Can everyone please join me in giving Rachel and Andrew a giant virtual hug? You see, Rachel and Andrew were supposed to get married at Elk Manor in a few short weeks. In case you aren’t aware, Elk Manor abruptly closed their doors and kept all the money brides had paid them. I believe in karma. I believe in karma. I believe in karma.

These two have taken the news as best to be expected. However, they never lost sight of the true meaning of their wedding day. They are pledging to love each other through the good times and bad. (Even if that means, for now, the bad is wedding planning itself)

1) How did you two meet? 

We actually met on match.com. We talked for a couple of weeks and our first date was at Libratore’s Italian Restaurant.

2) How did he propose? 

The proposal happened on the day after Thanksgiving, 2015. A family tradition during Andrew’s childhood was to select and cut down the family Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving. He arranged for my family to be there to help pick out the tree. Once we found the tree he pretended that someone had left something in the tree ,pulled out the ring, got on one knee, and proposed.

3) What do you think will be your favorite part of your wedding day?

The best part of our wedding day will be marrying my best friend. Knowing that no matter what, through thick and thin, I will have someone by my side for the rest of my life.

4) Can you provide some planning advice to brides in the thick of it right now?

The best advice to give would be not to rush planning the wedding. There are plenty of things couples get to enjoy during the planning process. Remember that you’re in this together and that your love for each other is what brought everything about.

5) What are you most looking forward to about married life?

The things we look most forward to in married life are building a life together, starting a family, and growing old together.