Photography by Created Coastal Photography | @createdcoastalphotography
These high school sweethearts tied the knot in the same city where they fell in love.
The Meet Cute: They met in math class freshmen year, though they sure had chemistry. Thanks to their observant math teacher at Tolman High School in Pawtucket, Luisa’s assigned seat was changed to bring the soon-to-be lovebirds together. “The teacher noticed that Austin would stare at me a lot, so the teacher decided to sit me in front of him, and that’s how we sat the entire year,” Luisa says. Every year, their friendship — and feelings for each other — bloomed until Austin asked Luisa to be his girlfriend their junior year in 2015.
The Engagement: In 2022 during a snowy January in Boston, Luisa was in her element: shopping for books at Trident Booksellers & Cafe alongside Austin. While thumbing through the selections, Austin blurted out to her, “Luisa, I want to marry you.” The two further discussed his epiphany after purchasing the books. Austin confirmed his desire to marry his girlfriend of seven years, and while Luisa was ecstatic about the news, she told him they were going to do this proposal the right way. She sent him examples of rings she liked — rose gold ring with a classic band – so Austin started from there. Once Luisa graduated from the University of Rhode Island in May, her parents held a graduation party for her on June 11. With all her loved ones in one setting, a lightbulb lit inside of Austin, prepared with the ring in his pocket. Not only was it a beautiful sunny day filled with love, “It was also the only way he could make sure my nails were done and wouldn’t be suspicious about all the photographers around,” says Luisa.
The Venue: Luisa went straight into wedding planning mode. Pawtucket Country Club was one of the first venues they visited, and it checked all their boxes. What truly sealed the deal was the available date. “It was exactly one year of planning,” Luisa says. “When Jackie the event coordinator listed the available dates, June 11, 2023 was one of them, so that was our sign.”
The Ceremony: Having her mother and father by Luisa’s side as they walked down the aisle was an emotional moment. Growing up, her parents displayed the perfect example of what a successful marriage looks like, so it felt right to honor them both on her and Austin’s special day. Another event that lives rent-free in Luisa’s mind is when the officiant encouraged her and Austin to take a deep breath and look at everyone around them. It might’ve lasted just a couple seconds, but the pair will always remember that beautiful moment. “We looked back at them, and my heart skipped a beat seeing everybody there smiling at us and crying. It was such a special moment to look at everybody there.”
The Advice: “Take it all in,” says Luisa. “The wedding goes by fast, but at the end of the day, it’s an accumulation of everything happening throughout the planning process. Make sure you romanticize planning the wedding, whether it’s designing the invitations, picking your flowers, testing out cakes – give it everything you’ve got because those are moments you’re going to think back to, not just the wedding. Don’t see it as another chore, see it as another date.”
The Details
Ceremony, Reception and Catering: Pawtucket Country Club, Pawtucket | Hair and Makeup: Done by bridesmaids | Bridal Attire: Lulus | Groom’s Attire: Franklin Rogers, Providence (now closed) | Florals and Decor: DIY | Entertainment: DJ Jalen Young of YS&L Productions
