The Meet Cute: Brooke and Dean met ten years ago, two days before Christmas, at an ice-skating rink in Warwick. Their friends had set them up on what was essentially a triple date, the perfect high school mix of laughter, awkward small talk and trying to figure out how to stop without crashing into the boards. Brooke was a sophomore; Dean was the cool senior hockey captain.“ I remember thinking he was way out of my league,” says Brooke.“ He clearly thought otherwise.”
The Engagement: Dean knows how much Brooke loves photos, so he hired a family friend to do a“ promotional couple photo shoot.” On a chilly March day, they headed to Blithewold Mansion for what Brooke assumed was a fun shoot. As the photographer adjusted her camera during golden hour, Brooke noticed Dean’ s shadow on the groundand realized he was down on one knee. Through a sea of tears, she said yes. They celebrated that evening at Brooke’ s mom’ s house surrounded by friends and family.
The Theme: Christmas has always been a special time for Brooke and Dean, so their wedding conveyed the elegant holiday aesthetic that captured the magic of the season. The palette centered on deep greens for richness and gold for a touch of sophistication.“ A winter wedding just felt right for us,” says Brooke.
Cookies for Santa: Every detail was thoughtfully chosen for their elevated Christmas theme. During the cocktail hour, Santa made a surprise appearance, filling the room with laughter. Napkins were engraved with“ wedding bells are ringing,” with the word Christmas playfully crossed out. Guests enjoyed mini milk-and-cookie shooters, and the favors were gingerbread cookies dressed as a bride and groom. Mistletoe hung at the entrance, and each table featured a poem titled“‘ Twas the Night of the Wedding,” a whimsical twist on the classic tale.
Winter Wonderland: Snow fell right before their first look, transforming the moment into something magical. Brooke saw it as a sign from her Mema, who had passed away four months earlier. After the photos, her bridesmaids and hairstylist worked overtime to refresh her look, causing a slight delay, but one that makes for a great story.
December 20, 2024
EMILY CRENCA PHOTOGRAPHY @ EMILYCRENCAPHOTOGRAPHY
Message From the Students: A fifth-grade teacher, Brooke’ s students hold a special place in her heart. They had already designed dresses she displayed at her bridal shower, so including them again felt significant. Their handwritten messages about love and marriage varied between sweet, honest and hilarious.
The Advice:“ Find a moment during the day to step away together,” shares Brooke.“ The day moves so quickly and can feel like a whirlwind, so be present in those little moments.”
88 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026