On August 14, 2022, Michelle and Andrew will join with family and dear friends to unite their lives in marriage.

Michelle and Andrew first met just over three years ago at a local deli in their neighborhood. Ironically, they lived in the same apartment complex but had never spoken. After running into each other a few times at the deli, Michelle decided to ask Andrew out on a star-gazing date. He accepted and the two hit it off immediately and began dating.

On December 6, 2020, Andrew cooked an authentic Italian meal for Michelle and her mother, who at the time was gravely ill. During the dinner, he got down on one knee and proposed. Michelle joyfully accepted and they began to plan their wedding. Sadly, wedding plans were soon put on hold as Michelle and Andrew had to deal with the heart-breaking loss of both of their mothers.

This past February, Andrew suffered a debilitating headache, coupled with violent vomiting. He went to the emergency room, where he underwent a cat scan. Just twenty minutes later, he was given devastating news. He had a large mass situated deep within his brain. He was hospitalized and underwent a complicated surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, the doctors were only able to remove 70% of the mass.

He was diagnosed with a rare and fast-growing form of brain cancer and began treatment immediately. Sadly, because of the aggressive nature of his illness, Andrew’s cancer has continued to progress. Most recently, he began struggling with hydrocephalies, requiring a brain shunt to help ease the pressure and liquid building up in his brain.

In the face of so much loss and sadness, Michelle and Andrew are trying to remain hopeful and positive. They are clinging to the love that they have found and appreciating each day that they have together. We’ve been touched by this beautiful love story and are honored to grant them their wish for a wedding.

We were thrilled to find a wonderful new friend in Daniela Grafman of Vision Event Company and are overwhelmed with the amazing team that she has assembled for this wish.

So many thanks go out to this incredible crew:

Planner: Daniela Grafman, Vision Event Company

Venue: Celebrate at Snug Harbor

Catering: Relish Catering + Hospitality

Cake: Palermo’s at Celebrate at Snug Harbor

Floral: Bastille NYC

Photography: Yumi Matsuo Photography

Videography: Mike Zhu Films

Photobooth: Third Rail Photo Booths

DJ and Sound: Partners in Sound Productions

Beauty: The Beauty Suite New York

Officiant: Lucie Lucerino, Ordained Wedding Officiant