Abigail Katznelson and Christopher Polizois met through a mutual best friend. Like most modern love stories, however, their attraction grew gradually after multiple years of casual nights out with friends and great memories.
“When we moved in to our first one-bedroom together in December of 2019, we had no idea the universe would be sending us the ultimate test in the form of a global pandemic,” Abi shares. “Quarantining together in 650sf of space, both working from home and navigating the uncertainty of the world, we grew closer than ever and more sure that we had each found our person.”
“The energy and warmth from our family and friends was more than anything we could have asked for.”
Chris proposed by building a scavenger hunt around Jersey City, where they live. Each stop along the scavenger hunt took Abi to one of her favorite places in town, where she would retrieve the next clue. Finally, in the middle of Liberty State Park, with “Kiss from a Rose” playing on a portable speaker, Chris was her last clue with an engagement ring in hand. After Abi said “Yes,” a stampede of family and friends – who had been hiding in the bushes nearby – surrounded the newly engaged couple with love and celebrations.
“The wedding planning process was essentially effortless, as we put our full trust in our amazing wedding planner, Joanne Gregoli, and both wanted to be surprised on the day,” says the couple. “There were a lot of aspects of this wedding that were affected by COVID, but a New Year’s Eve wedding at the top of Freedom Tower was magical in itself.
The energy and warmth from our family and friends was more than anything we could have asked for and, even at 2:00 a.m., no one wanted to say goodbye. The wedding decor was elegant, with orchids as the wedding flower and acrylic touches throughout the room. Tall centerpieces were the single thing we insisted on so our guests could see each other across their tables. Everything else was at Joanne’s discretion and she absolutely knocked it out of the park!”
From a surprise love story video made by Abi’s mother, to a duet by the bride and the band, it was a New Year’s Eve to remember and a night the couple says they will cherish forever.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Aspire at One World Observatory, New York, NY; Wedding Planner: Elegant Occasions by Joanne Gregoli, New York, NY; Event Designer: Peonies to Paint Chips, Bridgewater Township, NJ; Photography: 4 Eyes Photography, New York, NY