"Jay and I met as freshmen at Marist College in the summer of 1999. Being 18 and in a new environment, we both admitted we were scared. Weeks passed and we began to lock eyes in the cafeteria and chat in study hall. It wasn’t until Halloween that we actually had a real conversation. A week later he kissed me for the first time and we became inseparable.

"After college, I took a job in Hawaii as a special education teacher, while Jay stayed in New York to work as a stockbroker. We dated long distance for two years. I returned to New York and now work as a special education teacher at a preschool, guiding children with autism.

"In February of 2006, we went to San Diego with friends. One morning Jay woke me up for sunrise. He told me he wanted to make me happy forever as he proposed.

"We knew we wanted a venue that hosted one wedding at a time. After visiting The Estate at Florentine Gardens we didn’t have to look anywhere else. There were beautiful colored flowers surrounding an incredible fountain, an intimate ballroom, and a space for us to hold our cocktail hour both indoors and outdoors. We worked with Sal Travis, the director of vendor services, and Oliver Leoni, a event consultant, at The Estate at Florentine Gardens.

"I had heard stories that many venues run away from the couple’s ideas and plan the wedding for you. But The Estate at Florentine Gardens listened to us, asked us questions, and had us pick out ideas. I have always loved the beach since my mother brought me to visit my father, a lifeguard at Jones Beach. Having lived in Hawaii, I also wanted to incorporate a tropical theme into our special day.

"Our wedding day came before we knew it. The magical affair began with our Mexican themed cocktail hour. A mariachi band entertained our guests while they enjoyed the 10 choice margarita station, mojitos, loaded up raw bar, and pasta stations! You could sit inside or enjoy the gorgeous patio. The staff waited on everyone hand and foot with a smile. Andrea, my bridal attendant, gave me a glass of wine before I even had to ask and carefully watched out for my dress.

"Our reception began with a video montage of pictures from our youth and when we dated. Sal cheered for us to come in and said there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. The room looked beautiful, decorated with lush plants and greenery. Each table had centerpieces with large Hawaiian flowers.

"Dinner was amazing. Our guests were able to choose from four entrees including chicken stuffed with spinach, beef tenderloin, rib eye steak, and Chilean sea bass. But it was our Viennese hour that blew everyone away. The fresh cannoli’s, ice-cream sundae bar, and fried zeppolis topped off our perfect meal!

"We had so many family and friends tell us it was the best wedding they have ever been to. The Estate at Florentine Gardens, along with many others, did a wonderful job of making our wedding a day we will never forget."