📸: Sara Drew Photography // @saradrewphoto
These Penn State cuties found love through their Panhellenic Dance Marathon and made it onto the dance floor at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The Meet Cute: During their sophomore year at Penn State University, the two had been in the same committee for THON, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. In 2013 throughout the spring semester after THON, they really saw sparks fly between them and began dating.
The Engagement: Six years into their relationship in 2019, Nate finally popped the question on their trip to Germany.
The First Look: “Julia walked up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder to turn around,” Nate says. “She obviously looked beautiful, and we enjoyed the moment together. Then I asked her, ‘Umm, didn’t you have a veil?’ to which she gasped. She apparently had forgotten it in the car!” Thankfully, Julia was able to get it before walking down the aisle.
The Venue: The bowling alley at the Hope Artiste Village, where the cocktail hour was held, is originally from the mill days where workers could play duckpin bowling. Guests took it upon themselves to play a round of bowling before the ceremony and during the cocktail hour. “We wanted to spend time with our guests instead of being away taking photos,” Nate says. “Everyone had a blast!”
The Details: The prominent doughnut wall illustrates their love for the frosted fried dough treat, and they wanted to share their adoration with their guests as well. “Having doughnuts instead of cake is pretty trendy right now, and it fit the more relaxed, casual vibe we were going for,” says Nate. “We had lots of people from out of town attending and Boston is somewhat known for its doughnuts. Plus, it gave our guests options for different flavors!”
The Ceremony: The two lovebirds had originally eloped in 2021 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Flurries of snow fell during this micro wedding amidst the pandemic, where only their best friend who served as the officiant (and Julia’s maid of honor in 2022) and photographers Sara and Brad were present. The only thing Julia and Nate wish they could change at the time was the absence of all their friends and family. “As a result, nobody got to hear the vows that we wrote. We had written the vows down in booklets and saved them for our larger wedding in 2022, where we were able to share those in front of our friends and family,” says Nate. “I think that was really special to both of us because I know how much we wished our parents, friends and extended family could have been at the original ceremony.”
The Details
Ceremony, Reception and Catering: Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI | Hair and Makeup: Deven Paige Makeup Artistry | Bridal Attire: Tulle Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo, Warrington, PA | Decor: DIY | Florals: Bette’s Finishing Touch | Lighting: LisaMarie at Creative Ambiance Events | Seating Chart: DesignByJeans, Southern NH/Boston, MA | Entertainment: Get Down Tonight Entertainment, Salem, NH | Photo Booth: Sara Zarrella Photo Booth | Wedding Planner: Shannon St.Ours of SES Events | Transportation: Fisher Bus, Inc.