The Meet Cute : Paige and Michael met in a marketing class through a group project as freshmen at Johnson & Wales University . Being on the orientation team throughout the summer allowed them to become closer friends , just before Michael asked her out on a date in August 2016 . “ Later in September , he took me to dinner and then to Xavier Hall , where we had our first class together ,” says Paige . “ It was there he asked me to be his girlfriend .”
The Engagement : In November 2021 , they watched the sunset at Prospect Terrace Park in Providence , one of their favorite places in the city . As soon as they arrived at the park — photographer ready — Michael asked Paige to step to the side before delivering his proposal speech . Paige inevitably broke down in tears as he got down on one knee . Their immediate family from New Jersey and New York later joined them for dinner to celebrate .
The Venue : They chose the Ballroom at the Providence G . “ Originally we were thinking it was going to be insanely out of our price range , but it ended up being the most affordable option ,” Paige says . It also helped that the space itself is gorgeous , between the marble in the ballroom and the unparalleled views of the city from the rooftop during cocktail hour .
The Prep : When it came to their vendors , “ It was basically just us looking at our phone contact list , texting them and saying , ‘ Hey , we want you to help at our wedding , can you do this ?’” says Paige . “ They pulled out all the stops .” So much so that the couple dubbed their team “ the Vendors Avengers .” As for the connections , the hair and makeup artist and DJ were professionals the couple had worked with during a staged wedding for a COVID-19 training video back in 2021 , while their photographer , Emily , was Paige ’ s roommate while studying abroad in Florence . Meanwhile , their officiant was Paige ’ s cousin , who is part of the family who took young Paige in after her mom passed . “ He has basically been an older brother to me , so having him officiate was incredible ,” she says . “ He was so sweet with his messaging . He had everyone laughing and crying .”
September 28 , 2024
EMILY CROMBEZ PHOTOGRAPHY @ EMCROMBEZ . PORTRAITS
ALEXANDRIA BLAKE @ ABRYKSE
The ‘ Toast ’: Paige and Michael wanted to do something to showcase unity during the ceremony and initially considered lighting a candle , pouring sand in a vase or even taking a shot . But then a more personal and creative idea came to mind a few months before the wedding : Crack open and share a ‘ Gansett at the altar . Not only are they regulars at the Providence brewery , but Michael also has a ‘ Hi Neighbor ’ tattoo on his thigh .
80 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2025