Wedding Day

Saint Elizabeth of Hungry Church

Ceremony

The Piermont

Reception

Our Wedding

It all began on a cold, rainy night in January 2020. One of those nights where staying home felt like the better choice. But with a little push from friends, we both decided (separately) to go out anyway… and that one decision changed everything. We ended up at The Village Idiot in Oakdale, neither of us originally planning to be there. Through a mutual friend, we started talking, and over the next few days, that conversation turned into messages, laughs, and a growing connection. When we finally planned our first date, it didn’t exactly go as expected. Melissa had the flu and had to postpone (even though she almost went anyway!). A week later, we met at a Mexican restaurant, where Melissa tried to hide a lingering cough… unsuccessfully. Somehow, none of that mattered, we laughed, connected, and knew something special was beginning. Just a few weeks later, the world shut down. During those early days of COVID, we found comfort in each other. Night after night, we shared dinners together often with a glass of wine, talking for hours. In a time when everything else paused, we built something strong and meaningful, learning so much about each other in a very short time. As life slowly reopened, so did our world together. We experienced a special milestone. Melissa becoming a grandmother. Alex stood by her side at her granddaughter’s christening, marking the beginning of blending our lives and families. From there, life became an adventure. We shared vacations, laughter, and unforgettable moments, rediscovering joy and truly enjoying life together. Finding each other felt unexpected, exciting, and incredibly special. In 2024, during a weekend trip to Montauk, Alex planned something unforgettable. On a cold, misty, rainy beach, far from perfect weather but somehow perfectly “us”. He created one of the most meaningful moments of our lives. With a message in a bottle, like something out of a love story, Alex got down on one knee and asked Melissa to marry him. And of course, she said YES. Now, here we are, counting down the days until we become husband and wife, so grateful for the night that brought us together and the beautiful life we continue to build side by side. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on August 8, 2026. A date that means so much to us, symbolizing new beginnings and the start of our forever.

Our Story

Photos

Michelle Vincente

John Vincente

Colby Frunzi 

Lukas Frunzi 

Allison Frunzi

Aubree Vincente

Christopher Vincente

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’ve reserved a room block at the Islip Marriott Long Island (2 Marriott Plaza, Farmingdale, NY 11735) for the night of August 8, 2026. Use guest code Vincente-Frunzi when booking to access our special rates: $266 for a king room and $286 for a two-queen room. Check-in is August 8 and check-out is August 9. To reserve, call 631-847-0010 or email Stefanie.Muhlback@Marriot.com, or book online at www.MARRIOT.COM/ISPLI. Rooms are limited—please book soon.

Courtyard by Marriott Republic Airport Long Island/Farmingdale

Travel

Good evening.First, I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate such a beautiful day. Lookingaround this room, it's easy to see how much love surrounds these two just by seeing howpeople show up for them not only today, but every other day as well.I have the incredible honor of not only being my mom's Maid of Honor, but her daughter.In 2017 my Dad passed away very unexpectedly. Overnight, life changed for our family. For afew years, it was just my mom, John and me. We leaned on each other through some of thehardest moments of our lives, and I watched my mom carry more than anyone should everhave to. She figured out how to run a business, be the head of our household, and supportedmy brother and I through our grief. She showed us what strength, resilience, andunconditional love truly look like.As hard as those years were, God was preparing us for the next chapter.Fast forward. In 2020, something amazing happened. My mom met Alex.I’ll never forget how excited my Mom was when she told me she met this guy at Village Idiot.She was especially excited that he had a nice full head of hair.The night of their first date my Mom was actually really sick. But she knew she felt somethingspecial with Alex and we both agreed she had to just get up and go. And thank God she did.Now, I have to admit...the first time I met Alex wasn't exactly ideal. It wasn't at a barbecue ora family dinner. It was at the hospital after my brother's girlfriend Rebecca unexpectedlypassed away.It was one of the hardest days our family has ever experienced.Alex barely knew us, but that didn't matter to him. He showed up. He supported my mom.He helped our family. He was calm when everything around us felt chaotic. He didn't have todo any of that, but that's just a testament to the kind of man he is.I remember thinking, "Wow...Mom found a really good one."What started as a new relationship slowly became something so much bigger. Alex didn'tjust fall in love with my mom, he brought with him three incredible kids: Colby, Lukas, andAllison who I am so blessed to now call my brothers and sister. We quickly blended andstarted creating memories together.The best part is, they weren't replacing anyone. They became something we didn't evenrealize we were missing.Watching our families come together has been one of the greatest gifts. It's reminded methat families aren't only the ones we're born into, they're also the ones we choose, the oneswe build, and the ones that make room for even more love.Anyone who has had the pleasure of watching these two together knows that my mom andAlex are the most authentic versions of themselves when they're together. They're silly,adventurous, and always looking for the next thing to do. Honestly, I don't think they knowwhat "relaxing" means. I'm half their age, and I can't keep up but Alex can do an Iron Man...four times.Their love story has always been one big adventure. Whether they're daring each other tojump into the ocean in the middle of lunch, racing down hotel hallways like teenagers, orflying down a slip and slide, they're always laughing. And I think that's my favorite thing aboutthem. They remind each other not to take life too seriously because they understand thateverything can change in the blink of an eye. They find joy in the ordinary, excitement in theunexpected, and somehow manage to turn every trip, weekend, and every random Tuesdayinto a memory worth talking about.One of the greatest parts about Alex is his ability to make people feel seen. He’s observantand thoughtful. If you tell Alex in passing something you like or have interest in, he is the firstperson to show up with it the next time he sees you.Alex took me and John in like we were his own. There was never a day I felt like he was justmy Mom’s boyfriend. He became a Dad to me and showed up for me and my children in wayswe desperately needed. He was never asked, he just did it.Mom, you've always taught me that love is about showing up, even when life is hard. Youdeserve every bit of happiness that today represents. Not many children get the privilege ofwatching their parent fall in love. But watching you and Alex’s love story unfold in front of mehas been such an amazing honor. Seeing you smile the way you do with Alex fills my heart inso many ways. Seeing someone so deserving of love being loved the way you are brings mepeace.Alex, thank you for loving my mom so well. Thank you for welcoming my brother and me, andfor raising such amazing kids. Thank you for making our family bigger, louder, and full of love.And thank you for being there right from the very beginning, even before you really knew us.I knew my Dad would always be a part of our story. His love helped shape who we are, and Ibelieve he would want us to keep living and loving as deep as we do. Today isn't about leavingthe past behind. It's about honoring it, while celebrating the beautiful future that's ahead.Love isn’t limited. It grows and it makes room for new people without ever replacing the oneswe’ve lost.Mom and Alex, may your marriage be filled with laughter, patience, even more adventure,and countless memories.Everyone, please raise your glass.To my Mom and Alex: thank you for reminding us that love can find us again, that families cangrow in the most unexpected ways, and that even after loss, life can still surprise us withincredible joy.Here's to your next chapter together. We love you both.Cheers!

Speeches 

Registry

melissaandalex.us

Melissa & Alex

Melissa & Alex

Photos