After Marcus and I met at the YMCA, we went our separate ways for college and just followed each other on social media. Back in 2021, I posted a selfie on my Snapchat story not thinking much of it. My phone notification suddenly shows that Gonzo is typing and my heart almost exploded. He “slid into my DMs” with “been looking good lately”. From there we were constantly snapping back and forth. Within a month we made plans for Marcus to come visit me at school in Binghamton. We went out clubbing that night because I was too nervous to be sober around him. From that weekend, we slowly got closer but didn’t see each other in person much since he was at RIT and I was in Binghamton. Over thanksgiving, we were both home and were inseparable that whole week. We decided to be exclusive towards the end of Thanksgiving break and by Christmas we were officially dating. Fast forward 2 years, 2 dogs and a lot of memories, we got engaged in Florida. And then a year and half from there we were married!

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How did you meet?

Marcus and I met back in 2016 at the Ithaca YMCA. I was a swim instructor and he was a lifeguard. He was working there a bit before me and when I started I noticed this super cute guy rocking a total afro. I fell in love without even really knowing him. He was just the cute lifeguard at work I was constantly telling my friends I would one day marry.

What was your favorite memory of your wedding day?

with all our people and celebrating.

What were the main influences behind the style of your wedding, its location and your venue choice for your big day?

We decided on the date of 19 because that’s our anniversary date (we became official boyfriend and girlfriend on December 19) and we had heard that in Ithaca “July is always dry”. After working catering and weddings with my mom I knew I loved the farmers market as a venue so when we decided where I was sure it should be IFM. 

What would your top tips be for somebody planning their wedding?

Remember that at the end of the night, when everyone has gone home, the decorations have come down and it’s just the two of you that that’s what it’s all about. It’s not about the wedding it’s about the marriage. That thought definitely helped us while wedding planning.

What made you decide to hire a wedding videographer?

For me, it was the first and probably only time (most) of my family was in one spot as the same time. I had family come from all over the world, some having never been to the states before. As much as I love our photos I knew that we would want to be able to rewatch the day and relive it.

What did you like about working with me?

You were so cool and fun! Nothing from the videography felt like it was getting in the way of anything which was awesome, you were professional and made it easy to work with you!