Elizabeth & Kenneth

Orthopedic surgeon Kenneth often took note of Elizabeth at the medical events they both attended. In fact, he decided that she was the one he would marry one day.

Professionally their paths crossed occasionally, including one time when he examined her ankle, but they were never alone socially. He remedied that by inviting her to hear live music with him one night, after which they “talked ‘til dawn.”

The next day they met for coffee, and he was pleased to discover that despite Liz’s high maintenance veneer, she was a girl who could slosh hot liquid on herself and breezily laugh it off. The music and coffee dates were followed by a weekend sunrise hot air balloon ride, and the relationship was on.

A year later, Liz was studying for exams to complete her doctorate. “I was a miserable human being,” she says. Hurricane Irene was bearing down on New York City and the radio was urging people to evacuate. Instead, Ken suggested they take a stroll to the pier. Most boats had been pulled from the water, except for one magnificent yacht tied up at the dock. 

As they approached, the captain invited them to ride with him to the gas dock. Liz was hesitant, but Ken seemed eager to go. It was beautiful on the top deck, and when passing their building, Ken handed Liz a pair of binoculars to spot their apartment. Finally focusing on it she sighted a huge banner hanging from the balcony reading, “Will you marry me.” Liz turned quickly, knocking Ken from down-on-one-knee to flat on his back where he finished the proposal.

It was important to Liz and her large Italian family that she and Ken marry in the church where she was baptized, performed in Christmas pageants and took her first communion. Two Royal Brass musicians trumpeted as she walked down the aisle on the arm of her Dad, who Liz calls her “best friend.” Ken’s talented mother sang “Ave Maria” while the couple lit a unity candle.

Oheka Castle enchanted Liz from first sight. “As soon as I entered, I felt like a fairy tale princess,” she says, and booked her reception date immediately. Having dreamed of her wedding all her life, this was a bride who knew that she wanted a regal, “old-school” celebration. Crystal beads twinkled in the towering blush-pink, cream and white florals, while gold-rimmed glassware, and gold-hued candelabras, chairs and chargers added to the sparkle. The couple’s monogrammed crest was featured on invitations, menus, place cards and the cake. 

For their first dance as a married couple, Liz and Ken learned some smooth moves choreographed to “History in the Making,” but as they took to the floor they decided to “just wing it.” “We twirled and spun and had a blast,” says Liz. “We didn’t follow one single step!”

The bride and groom purchased their first house together a week before the wedding, so they opted to honeymoon at home, playing house and enjoying each other’s company.