The Meet Cute: Jennifer and Vandell have different versions of when they first met. Vandell remembers meeting Jennifer at work, but she was the focused child-therapist,“ too-busy-saving-the-world” kind of person. Jennifer insists they met at an Irish bar, where over drinks, laugher and whatever song played in the background, something clicked. They fell in love slowly, then all at once, and that spark has been burning ever since.
The Engagement: On Jennifer’ s birthday month, Vandell surprised her with a planned boat cruise with her and her best friends. Her best friend, Brianna, who knew the secret, helped Jennifer find a dress for the occasion. Little did she know she had chosen the one she’ d get engaged in. Jennifer had been expecting a proposal since they bought their first home, just not when. As the boat sailed away, Jennifer was having a blast, taking pictures of herself and the stunning Newport Bridge. After some feed-worthy flicks, she turned to find Vandell on one knee asking if she wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. The couple celebrated with their friends and families in their new home.
The Theme: The couple wanted their photos to age well, so they chose a timeless theme, keeping whites, creams and pale yellows at the center of the wedding. Gold frames and mirror signs complemented the elegant aesthetic. The selected music added to the sophisticated vibe, each detail making sense to them as a couple.
The Attire: Jennifer knew she’ d found the dress when she couldn’ t take it off at the store. As the fashionista she is, Vandell had two l ooks: a vintage white suit top jacket for the ceremony and a classic black tuxedo for the reception. She’ s also a sneaker lover, so Jennifer ordered custom Nike shoes with their wedding date and the word“ Mrs. Andrade” embroidered on them. Her ceremony jacket featured a custom pin placed inside her jacket and close to her heart, honoring her angels in heaven. Jennifer’ s bouquet carried deep sentiment with a piece of her mother’ s wedding dress wrapped around and her grandparents’ and parents’ wedding dates sewn on a piece of lace her mother bought in Ireland years ago.
May 30, 2025
KELSEY LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY @ K. LAURENPHOTOGRAPHY
The Highlights: Getting married on 5 / 30 at 5:30 p. m. was symbolic and meaningful for the couple.“ It’ s as if the clock paused to watch love fall into place,” says Jennifer. They also loved getting ready in the morning with all their special people and feeling the excitement and love surrounding them. It was significant for Jennifer to include a bagpiper in her wedding, as she and her family take a lot of pride in being Irish. Her father had bagpipers at their family’ s weddings.“ It’ s a beautiful sendoff into our new married life,” says Jennifer.
The Advice:“ Once the day begins, solely focus on letting all the planning go,” says Jennifer.“ Once you release that, you will have the best day of your life!”
106 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026