Porta Jersey City

Welcome Party

Battello

Wedding

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Dorrians Red Hand

After Party

The Westin Jersey City Newport, Americas Room 2nd Flr

Farewell Brunch

Our Wedding

In the wild world of modern romance, where algorithms play matchmaker and your perfect match might be just one awkward bio away, Lori and Frank crossed paths on a dating app back in August 2024. OK, swiping left on bad puns and right on potential soulmates is not exactly the stuff of fairy tales. But when their profiles lit up with a match, it felt less like luck and more like the universe had finally put them where they were meant to be.Their first date was a classic Jersey City adventure: a casual meetup at Boots and Bones, the kind of dive bar where the neon signs flicker just enough to make you question your life choices. Not exactly candlelit violins and rose petals, unless you count the faint glow from a Bud Light bottle as ambiance. They figured they would grab a quick drink, and bolt to somewhere a tad more date-like. But one story and one laugh led to another, and before they knew it, the clock had ticked from quick drink to where did the night go? Oh, and in a plot twist neither of them saw coming, they skipped dinner entirely; a miracle, really, since neither Lori nor Frank are ones to skip out on good food. By midnight, they were still there, hooked on the conversation and already plotting their next date night.Fast-forward to Christmas, and what started as sparks had exploded into full-on fireworks. They were head over heels, whispering I love you under twinkling lights and dreaming about what came next. But the real litmus test? Introducing Lori to Giovanna - who at 3 years old, had a radar for good people sharper than most adults. Within minutes, there she was, perched on Loris lap, grinning ear-to-ear like they had been best friends since birth. It was the kind of instant magic that hits you right in the heart - just pure, unscripted joy.It was easy to see why Frank and Lori clicked so effortlessly. They are both fitness junkies who treat a grueling workout like a love language, have a soft spot for the ever-so-lovable insurance industry, and love nothing more than a fine whiskey in front of a fireplace (which is always accompanied by side splitting laughter when together).Talk of marriage bubbled up naturally, but Frank played it safe. He claimed to need to see Lori in every season before getting engaged. Spring blooms, summer heat, fall leaves, winter chill - all of that would come before diamonds met fingers.Except sometimes love ignores the fine print. On June 20, 2025 (the very first day of summer) Frank tossed that caution to the wind. Down on one knee by the Jersey City waterfront, with the skyline sparkling behind them, he asked Lori to be his partner in every adventure, and every season. She said yes, and they are now beyond excited to share the next step with you all!

Their Story

Our Story

Photos

Jessica Halligan

Mike DiRocco

Giovanna Chiarello

Finn Halligan

Arielle Gesner 

Allie Gesner

Jane Labouliere

Wedding Party

What are my clothing options for "Black Tie Preferred"?

Q + A

We have reserved room blocks at two hotels near our venue; information is provided below.

LoriBeth & Frank

LoriBeth & Frank

Travel

The Westin Jersey City Newport

Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport