This Couple Went from Passing Notes in Middle School to Chic Nuptials at the Lace Factory

November 2, 2019
The Lace Factory
Deep River, Connecticut

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

THE STORY

Long before they wrote their heartfelt wedding vows, Christina Muranelli and Josh Ross scribbled notes to each other during their 7th-grade math class. Eventually, after Josh made “the longest climb out of the friend zone” the couple jokes, they began dating. “We had always been best friends, so it was a really easy transition for us,” Christina adds.

For their November 2019 wedding five years later, the New York City–based couple chose to host loved ones at the Lace Factory—a historical lace-making hub in Deep River, Connecticut. With hardwood floors and oversize windows, the venue blended Christina’s vision of a barn soiree with Josh’s desire for warehouse nuptials, forming an ideal backdrop for a celebration full of sweet nods to the couple’s middle-school roots. “As soon as I saw the room, I just knew that nothing else was going to be as good,” Christina says. “It’s so beautiful.”

THE DETAILS

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

First Look
The couple read their vows to each other during a private first look, held outside the Lace Factory’s entrance. “It got some of the nerves out of the way,” Josh says.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Bouquet
Christina adorned her bouquet with lace from her mom’s wedding dress. In a twist of fate, they found out that the lace “was actually made at the Lace Factory after we booked the venue,” Christina says.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Dress
Originally fearing she wouldn’t find a shop that sold her dream Flora dress, Christina fatefully discovered her long-sleeved “Melanie” gown in a boutique located less than 20 miles from the Lace Factory.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Décor
The couple channeled the DIY spirit to craft everything from the chic marble escort cards (personalized with the names of all 175 guests) to the geometric glass terrariums that adorned each table.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Sweetheart Table
Josh and Christina plan to use the tufted blue chairs they bought for their sweetheart table as accent pieces in their future home. “They were an investment!” Christina says with a laugh.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Denim Jacket
Christina wore a custom denim jacket while posing for photos near the river across the street from the venue’s property. “I thought it was nice for a fall wedding,” she says.

Photo by Carly Michelle Photography

Desserts
To pay homage to where they met, the couple served guests some of their favorite school snacks and a confetti cake (the bride’s favorite).

THE FILE

Bride’s Dress Flora, Everthine Bridal Boutique
Cake/Caterer Cloud Nine Catering
DJ Music Speaks Volumes Entertainment
Flowers Ashleigh’s Garden
Groom’s Attire Robbie & Co.; the Tie Bar
Hair & Makeup Bella Trucco
Invitations Minted
Officiant Ever After Memories

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