As the saying goes: when one door closes, another one opens. Such was the case for Chelsea Kriebel, whose breakup turned into finding the love of her life, Eddie Muransky. When the duo first met, Chelsea was in a long-term relationship, so Eddie didn’t let any opportunity slip away when he found out she was available. Their first date was perfect.

“We sat down as two strangers on a weeknight, not realizing we would be there for three hours talking and laughing,” says Chelsea. “We didn’t want the date to end, but the restaurant was closing.” Eddie adds, “I realized early on that I wanted to marry her. I loved her more than I ever thought possible and our values were the same,” he smiles. “It was a matter of biding my time, so I didn’t sound crazy asking too soon!”

After 15 months of wedding planning, the time finally came for Chelsea and Eddie to exchange vows at a church that the groom’s paternal grandparents were involved in and where his father attended grade school. Since the house of worship is so picturesque on its own, the pair didn’t want the décor to distract from the natural beauty of the space.

Minimal blossoms in pale tones adorned arrangements at the altar as well as the pews, where over 300 guests gathered to witness the service. “I’m a big sports fan and love seeing a venue fill up slowly before a big game,” states Eddie. “Multiply that feeling by 100 and that was me watching our friends and family enter the church on my wedding day.”

The groom stood at the altar in a navy tuxedo with ebony lapels awaiting his bride, joined by 10 groomsmen in dark suits with navy bow ties and bridesmaids in taupe gowns featuring convertible necklines. Chelsea wore a stunning strapless gown by Legends Romona Keveža paired with Eddie’s sister’s wedding veil. The groom was overwhelmed with feelings of admiration as his beloved walked down the aisle to a string rendition of “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen performed by a quartet.

“He had the biggest smile on his face as tears were streaming down his cheeks,” remembers the bride. “I was so full of emotions standing with my dad looking down at my future husband.” Eddie shares a similar sentimental memory, “Seeing Chelsea come down the aisle was indescribable. It was a rush of how lucky I was in one moment.” Once they were pronounced husband and wife, they ascended the aisle to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars.

When it came to the design of the reception, the bride was surprised by how many times she changed her mind during the planning process. “I thought I wanted certain color schemes, floral arrangements, etc.,” she begins. “Fortunately, our planner [at Joe Mineo Creative] knew what I wanted quicker than I did. He was able to take my ideas and create the perfect room.”

“Looking around seeing the room full of people who love us, under one roof, having so much fun, was really unbelievable.”

The space exuded the feel of a garden party with hundreds of brightly colored flowers adorning the tables and chandeliers overhead. A vibrant floral motif was also incorporated on various tablescapes and walls, as well as the dance floor and cake.

Following a sit-down dinner service surrounded by bountiful blooms in shades of ivory, pink, red, and purple, guests enjoyed dancing to R&B, Motown, 80s, and current hits performed by a live band from EastCoast Entertainment. “I’ve never seen a dance floor so packed!” exclaims Eddie.

Attendees enjoyed slices of the duo’s elegant four-tiered confection featuring the same decorative design seen throughout the fête and a special wedding cake topper: the same one used at the wedding of Eddie’s maternal grandparents 60 years prior, which was also borrowed by his parents and sister at their own receptions.

Throughout the joyous celebration, the pair took time to step back and observe the evening. “Looking around seeing the room full of people who love us, under one roof, having so much fun, was really unbelievable,” remembers the bride. “We made a point to do that several times throughout the night, and we are so happy that we did.”

Their wedding day was full of love, and the pair agrees that it was just a bonus after getting married. The bride urges future couples preparing to say “I do”: “Listen to your spouse. Communicate. Genuinely listen to your family – to a degree,” she smiles. “Be mindful of others, but also remember that this is your day with your spouse. Take time to sit back and appreciate the meaning behind this amazing party.”

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