In the whirlwind of modern romance, Julia and Matthew found themselves caught in the crosshairs of fate, their love story unfolding across miles and moments that would shape their lives forever.
Their journey began with a simple swipe on Bumble in early 2019, a digital connection that bridged the gap between Julia’s life as a globetrotting tennis player and Matthew’s career as a medical resident in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite the geographical distance between them, sparks flew through their virtual exchanges, leaving them with a hopeful promise: “If you’re ever in New York…”
December 2019 brought a twist of fate when Matthew found himself in New York during a trip back from visiting family. Seizing the opportunity, he reached out to Julia, proposing a meetup on Long Island. Little did they know, this fateful encounter would set the stage for a remarkable journey ahead.
Their first face-to-face meeting at Bar Frites in Greenvale, N.Y., was nothing short of magical. As they delved into deep conversations and shared laughter, a profound connection blossomed between them. Julia, captivated by Matthew’s sincerity, found herself drawn to him in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
With Matthew’s impending move to New York City for a fellowship in June 2020, the stars seemed to align for the couple. However, fate had other plans. Covid lockdowns ensued, trapping Julia in Charlottesville for what was meant to be a brief visit. What began as a temporary rendezvous turned into an unexpected three-month cohabitation, marked by shared meals, outdoor adventures, and cozy nights in.
As Covid restrictions eased, the couple returned to their respective lives in the New York City area. Matthew pursued his medical career, while Julia, recovering from a tennis injury, transitioned into sports journalism. Despite their divergent paths, their bond only grew stronger, and by September 2022, they knew they were meant to be.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, Matthew proposed to Julia during a picturesque stroll along the water in Tarrytown, a moment that encapsulated the beauty of their love story. Now residing in Tarrytown, the couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives together, cherishing the memories of their proposal spot visible from their apartment window.
Under the crisp November sky, and in unseasonably warm weather, Matthew and Julia exchanged vows in an enchanting outdoor ceremony at the historic Hempstead House in Sands Point, NY. As guests gathered, the gentle breeze carried the strains of JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” played poignantly by Around Town’s incredibly talented pianist, setting the perfect tone for the procession. All eyes turned as Julia made her grand entrance, radiant in her stunning lace gown with its off-the-shoulder sleeves, to the timeless tune of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Against the backdrop of Hempstead House’s Celtic castle, the former estate of the Guggenheim family, the two were married. As they sealed their union with a kiss, the joyful jive of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” filled the air, oh-so-aptly.
Inside the Gatsby-era castle, Around Town’s jazz trio provided the perfect ambiance for the cocktail hour, which was already starlit at 5 o’clock thanks to the early sunsets of November. This was, of course, only a warm up to a very lively and memorable reception.
The bridal party entered to a classic (and incredibly appropriate) bop, as Around Town’s live musicians provided a rocking rendition of The Black-Eyed Peas’ “Let’s Get it Started,” and the bride and groom entered just after to Barry White’s soulful “You’re the First, the Last, my Everything.”
The absolute show-stopper of the night, however, was the couple’s first dance. As Around Town’s fabulous band crooned Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?]’ Julia and Matthew took to the dance floor for a gorgeous choreographed dance that left the room with not a dry eye to be found. And the waterworks didn’t stop there! Julia and her father danced their Father/Daughter dance to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and Matthew and his mother shared a lovely moment to The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.”
The fun lasted well into the night, and this lovely couple’s witty musical taste just didn’t quit! The two cut their cake to another Bill Withers’ classic, “Just the Two of Us” and the bouquet was tossed to the jockeying unmarried ladies of the party to Kool and the Gang’s “Ladies Night.” Julia and Matthew and the phenomenal Around Town musicians made sure that no one felt like leaving the dance floor that night, busting out hits like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Oh What a Night,” Andy Gibb’s “I Just Want to be Your Everything,” and The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere.”
Of course, the party had to end sometime – so their lives together could begin! Julia and Matthew exited the stunning castle, to wall an aisle of their friends and family with sparklers, to reach their fabulous vintage getaway Rolls Royce.
