Christina and Kenny met in high school. Kenny was a year ahead of Christina, but they had the same health class. They became good friends, but Christina did not realize that Kenny was harboring a secret crush until he got up the courage to express his feelings one night after years of friendship. Christina realized she had feelings for Kenny as well and they started dating in April of 2005.

Eleven short years later, Kenny arranged to have both of their families come together for dinner at Christina’s parents’ home. This was not out of the ordinary because they both have large tight-knit families who enjoy spending time together so Christina did not expect anything unusual, but Kenny had a big surprise up his sleeve, or rather, in a small velvet box in his pocket. On November 22nd, 2016, Kenny got down on one knee and proposed to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life in front of both of their families.

The couple tied the knot in a traditional church ceremony on September 23rd, 2017 in Prospect, Conn. in front of 257 beloved friends and family.

Christina always dreamed of an elaborate, magical Cinderella-esque wedding and with a generous budget of $50,000 USD, the couple had the means to make it happen.

They chose the stunning Aria banquet hall for their reception. “It was perfect,” said Christina. We fell in love before we even toured.” The couple wanted to get married on September 23rd, but the venue did not have it available in 2016 so they actually waited another year to marry. “That is how much we loved this place,” explained Christina.

The theme of the day was classic elegance. Christina purchased her ornate blush princess gown from Kleinfeld’s in New York City and the decor was built around her show-stopping bridal look. Satin blush linens with a soft beige lace overlay covered the tables and for the centerpieces they laid out crystal candelabras, mercury gold tea lights, and classic, rose and hydrangea arrangements. Christina wanted soft touches of color and she absolutely adores pink so she made sure there was a subtle pink hue interspersed throughout the decor.

They decided on a sweetheart table so they could take in the room with all of their guests and they centered it in the middle of the reception hall. Instead of escort cards, Christina found a large mirror and listed everyone’s names in calligraphy.

Christina’s favorite part of the day was finally seeing her soon-to-be husband as she walked down the aisle towards him. Kenny’s was the same. They also loved spending time together, just the two of them, while they took their photographs.

The most stressful part of wedding planning for the couple was the drama that comes along with planning a big event. “We learned you cannot please everyone,” explained Christina. “And everyone will always have something to say.”

Her biggest advice to other members of the Big Bride Club is to take enough time to plan your day your way and do not rush into anything. Christina initially was a little disappointed she had to wait another year for her venue, but in retrospect she is glad she had the extra time.

“In the end, everything will work out and you will marry the one you love,” said Christina. “This was the most magical moment of our lives.”

• Photographers: HK Photography

• Videographer: MV Film Production

• Florist: Roma Florist Toscano

• Venue: Aria

• Hair: Beauty by Liz

• Makeup: Flavia Pedraza MUA

• Gown: Kleinfeld’s in New York City

• Tux: Oscar’s Tux in Bristol, Conn.