Allison &and Aaron

How did you first meet each other? What were your first impressions?

Allison & Aaron: We first met each other at the University of Maryland. We had two classes in a row together in different buildings on campus. After a few weeks, we noticed we were walking in the same direction and started to walk together.

How did your proposal unfold? Was it a surprise?

Allison: Aaron completely surprised me. While studying for his medical school exams, he was also somehow planning the proposal. Aaron surprised me in my apartment in New York, but I thought he was in Baltimore finishing school before his Spring Break. He decorated the apartment with custom “Marry Me, Allison?” balloons and cupcakes. He also scattered rose petals everywhere and hung special pictures of us all over the room. Then Aaron played a special song he wrote for me on his guitar.

Describe any specific family or cultural traditions that were important to you during your wedding planning.

Allison & Aaron: It was important for us to have traditional Jewish elements be part of the wedding. We met with our Rabbi twice before the wedding to understand the meaning of a Jewish marriage and what the symbols like breaking the glass and getting married under a chuppah truly mean. We also used Aaron’s Dad’s tallis during the ceremony, which was important to us.

What did you base your choice of location on?

Allison: I wanted what I thought of as a traditional New York wedding with a venue that had a historical feel. I visited at least 15 venues before choosing Cipriani 25 Broadway. The second I walked through the door I knew it was the place. I loved the iron gates, intricately designed high-domed ceilings and murals on the walls.

On your day, what was your first thought when you woke up in the morning?

Allison: My first thought was that I was not nervous at all. I had heard that most people feel that way right before, but I was completely calm and just excited to see my friends and get ready for the big day.

Aaron: There was so much anticipation, I couldn’t believe it was actually the day.

What was a highlight of your wedding day?

Allison & Aaron: The highlight for both of us was dancing at the reception. Our band was amazing and most of our family and friends didn’t leave the dance floor all night.

Did anything surprise you?

Allison & Aaron: The night went way too fast!

Is there anything you would do differently?

Allison & Aaron: We would have loved to see and talk to more people. The night flew by so quickly and we didn’t realize until the next day that we missed talking to some family and friends.

Which quality do you most admire about one another?

Allison: I admire Aaron’s desire to learn about everything—from medicine to history to food, movies and current events. He soaks everything up.

Aaron: I admire Allison’s confidence and beauty. She is ambitious and knows how to get things done.

What is the most valuable thing that you have learned from each other?

Allison & Aaron: Let’s revisit that question in 20 years!