Though Ali Fagan had “sworn off boys” for a bit, all of that changed the night her roommate Marlee had her boyfriend Kyle and two of his friends – including JT Hodil – over to their apartment before a night out. When Ali and JT locked eyes, they both admit they got butterflies and swear it was love at first sight. “Marlee and Kyle are also married and live a minute down the road!” smiles Ali of their happy couplings. 

After moving back to New York City post-pandemic, JT took Ali to Dumbo Park and suggested they take a photo. He asked a “random” to take their picture and soon dropped to one knee to pop the question. Little did Ali know, the “random” was actually an undercover photographer who JT had hired to capture the proposal and take additional engagement photos around the area. Another surprise was waiting for Ali around the corner: both sets of their parents were anxiously awaiting the affianced pair to share the happy news and continue the celebration! 

When planning where to host over 200 loved ones for their spring wedding weekend, Ali had her eyes set on a romantic resort in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, which she had visited a few times before. “We wanted the best of the best!” affirms the bride. From there, the couple hired a talented wedding planner, as well as floral and event designer Joe Mineo Creative, to help design and orchestrate their dream wedding day inspired by their personalities and love of color. 

Ali described her style as “classic, but with pops of girly details,” JT shared his draw to timeless pieces while loving to wear bright colors and fun prints, and they told their wedding team they wanted their event to exude a modern, colorful English garden with unique touches. “[They] translated this request into a design that incorporated colorful florals with hints of girly details, textural elements in materials such as moss and iron, and elemental-toned linens, making the event design a truly unique visual experience!” confirms Ali of the design scheme. 

“[Our design] incorporated colorful florals with hints of girly details, textural elements in materials such as moss and iron, and elemental-toned linens, making the event design a truly unique visual experience!”

The indoor ceremony space was adorned with a towering hedge wall backdrop with ombré florals climbing up the display, with blooms such as roses, hydrangeas, anemones, and more in deep tones adorning the lush arch embellished with greenery. The bride was gorgeous in a form-fitting gown highlighting a whimsical vine embroidery, and she accessorized her bridal look with a sparkling headpiece and long veil dotted with pearls. A dear friend presided over the ceremony and officially pronounced Ali and JT husband and wife. 

Following the “I dos,” guests dined at an array of unique tablescapes, which showcased lush greenery, bright florals, and ambient candlelight. Two long wrought-iron tables highlighted an overhead canopy of bright florals, organic branches, and enchanting moss spheres, as well as suspended gold lanterns and blooms; square tables were decorated with tall trees suspending lanterns, florals, and crystals, with a base of hydrangeas, ranunculuses, roses, and greenery; and round tables were adorned with modern lanterns surrounded by fresh florals and candles. 

To incorporate their personalities throughout the celebration, the couple had a coffee and espresso bar as well as a nitro-pop freeze bar available for guests to enjoy, and they selected the bride’s favorite Penn State band for their entertainment. “Our guests raved about our band!” affirms the bride, adding that they created “the best party atmosphere” with three 50-minute sets complete with a light show and unforgettable drum finale that kept everyone – including the new Mr. and Mrs. – smiling and celebrating on the dance floor until 1AM.