wedding day?
Alexis: I would say my favorite part had to be when I met Paul up at the altar, and he took my hand as we made our way to our seats. There were so many overwhelming emotions leading up to that point, but in that moment, I just remember feeling at peace. I was genuinely happy and so excited to make our lifelong commitment to each other in the presence of our closest family and friends.
Paul: There were so many special parts to that day, and I could go on and on. But nothing compares to standing up at the altar waiting for your bride to come down the aisle. There were so many thoughts racing through my head until that very moment - my mind cleared itself. When that door opened up and I caught my first glimpse at Alexis, I melted. She was beautiful (no surprise there) and my mind was at ease. This was happening, and most of all - it felt natural. How could I be so lucky to have such a difficult decision be so easy? As Father Dolan pronounced us Husband and Wife, I quivered at that very moment. It was OFFICIAL and I could not have been more excited.
What advice would you give engaged couples?
Paul: We had a two year engagement and it flew by. Enjoy the ride and try to support each other as much as possible. It is stressful, but it is amazing just how meaningless that stress becomes once it is all over. What truly matters is creating that union.
Alexis: Make decisions based on what means the most to you and your significant other. You may have a lot of different people trying to influence decisions surrounding your wedding, but it's really important to do what you makes you and your significant other happy. I received this advice countless times during wedding planning and really wish I would have followed it earlier on in the process.
The Dream Team
Bride's Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Wedding Rings: Rings & Things, Cicero, NY
Groom's Tux: Giovanni's Tuxedos
Florist: Becky's Custom Creations
Hair: Kristin Anderson & Carissa Argento
Makeup: Katie Hanczyk
Ceremony: Transfiguration Church, Syracuse, NY
Check out Alexis & Paul's winter engagement session here!
