If you’re a serious foodie and looking for a venue that will do justice to your love for all things delicious, then look no further than an intimate Frankie’s 457 Spuntino wedding. This Brooklyn-based eatery is an unpretentious haven for those who love nothing more than rustic Italian food that’s big on flavor and personality. It’s no wonder then that Jenissa and Chris decided to keep things intimate and cozy for their special day by choosing Frankie’s as their wedding venue. With its warm, welcoming vibe and mouthwatering cuisine, it was the perfect spot to gather their nearest and dearest for a celebration that was big on romance, laughter, and most importantly, great food.
How did you meet?
Jenissa and Chris met on Bumble. So yes, it does work :) If you’re not familiar, on Bumble, after you match the woman controls when the first move is made. She has 24 hours to decide if you will communicate after you match. Jenissa waited 23 hours before she said…”hello…” She was actually at her brother Peter’s wedding shower when, according to her, she said “I’ll throw him a bone and say hi…”
After exchanging a few messages on Bumble we decided to go out for drinks. On our first date we met at The Smith in Manhattan for drinks. Many spots in the city later we looked up and it was 3am on a work night and we were still hanging out and laughing. Even though we grew up hundreds of miles apart, in different worlds, our conversations always flowed easily and we absolutely loved each others company. We spent many nights and days exploring NYC together. Chris would always joke with Jenissa and tell her where he would show her around in “her city…”that day(Jenissa is from Long Island, NY and Chris is from Washington D.C.). I do have to credit Jenissa with taking me to my favorite pizza spot in the city to this day(John’s of Bleecker St. if you’re wondering…)!
Our dating was a whirlwind of many days and nights together in NYC. We were always searching for a new spot to eat and drink or watch live music. She would also take me to her gym classes at Equinox and kick my butt from time to time. We’d always start out with a plan and then somehow stay out waaaaay later than we should have on work nights. As Jenissa would always say…it was “just easy…” with us.
After being inseparable and surviving the pandemic together in NYC in two tiny apartments(we alternated between hers for a few weeks then mine for a few weeks for sanity) we knew we couldn’t be without each other and could survive anything together!!
What is your proposal story?
We started talking about the next level of our relationship and it became clear that we were both on the same page. So it’s 2021 and I had a few engagement ideas to pull off in NYC. The key was how do I involve her friends or family!? If anybody knows Jenissa, then you know that family and friends are the most important things to her.
First Attempt: We visited Miami in November with her youngest brother and his wife and I thought this would be the perfect time….BUT the ring wasn’t ready yet so that was a no go.
Second Attempt: The next attempt was a get together at a winery with her high school friends on Long Island. I had it all planned. I’ll call her parents and have them pick me up at the train station on Long Island and surprise her with a beautiful proposal with her friends and family at a beautiful winery…PERFECT…! She decides last minute to not make the trek out to Long Island for the winery get together. Abort…!
Third time is a charm: Christmas Eve is always at her parents house on Long Island so this would be perfect with all of her family there. At the end of the night I made a “family speech” that concluded with me down on one knee asking Jenissa to be my life partner forever. She obviously said YES!!
We can’t wait to see all of you in Brooklyn on September 3rd, 2022 to celebrate with us in the next step in our adventure!
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding
My vision changed once I picked Frankie’s as my venue. The garden area was filled with greenery and such rustic vibes. I wanted a romantic and rustic feel. My colors were dusty rose with creams. Brooklyn has such a chic romantic feel as well.
Tell us about your attire choices.
I wanted to feel sexy and romantic. I felt that lace and European silk was the best fit.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
Photos!!!! Our video and photography was our most important as well as good food! I come from a large Italian family, so good food was key.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
The day was perfect. The weather, everything. At the last minute our wedding singer canceled and we were able to hire a lady we always used to go watch sing at a bar in NYC on Thursday nights while we dated. It was meant to be and so special to have her sing on our special day. My favorite memory was being able to walk into my venue and see it done for the first time, it was perfect. My wedding planner and florist did an amazing job.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
The venue was already filled with greenery so I wanted to add little touches of color and make it even more.of a romantic feel. Different sized bud vases and candles decorated the tables. with floral pieces throughout the venue. WE had a flower wall that held my neon “the popes” sign, which I loved!
Tell us about your wedding cake.
Our wedding caked was from Baked NYC and it was vanilla caked filled with raspberry jam and covered in white chocolate. It was light, fluffy and amazing. Everyone loved it.
Please describe any DIY, handmade, or personal details.
I had my wedding invites and menus hand made to match from a company in Poland. I wanted something that fit the overall feel of the wedding. Each invite and menu were wrapped in lace with a wooden heart to match. we also had some fun photos of my husband and I and our dog around the venue. We made cocktail napkins with our dog on them and named a special cocktail after her. Called “the Zoe” they were a big hit!
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
we did the parent dances and the cutting of the cake.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Wedding planner all the way! Write down the most important aspects of your day and go from there. Little by little the pieces will fall together. Once you starting envisioning your style it all falls together,
Did any of your wedding pros deliver a standout experience?
Our photographers were amazing. Got all the right shots and were on point throughout the day. MY wedding planner made sure everything ran smoothly and was set up perfectly, Everyone raved about the food at our venue as well.
