ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met:
The couple met while Jessica was a manager in a retail ski shop and John was a customer shopping for ski wear. She asked if he needed any help finding anything and he asked about a specific product that was in the stockroom. She brought the product, which was on sale, out to him, but he wasn't aware of that. When she rang up the product and gave him 50% off he thought that she gave him a discount because she liked him, and took it to mean that she was flirting with him. He was too shy to ask her out that night, but returned to the shop every weekend until he gained the courage to give her his number. Jessica called him and since then, they've been inseparable.
How he proposed:
John went to New York City to purchase the engagement ring. When Jessica asked him what he had been up to that day over dinner, his story wasn't adding up. She got a little suspicious, but when he didn't pop the question right then, she forgot all about it and went on with her night. As they were getting ready for bed she could tell something was bothering him. Jessica asked him what was wrong and that was when he proposed in their apartment. He had a big plan on how he would propose the following weekend, but he was just too excited to wait a whole week.
Bride's education and occupation: Jessica earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Worcester State College. She is currently preparing to take the MTEL exams in October to become a secondary education teacher.
Groom's occupation: John earned bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Marist College and is currently obtaining a master's degree in computer information systems from Marist.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony:
The ceremony was held on the boardwalk at Walt Disney World's Sea Breeze Point. Being outdoorsy people, John and Jessica chose this location because it was outdoors, it had so much natural beauty and they knew it would be nice for photos. The couple chose Disney World because Jessica grew up going there with her family and always said, "I'm going to get married here."
The gown:
Jessica wore an ivory Galina gown that featured draping detail on the front and the back, and a taupe waistband with delicately frayed flowers. Besides her dress being so comfortable, Jessica loved the gown's unique features, and she made a bold decision in deciding to wear pink shoes, which turned out to be her favorite part of her outfit.
The bouquet:
Jessica carried a bouquet of three-dozen gerbera daisies.
The theme: The couple decided on a brown and pink color scheme, which was worked throughout the wedding, which they wanted to be elegantly casual. The woman wore brown and the fathers and men wore pink dress shirts.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Maid of honor:
Jennifer Bachand Norige, sister of the bride.
Best woman: Brittany Wilton, sister of the groom.
Flower Girl: Ava Norige, niece of the bride.
THE RECEPTION
Number of guests:
11
The reception:
The reception was held at the Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort. The beautiful surroundings, casual vibe and amazing food led to a beautiful lunch reception.
The cake:
Jessica surprised John with the topper on their two-tiered wedding cake. Both of them love to ski, so it was natural to choose a skiing couple to adorn the top. The topper was a huge hit and John loved it.
First song:
"Can't Help Falling in Love with You" by Elvis Presley. The couple chose the song because Jessica and her dad would listen to it when she was younger. She thought it would be a special way to make sure her dad knows how special he is to her.
The menu:
The menu was a la carte.
What made the day unique:
Dressed in a Minnie Mouse dress, Ava, the flower girl, who wasn't yet 2-years-old, kept stopping to pick up the petals that were sprinkled on the aisle instead of throwing them. She had everyone laughing so hard.
Most touching moment of the day:
Having only 11 of our closet family and friends was very special, but the most special moment that sticks out to the couple was when Rev. Tim Herring called the bride's grandparents from his cell phone, which gave them the ability to hear the ceremony because they were unable to attend. That meant a lot to Jessica and it was a very special moment for them as well. Also, the bride received a gift of her grandmother's diamond ring from her mom and dad that her grandmother had wanted her to have. It was a very touching moment and something that Jessica will cherish.
Honeymoon destination:
Walt Disney World followed by Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica.