The stories we hear of how our brides meet their partners and fall in love give us life. They’re a beautiful reminder of the wonderful, unpredictable way paths cross and lives become intertwined, of how fate sometimes takes things in hand.
Such is Troy and Rachel’s story! Written by our sweet bride, it reads like the kind of romantic movie we’d watch again and again.
“Unbeknownst to one another, Troy and Rachel have been running towards each other all their lives. As children they made sandcastles on the same small beach in St. John. In their 20s they trailed one another from apartment to apartment, unknowingly making homes for themselves right next door. Then one day, Rachel got a call from a rep from a company that her father made her promise never to use. Despite Troy’s best efforts, Rachel held firm. But she could tell he was more than a business card and a smile.
Years passed. Friends and lovers came and went. And then, one day they suddenly met again, as if for the first time. They had one of those first dates where time seems to lose all meaning— Lunch became a long walk, which turned into dinner and before they knew it they had spent the entire day lost in conversation and each other.
Troy is Rachel’s best friend. Her one-man cheering section. He is the air in her lungs when she forgets to breathe and the shoulder she leans on when the weight of the world is too heavy for one. Her victories are his victories and even when she is in the saddle, he is by her side.
Rachel is Troy’s guiding light and the comfort of home. She believes in him when he forgets to believe in himself. Despite both of their paths and the deepest doubts in the most still and lonely of nights, their love was always there – patiently waiting for them.”
These two romantics married at Mohonk Mountain House—it’s a spot very close to Rachel’s heart and where they got engaged. Read all about their meaningful, dreamy day and love story from our sweet bride, who found her dress match in Ophelia, below:
wedding gown: Lea-Ann Belter Ophelia via Jessica Haley Bridal | photographer: Jaci Berkopec | scroll down for full vendor list
|
How did you know each other was “the one”?
Troy: “I couldn’t stand the idea of what life looked like without you.”
Rachel “Pretty much right away, I just knew.”
How did you two get engaged?
“My family has been going to Mohonk Mountain House for five generations. I used to go as a little girl with my late father. There was this little forest path called Lambdin’s Glen. My dad used to leave whatever stuffed animal I had been eyeing in the gift shop there and tell me that the forest fawn “Lambdin” had magically left it there for me. I had told Troy this story once, but he somehow remembered it. The day we got engaged, I made it impossible for him to take me on this walk! I had no idea he was planning it, so I suggested other things, such as going on paddle boats. Troy had no intention of getting on a paddle boat with a big diamond in his pocket! He finally got me alone and, in that glen, asked me where he had left my present. I still had no idea he was going to propose and was certain he would gift me this T-shirt I had been eyeing in the gift shop! Yet I turned around, and there he was, down on one knee!”
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“I saw the Ophelia on Instagram of all places and absolutely had to have it! So I called Lea-Ann Belter Bridal, and they were kind enough to ship it to the Jessica Haley boutique in Rye, NY, for me to try! It was perfect in person, too! I loved my gown so much that I wore it for my entire wedding! No changing!
Troy’s suit was custom-made by Divij Bespoke. It was a style and design that Troy had envisioned for years and his pink paisley tie by Eton was a nod to my favorite color.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“We got engaged at Mohonk, and my grandparents and great-grandparents have been going there for generations. It’s always been the place where you bring a significant other to meet the family! We’ve never had a family wedding, though! Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of getting married there! So this was my dream come true!”
Tell us about your day!
“We loved that we did hand-fasting as part of our ceremony and “tied the knot.” The ceremony was not religious, but incorporated aspects of spirituality and ritual that resonated with us. We made sure that our food was good, we tried to have as much of the day outside and in beautiful places as possible. Our readings and song were heartfelt, and we wrote our own vows to express our love in our own words.”
What was your first dance song?
“We danced to a song from Midnight in Paris:
Si Tu Vois Ma Mère, Claude Luter et son Orchestra”
One detail you couldn’t live without?
Rachel: “Troy! And my sparkle keds! I switched into them after the ceremony, and they enabled us to climb on the rocks and get some amazing sunset photos!”
Troy: “The moments of intentional reflection, where I really tried to hold onto what was happening and how I felt.”
What was the most important aspect for you in terms of planning your wedding?
“Utilizing a wedding website and getting things done early! Also, communicating what was important to one person and less important to the other—compromising and incorporating those wants into the day.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
Rachel: “Being so happy after the photos and the first look that I almost walked to the wedding instead of going back to the bridal suite like I was supposed to!”
Troy: “Rachel literally wasn’t able to wait for the kiss at the altar!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?
“Something new: my dress, something old: my wedding band was my mother-in-law’s, the inside of my shoes were blue and my diamond bracelet was borrowed.“
Three words that best describe your partner:
“Rachel—Passionate, fun, loving.
Troy—Enthusiastic, devoted, playful.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We are going to Costa Rica in November!”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Don’t stress out over little things! This is supposed to be fun! There’s always a solution! The day is about you and your love.”
Rachel + Troy’s Mohonk Mountain House Wedding Vendors
wedding gown: Lea-Ann Belter Ophelia via Jessica Haley Bridal | photographer: Jaci Berkopec | venue: Mohonk Mountain House | hair: Spa at Mohonk Mountain House | florals: East Coast Stems | cake: Pastry Garden | DJ: Dan Monopoly/ June Events | officiant: Michele Zipp
