If you ask the Groom:
Meghan and I met in the way that every new couple in the 2020’s met post COVID-19: through dating apps. Meghan messaged me first, fully expecting to rip into me for a picture she didn’t like on my profile. However, by some miracle, I was able to weasel myself out of a hole and get a date. If you ask Meghan how our first date went, she’ll tell you she’s had PLENTY of better first dates. I had the nervous jitters, was too sarcastic, and worst of all: I didn’t like tater tots! Yet, by another miracle, I got a second date, a third date, and before I knew it, we were engaged on May 24th, 2025.
Although we’ve always been at each other’s side these past couple of years, life has thrown us her fair share of challenges. We’ve been through 3 moves, multiple new jobs, familial deaths, 2 Sandoli family vacations, 2 Halley family 4th of July BBQs; you name it, we’ve gone through it. Yet somehow, we come out on the other side, knowing that no matter what the universe has in store for us, we will always be there for each other.
Meghan and I currently live in a 2 bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey, and it is the best place either of us have lived (so far)! We are both beyond excited to celebrate our special day with everyone in Skaneateles and are so appreciative to those guests traveling from afar! See you all on September 5th, 2026!
If you ask the Bride:
My grandma’s house on Cayuga Lake is my favorite place in the world. I’ve always believed the lake knows what I need, even in seasons when I haven’t known what’s best for myself. But for years, it had a rather unfortunate reputation: every time I brought a boyfriend to the lake for the first time, he mysteriously disappeared shortly after (and by “mysteriously disappeared,” I mean dumped me). We called it the curse of the lake.
When I met Stephen, I was terrified to bring him there, afraid he’d also fall victim to the curse. But our first trip was magical. Stephen instantly connected with the lake’s beauty and my family’s history there, just as deeply as I do. At the end of the trip, he asked if he could have a private word with the lake, haha! Lo and behold, Stephen did not disappear! Instead, two years later, he proposed right there at my grandma’s house. The lake had known all along: the best man in the world was coming.
In December 2022, I saw Stephen on a dating app. His profile picture was… let’s just say not great, but something told me to give him a chance. After teasing him about it, we ended up having a genuinely great conversation, and I knew I had to meet him. Right before our first date, I sent a selfie to my friends and wrote, “Can you all manifest that I meet my soulmate tonight? Because if I have to waste one more day off on a bad date, I’m giving up!” As it turns out, that night I did meet my soulmate.
I’ll never forget the day I realized I was in love with Stephen and knew I wanted to marry him. We’ve faced some very hard life moments together, and through it all, he’s been my rock. However, the moment I truly knew he was my forever was over something small and silly. I had a craving for Oreos and asked him to pick some up. On his way back, I suddenly texted, “Wait! Did you get the mint ones?” Of course, he hadn’t…I never said “mint”! When he arrived, though, he showed up with both regular and mint Oreos. Not only had he gone back to the store, but he kept the originals so we could have both. In that silly little moment, I felt so seen and so loved. Every time I see mint Oreos in the store, they make me smile.
Words can’t express how excited I am for a lifetime with Stephen. We’re so grateful that you’re part of our love story, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you very soon!