The Meet Cute : Vanessa and Jason met as computer science majors at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2019 .
The Engagement : After Jason bought the engagement ring in 2022 , he wasted no time . At home , Vanessa was in her pajamas when Jason asked her to dress nicely — mostly for the hidden camera capturing the moment . Vanessa refused to change out of her comfy attire , though she realized why he requested the outfit change when she walked into the kitchen to see him on one knee . Immediately the waterworks began as she shouted “ Yes !” to her boyfriend of three years .
The Venue : Newport Beach House in Middletown matched their beachy theme of pearly accents and dusty shades of blue . “ We really wanted a bright , modern venue that exuded romance , and Newport Beach House was just perfect ,” Vanessa says .
The Guest Experience : The fun and interactive Newlywed Times wedding program contained a crossword puzzle about the new spouses and fun facts about the bridal party . Another showstopper was the decked-out VW bus photo booth . The VW bus from Long Beach Photo Bus had a trunk full of props that allowed guests to take creative photos to take home as a keepsake . The couple also incorporated their cat , Stewie , on their big day by placing his face on the cocktail napkins and signature drink sign .
The Outfit Change : Vanessa loves an active dance floor . Her reception look — a strapless mini dress elevated with a pearly bolero , hairstyle update and customized Converses — fit the occasion , allowing the bride to dance freely . Jason also took part in changing his shoes to match his wife . “ Jason and I both love Converse sneakers ,” says Vanessa . “ When I learned that you could get customized wedding Converse sneakers , it was a no-brainer . Between my heels and his dress shoes , we were both very glad to be switching into something comfier to dance the night away in .”
April 28 , 2024
KIM LYN PHOTOGRAPHY @ KIMLYNPHOTOGRAPHY
The Highlights : The ceremony was one of the biggest highlights for Vanessa and Jason . Even as the cameras clicked away and all eyes were on them , they felt like the only people in the world . “ If I could replay any moment of my life , it would be seeing his face for the first time as I walked down the aisle ,” Vanessa says . The pair also enjoyed the fivetiered cupcake tower topped with a mini-cake for cutting ; the desserts offered a variety of flavors and gorgeous buttercream flowers .
The Advice : “ Don ’ t worry too much about making everything ‘ perfect .’ At least one thing isn ’ t going to go 100 % according to plan !” says Vanessa . “ At the end of the day , it ’ s about you and the person you ’ re committing your life with . Everything else is just a bonus !”
86 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2025