In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Alexandria Azevedo about all of the do-it-yourself things she did for her wedding.
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
Alexandria Azevedo says her wedding planning, as well as her wedding day, all went smoothly with no issues. And as a special moment, Alexandria, and her husband Tiago, planned something fun during their first dance that wowed their guests.
High School Sweethearts
Alexandria and Tiago dated when they were in high school. And as some young couples do, they broke up when she went to college. Years later, when she came home, they rekindled their relationship, and in October of 2020, Tiago proposed at Breakwater Beach in East Hampton. “He told me we were going to the wineries. But then he stopped at the beach to take a photo of his car,” she says. “I literally had no idea!”
Two Years of Planning With No Issues
Alexandria says because they knew they were getting married in 2022, they didn’t really start their wedding planning until February of 2021, which allowed them to really bask in their engagement for a few months. But even though they knew they had two years, she says she did her research. “I knew from BOLI that vendors were booking up years in advance due to COVID,” she says. “So, I contacted a bunch of vendors early to make sure they had our date.”
To her and Tiago, the venue was the most important vendor. They were interested in a rustic look for their wedding. She says they looked at a couple venues and decided on Swan Lake Caterers, a BOLI preferred vendor. And, she says, “Everything sort of fell into place after finding the venue.”
According to Alexandria, Swan Lake had a package with the photographer and DJ, so they booked the whole package. “I had looked at reviews of the vendors, and it seemed like a good idea to just go with that.” After that, she says other vendors, like the videographer, all seemed to have their date, which was Sept. 10, 2022. She does say a few hair and makeup people were booked, but other than that, there were no issues booking vendors.
“Everything was spot on. We were confused as to why nothing went wrong,” she says. “But everything went great [during planning]. We were very lucky.”
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
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A Little DIY
Alexandria says she made all of the rustic wooden signs they put up throughout the venue. Their theme was “It was always you.” She adds that she had white roses for everything. “I bought artificial roses. Our centerpieces had white roses and greenery with candles.” She says the arch also had white roses and greenery. “I only wanted my girls in the cabernet color, so they would stand out among all of the white.”
But Alexandria didn’t stop at just making the centerpieces and signs! “I made my bouquet and my sister’s bouquet too.” She stopped herself at making the arch, though, and purchased it on Esty. “Honestly, I probably could have made it if I had the time!”
She says by using all of the DIY things she made, she saved some money. “And I ended up having other brides get the stuff from me, so they were able to use it for their weddings.”
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
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A Fantastic Day
When the big day came, Alexandria says Swan Lake Caterers was fantastic. She says the bridal attendant always made sure she and Tiago had drinks in their hand, as well as made sure they both ate. In fact, when it came to food, she says her parents weren’t actually able to try all of the appetizers. “Charlie, the main cook there, came out with a full tray of appetizers and gave them all of the food they never tried.” She says everyone at Swan Lake made sure it was the perfect day.
Alexandria adds that their photographer and DJ were also great. Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI preferred vendor, made sure to get every shot on her shot list. While High Voltage Entertainment, a BOLI preferred vendor, kept the party going the whole night.
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
That Wow Moment
Alexandria says she and Tiago choreographed their first dance. “And at the end, he lifted me up and did a spin!” She says her guests were very impressed and surprised by their fancy footwork.
After the wedding, Alexandria and Tiago headed down to Key West for a few days before taking a western Caribbean cruise for seven nights.
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
Soak It All In
Throughout the planning process, Alexandria says she found the BOLI page helpful. “I pretty much used it to find everything.” She says it really helped her narrow down her vendors.
So now that she’s graduated, what advice does Alexandria have for other BOLIs? “Definitely do your research,” she says. “And on the day of your wedding, just soak it all in.”
She adds that if anything goes wrong, it’s important to just let it go. And to just enjoy the day with your husband, because that’s what you’re really there for.
MORE: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
(Photo courtesy of Capture the Moment Studios)
Vendors:
Venue: Swan Lake Caterers, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Capture the Moment Studios, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Videography: Lasting Moments Film & Photo
DJ: High Voltage Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Hair: Nicole Piazza
Makeup: Total Glam NY, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: Church of Ancient Ways – Long Island Officiants, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Invitations: Minted
Dress: North Fork Bridal Shoppe, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Cake: Frank and Sons Bakery
Tuxedos: Stacy Solow Custom Clothing
Party Bus: Sir Oliver Limousine