The Meeting: Justin and I met in 4th grade at St. Timothy’s Catholic School. We went to our first boy/girl party at a friend’s house and he got down on one knee and proposed to me with a mood ring!
Unfortunately, the romance did not last, and we moved on without contact until…
May 1, 2007 at another party. We spotted each other from across the room. Justin came up to talk to me and we have been inseparable ever since.
The Proposal: September 28, 2013 is one of the happiest days of my life. He took me to Ela (Jason Cichonski’s restaurant in South Philadelphia) and I had absolutely no idea that anything was going to happen. There were rose petals and candles everywhere and pictures of us all over with the Ed Sheeran song “Lego House” playing in the background (a song I told him months ago that I loved). Once again, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!
Kismet: I had kept that mood ring from my 4th grade proposal. When Justin and I started dating again, I put it back on. It was on my ring finger the day he proposed!
The “New” Ring: On top of Justin putting so much time and effort into making this day beyond beautiful and perfect, he also designed my entire ring.
The Dress: My dress was everything I never knew I wanted! My best friend Eileen one day said, “Hey let’s go over to this cute bridal shop around the corner and try on dresses.” We popped in to Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo without an appointment. Franco introduced me to my consultant Ann and little did I know that she would pick out the dress for me. Third dress was THE ONE. It was the amazing Casablanca 1975. I came back a week later with my family and my mom and purchased the dress!
The Girls: My maids were my three best friends from grade school, Caitlin Myers, Kate Pauer, and Amanda Snyder; my three best friends from Millersville University, Shaina Briel, Eileen Robbins, and Allison Seidel; and of course my two sisters, Allison Hoey and Lauren Hansen. I chose Bill Levkoff dresses in coral for my six bridesmaids, and mint green for my maid/matron of honors.
The Bachelorette Party: The Taj Mahal in Atlantic City – what a blast!
The Ceremony: We were married on July 11, 2015 at Barcelo Maya Palace, Riviera Maya in Mexico, under a gazebo overlooking the beach.
The Walk Down the Aisle Was: Surreal. I couldn’t wait to get married. Especially to Justin, he has been my rock for the past eight years. So many emotions ran through my head but I just could not wait to stand next to him!
Our Song: Justin let me pick and I chose a song by Ron Pope, “You’re the Reason I Come Home.”
The Reception Celebration: July in Mexico, yes, the reception was a sweaty time but I am so happy that everyone had a blast! The music, food, decorations, everything was just beyond what I expected. We had 53 people join us for our destination wedding and everyone was on the dance floor all night.
With Gratitude: Thank you to my husband Justin Cichonski for always surprising me, for having my back and being my best friend and husband. You showed me what true love really is and how a real man treats a girl. Having you by my side for the rest of my life makes me so happy!
To my wonderful parents John and Patricia Hansen for everything you did to make my wedding happen, for my wedding dress, my wonderful bridal shower, and literally paying for my wedding!
To Sierra Cichonski, for one again capturing the most wonderful pictures that we will have forever.
To my new In-Laws, David and Linda Cichonski for helping throw my bridal shower, and for getting our wedding video.
For everyone that was a part of the wedding and everyone in attendance, I know it was not cheap but I am so thankful that Justin and I have such great friends that were able to splurge and make this event so memorable! I hope you all had as much fun as we did!
And to Styling Trio who did hair and makeup for my bridal party, you were beyond amazing. My girls looked incredible, and I never felt more beautiful!
The Vendors:
- Reception Venue – Barcelo Maya Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Wedding Dress – Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, Warrington PA
- Gown By – Casablanca Bridal www.casablancabridal.com
- Bridesmaids Dresses – Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, Warrington PA
- Maids By – Bill Levkoff www.billlevkoff.com
- Hair & Make Up – Styling Trio, Riviera Maya
- Photography – Sierra Cichonski
- Rings – Infinity Jewelers, Philadelphia PA infinityjewelers.com