About the couple

Some love stories are instant sparks. Others are slow burns. Erica & Derek’s? Let’s call it a long-simmering pot that someone finally remembered to check.

They first met back in 2015 at a bar on Long Island — just two people who hit it off enough to become “friends.” (Quotation marks very much intended.) They stayed in each other’s lives for about two years, until life did that thing where it pulls you in different directions. They drifted apart, but here’s the thing: they never really stopped thinking about each other.

Fast forward to 2021. Erica’s grandmother — who, by the way, clearly had matchmaking skills in her blood — casually asked if she’d heard from Derek lately, and whether she still thought about him. That little nudge lodged itself firmly in Erica’s brain. A few weeks later, she FaceTimed Derek out of the blue. He picked up instantly, and ten minutes later, he walked into the bar where she was sitting. And just like that, the “long-lost friends” chapter was officially over.

The proposal? Straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie (which is fitting, because Erica is a full-fledged Hallmark holiday superfan). Every year, her hometown holds a big tree lighting ceremony the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and she loves it so much she invited everyone she knew. Without realizing it, she basically planned her own proposal.

As the crowd counted down to the big tree lighting, Derek got down on one knee — in front of thousands of people — and asked the question. Hidden in the crowd were more friends and family than Erica even realized. It was joyful, shocking, and just the right amount of over-the-top. In other words: the perfect start to forever.

About the planning

When Erica first sent me her inspiration board, I saw greenery, soft lighting, and barely any flowers. Clean, minimal, understated. My planner brain immediately started thinking: Okay… but how do we make this feel uniquely theirs?

Then I spotted it — in one of her cake inspiration photos — a cracked coconut. And suddenly, it hit me: what if we put half coconuts on the tables with candles? I pitched the idea, and Erica instantly loved it. From that moment on, the “half coconut wedding” vision became a thing… and honestly, it might be one of my favorite ideas yet.

We started with the ceremony — a wooden pier, minimal blooms, and the kind of natural, earthy tones that looked straight out of a magazine. The timing? Perfection. Erica and Derek had the most stunning sunset photos… on one of the hottest January days I can remember. (Seriously, I’m still not sure how we all didn’t melt into the pier.)

For dinner, the tablescape came together exactly how I pictured it: vases with floating candles, glowing half coconuts, and pillar candles scattered throughout. Cream table runners softened the farm tables, while a lush line of greenery ran down the center. Since Erica wanted assigned seating without the whole big “escort board” moment, we got creative — one of the palm trees became the seating chart, with individual leaves hanging from it, each one guiding guests to their table.

And because every great party needs a little twist, we added a mini tequila station. Guests could take a shot, laugh about it, and head back to the dance floor — because nothing says “celebration” quite like coconuts, candles, and a little bit of tequila.

Review 

I honestly don't even know where to begin - Gigi is the most incredible person/wedding planner and I highly recommend hiring her for all your wedding/event needs. Not only will she deliver your vision to its entirety, she is on her game from the moment you begin to plan to the moment it is over and then on. Her response rate is incredible, no matter what you need she is always there to help and take on any challenge you give her. I could not have asked for a better person to have by my side planning my special day. Our wedding was absolutely incredible and I give it all to her. Thank you Gigi, you will always be a special part of our day.