Our Love Story...
The story of us is a story that very easily might never have happened. How is it that two people
from two opposite sides of the globe happened to cross paths, fall in love, and decide to spend
the
rest of their lives together? Perhaps the unlikeliness of it all is what makes it so special,
and
why we feel so lucky to have found one another.
There’s no love quite like this one, and we
can’t
wait to celebrate it with you.
Melissa MacAlister
Growing up I didn't make grand plans to live in America, explore the big city, or find the love
of my
life. I barely knew what I would wear to school, and put little stock in destiny. I never
considered
the sum of my decisions had forged a path that, after meeting Melissa, was clear I was destined
to
follow.
Melissa is the most loving, dedicated, trustworthy, and generous person I know. Her inner child
brightens my days with funny meme-filled messages, while her courage and intelligence provides me
console and security.
As the first chapter of our life together comes to an end, I look forward to opening many new
chapters, embarking on new adventures, and enjoying the next million billion years as the
confidant,
best friend, and husband of the one I was destined to meet, Melissa.
Luca Critelli
If you had asked me 10 years ago to describe the man I hoped to spend my life with, I probably
wouldn’t have described Luca. I had no idea what the universe had in store for me when I met this
man. He is everything that I never knew I always wanted and needed, and I am so thankful that our
paths led us to one another.
Everyone who meets Luca is immediately drawn to his caring nature, infectious sense of humor, and
generous spirit. He is brilliant and steadfast, with a curiosity about life that never ceases to
amaze me. When life overwhelms me, he is my rock, always there with a hug and a joke - and
sometimes
even a couple of puppies.
For everything that lies ahead of us, I couldn’t imagine a better companion, best friend, and
life
partner. Here’s to the next million billion years!
August: the Beginning
It all began at Melissa’s 23rd birthday party. Having been invited by a mutual friend (Hi, Alison!) as a guest, Luca arrived, showing impeccable manners by presenting her with a gift - a Sephora gift card! That night, one of Luca’s friends really hit it off with one of Mel’s friends, and they were forced to spend some time together by the laws of wingmanship. By the end of the night, they were surprised to learn that they, too, were interested in one another. Luca sent Mel and her friend home in a cab, and he called Mel the same night to make sure she got home OK. They fell asleep on the phone with each other, and went on their first date the very next day.
November: First Trip to Italy
After a few months of dating, Luca wanted Mel to meet his family and see his homeland in northern Italy. They spent Thanksgiving 2010 with the Critelli family, who Mel immediately loved.
July: The Families Meet
In July 2011, the Critelli family traveled to New York and drove north to Maine with Mel and Luca to meet Mel’s family. They had a big cookout at Mel’s mom’s house, which many family members and friends visited, as well as visiting several area attractions like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The Critelli’s enjoyed their time in Maine, and even made friends with some unique neighbors - the cows at a local dairy farm!
December: First Home Together
After cohabitating in Luca’s bachelor pad in Hell’s Kitchen for several months, the pair decided it was time to find a place of their own. After a long search for the perfect pad, they (along with their two pampered pups) moved into their apartment on the Upper West Side, where they still live today.
Summer: Travels Together
Mel and Luca both love to travel, and enjoyed trips to Philadelphia and Maine with their families, their first trip to Disney World in Florida, and their first visit to Maui in Hawaii, to celebrate Mel’s 25th birthday!
January
To celebrate Luca’s 30th birthday, Mel and Luca decided to take a trip they had both dreamed of for a long time - to the Maldives! After a very long flight with a brief but unplanned visit to Dubai, they spent a week in paradise. Mel learned to scuba dive, and Luca honed his sailing skills. On their return trip to the USA, administrative errors in immigration records caused Luca to get stuck in Italy for over four months.
This was one of the most difficult times they had to face as a couple, as neither was sure of how Luca’s visa status would work out. Fortunately, after many hours of phone calls, FaceTime, and iMessages, Luca finally returned to the USA in June, just in time to surprise best man John Homyk at his wedding.
August: He Proposed
One sunny August afternoon, Luca suggested that he and Mel take Jack and Greg for a walk in the park close to their home. She thought it was strange that he seemed to be in such a hurry to leave the house and that her usually t-shirt clad boyfriend wore a shirt with buttons, but went along with it. Shortly after entering the park, Luca got down on one knee and proposed. Surprised and overwhelmed with joy, she said, “OK!” Jack and Greg were delighted that their Mom was “officially” joining the family. Luca had arranged a wonderful champagne picnic and a surprise photographer who captured some priceless images of their special day.
Two short weeks later, they brought Mel’s mom and Stepdad along on a trip to Italy to visit the Critelli family. The trip was a wonderful way to celebrate, and was Mel’s family’s first time visiting Luca’s homeland.
The Wedding
The Wedding Location
Ceremony 4:00 PM
Sebasco Harbor Resort
29 Kenyon Rd
Phippsburg, ME 04562
Reception 5:30 PM
Wedding Gifts
