Richard noticed Brittney-Ann at the pool of the Fire Island Hotel on Fire Island. They both happened to be there after the 5K Run for Rose. "Her smile could have lit up a room," says Richard. He walked over to say hello and they made small talk. They later met up at Flynn's, a popular restaurant and bar, and talked for a while, then exchanged phone numbers. " I' ll never forget," says Brittney-Ann. "That was August 12th, 2012 and on September 4th we went on our first date; and as they say, the rest is history."

Photo Credit: Silverfox Photography  

After almost three years of dating Brittney-Ann, Richard asked her father for her hand in marriage and then set his engagement plans in motion. He wanted to propose to Brittney Ann on their trip to Cancun a few days after Valentine's Day, and was nervous about bringing the ring on the plane. "I was worried that Brittney-Ann would see the ring as we went through customs and it would spoil the surprise," says Richard. Thankfully, their arrival in Mexico went smoothly and Richard proposed at their hotel. "Rich called me out to the balcony where he was down on one knee with flowers and the ring," says Brittney-Ann.

Once their wedding date was set for the following year in June, they sent out Save the Dates-mini calendars of their wedding month with photos of them and a heart around the big day-followed by elegant ivory invitations decorated with a pearl button and Swarovski crystals. The ceremony took place at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Babylon Village, where they decorated the altar and pews with flowers. Brittney-Ann wore an Enzoani gown with a low lace illusion backand a rhinestone-trimmed cathedral-length veil, and carried a loose bouquet of dendrobium orchids, roses, peonies. Her bridesmaids wore floor-length topaz dresses and her maid-of-honor wore a cameo-colored dress. Richard and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos. After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed to Argyle Lake in a white vintage Bentley for photos; then joined their parents and bridal party on a party bus to the reception at Larkfield in East Northport.

Richard noticed Brittney-Ann at the pool of the Fire Island Hotel on Fire Island. They both happened to be there after the 5K Run for Rose. "Her smile could have lit up a room," says Richard. He walked over to say hello and they made small talk. They later met up at Flynn's, a popular restaurant and bar, and talked for a while, then exchanged phone numbers. " I' ll never forget," says Brittney-Ann. "That was August 12th, 2012 and on September 4th we went on our first date; and as they say, the rest is history."

Photo Credit: Silverfox Photography  

After almost three years of dating Brittney-Ann, Richard asked her father for her hand in marriage and then set his engagement plans in motion. He wanted to propose to Brittney Ann on their trip to Cancun a few days after Valentine's Day, and was nervous about bringing the ring on the plane. "I was worried that Brittney-Ann would see the ring as we went through customs and it would spoil the surprise," says Richard. Thankfully, their arrival in Mexico went smoothly and Richard proposed at their hotel. "Rich called me out to the balcony where he was down on one knee with flowers and the ring," says Brittney-Ann.

Once their wedding date was set for the following year in June, they sent out Save the Dates-mini calendars of their wedding month with photos of them and a heart around the big day-followed by elegant ivory invitations decorated with a pearl button and Swarovski crystals. The ceremony took place at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Babylon Village, where they decorated the altar and pews with flowers. Brittney-Ann wore an Enzoani gown with a low lace illusion backand a rhinestone-trimmed cathedral-length veil, and carried a loose bouquet of dendrobium orchids, roses, and peonies. Her bridesmaids wore floor-length topaz dresses and her maid-of-honor wore a cameo-colored dress. Richard and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos. After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed to Argyle Lake in a white vintage Bentley for photos; then joined their parents and bridal party on a party bus to the reception at Larkfield in East Northport.

Their reception kicked off with a cocktail hour where guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres from five different food stations including turkey and brisket, Asian rolls, fajitas, sushi, and mac-and-cheese. "We actually had time to eat and really enjoy the cocktail hour," says Brittney-Ann. "We sat at a table while the staff brought us samples of all the different foods and our guests were able to say a quick hello, which was very special." After the cocktail hour, the main event was held in the ballroom where guests dined, danced, and took fun photos at the photo booth throughout the night. "The DJ played a little bit of everything," says Brittney-Ann. "Our guests still say how much fun they had." The room was decorated with tall centerpieces of roses, hydrangeas, and peonies accented by loose cascades of orchids and curly willow branches.

The tables were also decorated with votive candles around the centerpieces and photo booth picture frames at each place setting. Dinner included a choice of filet mignon, rack of lamb, chicken and salmon. The couple also served a signature drink made out of vanilla and espresso vodkas, dark Godiva chocolate liqueur, a splash of heavy cream, and a drizzle of Hershey chocolate syrup. Before the end of the night, a celebratory 6-tier cake with alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla and Italian custard and cannoli filings was served. Cascading roses decorated the cake, along with a pearland-rhinestone monogrammed topper.

 "There were so many amazing moments of the day," says Brittney-Ann. "I loved getting ready with my mom, mother-in-law, sister in-law, flower girl, and best friends. The car ride to the church in the Bentley with my parents was so special. Walking down the aisle with my father and seeing Rich's handsome face is unforgettable. And the ceremony at St. Joseph Church was the most significant part of the day, but of course I can't leave out the phenomenal party at Larkfield."

For Richard, Brittney-Ann's smile, which first attracted him to her that summer day four years ago, was one of the best parts of the day. "Her smile and glow were amazing," says Richard. "As I watched her walk down the aisle it was actually hard to hold in tears. After the ceremony and all the pictures, it was nice to be able to let loose and relax at the reception and enjoy our first moments as husband and wife."

The newlywed couple waited exactly one month after their wedding to go on their honeymoon. "Waiting to go on our honeymoon allowed us to continue the excitement of the entire wedding experience," says Brittney-Ann. "It gave us time to look at pictures and enjoy being newlyweds at home first." Their post-nuptials getaway to Sandals in Grenada was originally planned for eight days, but they decided to extend their stay three more days before they were scheduled to fly back. "We loved spending time at the beach and pool, and going on different excursions," says Brittney-Ann. "It was a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy our time as newlyweds."

Brittney-Ann's tip to other brides-to-be? "Do what makes you happy, focus on what's important to you and your significant other, and enjoy the experience." The groom agrees. "Make sure it's your wedding and that you're happy," says Richard. "Enjoy the ride. It's one special day, but you have the rest of your life to spend together”