Engaged 2020 | Page 140

August 24, 2018 | Move Mountains Co. Nathalie & Stephen The Meet Cute: Though Nathalie is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and Stephen is from Cork, Ireland, fate stepped in on the night of July 3, 2014, when the two crossed paths at Tia’s, a waterfront bar in Boston. “Stephen already lived there and I was visiting my sister at BU,” Nathalie explains. Stephen says he knew Nathalie was the one for him the moment he saw her. The Engagement: Nathalie eventually moved to Boston to pursue her MBA, and after three years together, Stephen asked her to be his wife at Brant Point, Nantucket on June 15, 2017. “He proposed while both of our families were in town, and we had a weekend in Cape Cod to celebrate afterwards,” Nathalie recalls. The Planning: “Planning was a bit tough as most of our guests were coming from all over,” Nathalie admits. “We had to make sure to give enough recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities and travel logistics.” But the best part of the process? “Seeing it all come together,” she says. “And, of course, tasting our menu and cake!” The Venue: The groom had Rosecliff mansion in mind before he and his bride-to-be were even engaged. “When we went to visit, it was so beautiful — we couldn’t resist,” Nathalie says. “I think what drew us in the most was the elegance it offers!” The Aisle: “It was an unforgettable moment; time stood still.” — Stephen “I was thinking, ‘Don’t trip!’ But really, it was about taking it all in and thinking how luck I was to marry this man.” — Nathalie The Cultural Elements: With both parties originating abroad, the couple wanted to find a way to incorporate their respective heritages into the wedding. “We had many different ideas in mind, from Irish step dancers to mariachis, but we decided to go with a subtle touch for the appetizers, with Ecuadorian flags on the empanadas and Irish flags on the truffled potatoes,” Nathalie says. The Vendors: “We were truly impressed by all of our vendors and are still raving about them,” Nathalie affirms. “Rosecliff is a historic mansion and our vendors had a very tight turnaround time to convert it into the wedding venue of our dreams.” The Highlights: “Our top moments from that day include: 1. The ceremony. It was such a beautiful and personal ceremony that truly reflected our relationship and faith; 2. The cocktail hour. It was so fun to mingle with our guests over a stunning view; and 3. The speeches. We loved hearing the toasts from the best man, maid of honor and our uncles. They were funny, emotional and from their hearts.” — Nathalie and Stephen The Advice: Nathalie has a few points. The first: “Don’t stress, it will all come together at the end.” Next, “Talk about your priorities with your fiance(e) and be on the same page about where you want to splurge vs. save (i.e. photos, favors, decor, band, etc).” And finally, “Make it your own — be sure to add a special touch, as it is your day, after all!” 138 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2020