ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met:
Craig was a friend of Valerie's older brother, and had met Valerie through him. Then, he began to dine frequently at Friendly's restaurant, where Valerie was a waitress. In March 2003, Valerie and was asked out on a date by another person, but there was a catch - they were going to make it a double date and each had to bring a friend to be a date for the other's friend. Craig happened to be the friend that was brought along, and the two ended up switching dates. Valerie and Craig have spent nearly everyday together since that date.
How he proposed:
Craig proposed at home in January 2010. He made a romantic dinner and during a massage with candles and relaxing music, proposed on one knee.
Bride's occupation: Valerie graduated from the American School in 2005. She is currently pursuing a degree in business administration with a minor in finance. She is employed as an install base specialist at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics in Norwood.
Groom's occupation: Craig graduated from Attleboro High School in 2003. He is a specialized hauler at J.R. Vinagro Corporation in Johnston, R.I.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony:
The couple was married in a private ceremony at Candleberry Chapel in Attleborowith 30 close family members and friends present.
The gown:
Valerie wore a strapless, slim A-line Maggie Sottero Vogue Royale gown, which featured a sweetheart neckline accented with tulle, corset back and a semi-cathedral train. The gown also featured light gold satin with a diamond white lace overlay, and was ornamented with Swarovski crystals, glass and bugle beads, and a delicately placed brooch.
The bouquet:
A bouquet of light pink roses, pink calla lilies and white hydrangeas, wrapped in ivory satin and accented with ivory pearls, completed the ensemble.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Maid of honor:
Kendra Nadeau, best friend of the bride
Best man:
Evan Dubuc, a best friend of the groom since childhood
Bridesmaids:
Jamie Lyn Maston, sister of the groom, and Shanna Christiansen, sister-in-law of the bride.
Junior Bridesmaid: Makenzie Christiansen, niece of the bride.
Groomsmen:
Cody Maston, brother of the groom, and Gordon Christiansen, brother of the bride.
Junior Groomsmen:
Hunter Christiansen, nephew of the bride.
Ring Bearers: Jacob Wild, godson and nephew of the groom.
THE RECEPTION
Number of guests:
120
The reception:
The Casino at Roger Williams Park, Providence, R.I.
The cake:
A cupcake tower layered with vanilla cupcakes with raspberry filling and a light lemon buttercream frosting. The tower was accented with pink handmade sugar roses and edible pearls. The cupcakes also served as favors and were packaged and given to guests.
First song:
"From this moment" by Shania Twain and Bryan White. The song perfectly described our feelings and emotions for our special day.
The menu:
The meal started with salad and was followed by a choice of herb- encrusted pork loin, chicken saltimbocca and penne vodka. Dessert was an ice-cream sundae buffet with various candy toppings to incorporate Friendly's restaurant, where the bride and groom began their relationship.
What made the day unique:
Valerie's was driven to the ceremony by her father in his 1952 Pontiac that the family restored many years ago and holds a very special place in their hearts. Craig was driven to the ceremony in his late best friend Eric Dubuc's restored 1984 Chevy pickup truck by his best man, and Eric's twin brother, Evan.
Most touching moment of the day:
After spending the night before the wedding apart, the most touching moment was seeing each other for the first time when the bride entered the chapel at the start of the ceremony.
Honeymoon destination:
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.