The Wedding Issue
On Saturday, Lilly got to share her love story with her now-husband. Today, she lets you in on a different one <3
I know you all must be tired of hearing about my wedding at this point, but it was this past weekend, so bear with me just one more time. Before I head out for my honeymoon tonight (!!!) I wanted to share, with you all, a quick love story.
After my uncle-who-is-not-really-my-uncle (if you’re from an immigrant family, you know the vibe) dropped me off at Emerson College seven years ago, I expected to start The College Experience (whatever that meant) immediately. But that wasn’t the case. I quickly realized that everyone else’s doting families were sticking around and prolonging their sendoffs, too scared to say goodbye, even if just for a few months. As I sat on my raised bed, covered in the set of worn black and bright blue hand-me-down twin XL sheets, I wondered how that felt: having the choice to delay the goodbye. More than anything, while watching them cry and hug and linger, I felt alone.
Except then there was Melinda. And soon after, there was Paul.
I don’t just mean there they were physically — although the three of us were essentially fused at the hip for the next three years. (I would make more fun of myself for being the third wheel, but Paul filled that role just as often as I did, to be honest.) I mean that, within a matter of months, they were there always, as my family, in a forever kind of way. And when college ended and it was time to go our separate ways, I too got to learn about the paradoxical joy that comes from prolonging a goodbye. They cleaned our entire apartment while I spent the whole night talking with our upstairs neighbor Mike, my then-giant crush and now-husband, and woke up at five in the morning to help me bring my too-big suitcase down the stairs when it was time for me to go. I told them I was sorry I wasn’t there, though they’d never ask me to, and we all sad-smiled as they waited for my Uber with me. It’s a gift to be able to hang out in the doorway with someone you love, even for five more minutes, when you know you really should be leaving.
On October 14, Melinda and Paul were there to say slow goodbyes with me again, this time at the altar: Melinda, as my maid of honor, and Paul, as mine and Mike’s officiant. But as we all said goodbye to one old kind of life together, I got to be reassured that these two best friends of mine would always be there to linger a little longer with me. Perhaps long enough to make a new plan, set a new date, start something new. This time, with Mike, a new best friend who they welcomed into our little world immediately, in tow.
Weddings are, obviously, very much about two people — and two families — joining together. It’s a day to celebrate a couple, etc., etc., etc. But aside from the whole getting married to the love of my life part, my favorite thing about our wedding day was how many other people we got to join together and how special it felt for me to be responsible for that — the same me who had sat around twiddling my thumbs as everyone else had someone to celebrate their new lives with on day one of Emerson. I never felt less alone as I looked out at all of our guests throughout the night, and hugged them hello and goodbye, and thanked them for being there for us, and gushed about wanting the night to last forever. I don’t know if I could’ve gotten there without Melinda and Paul and Mike in my life, and I couldn’t be happier with my little love story. — LM
Why Not? —The Tie the Knot Edition
How Lilly got hitched: all of her vendors are linked below!
Sasha Pedro Weddings — I knew I wanted Sasha to photograph my wedding as soon as I first saw her work, lifetimes ago, when we worked together at my first magazine out of college. I think the one photo I included speaks for itself: I cannot recommend working with Sasha enough. — LM
Wedding Flowers by Annette — I told Annette I wanted a fun, wildflower look to my bouquets and the rest of my florals and she more than delivered. My jaw literally dropped when I saw the incredible urns she had put together for my ceremony (see the photo above!!). Not to mention, she did not require the ludicrous minimums for wedding flowers that many other florists do. — LM
deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum — In general, I think everyone needs to go to deCordova at least once. It’s so gorgeous as a museum, but especially as a wedding venue (small brag: One of our guests told me that this venue inspired them to want to get married at a museum). This venue choice is my favorite decision I made about the wedding. — LM
Boston Catering & Events — If you know me at all then you know the food was important to me — and BC&E did a lovely job with our fall-inspired menu. We did a coq-au-vin, short rib, and pumpkin ravioli; I wish I could’ve ordered all three. — LM
Sheila Foley, Live Event Painter — Sheila Foley may just be the most talented person in Boston. Perhaps in the world. She painted guest portraits throughout the night, using watercolor and ink, and it warmed my heart to have so many people excitedly coming up to me through the night with portraits in hand, talking about getting them framed. — LM
Copper House Tavern — We had our after party at the Copper House, who graciously offered to stay open late for it — a huge get if you know anything about the Waltham bar scene (lol). Great food and even better people here! — LM
Ceremony Bridal — I got my dress and the headband that I wore at Ceremony Bridal in Newton, during one blissful appointment. I came in with a specific dress in mind, but the gown I ended up wearing was one that one of the lovely ladies that worked there pulled for me. So thankful for them! — LM
Alea Beauty — Kari and Taylor from Alea Beauty did hair and makeup for myself and my bridal party, and I was so impressed with how everything lasted throughout the night, especially through all of our tears. They were also super quick and finished ahead of schedule, and we started at 8:30 AM. This is huge, as I was terrified of the prospect of getting ready at 7 or earlier like many other brides before me have. — LM
Georgia Gown – Truvelle — Guys, I’m sad I can never wear my wedding dress again :( I now understand the inexplicable urge that women have to “save their dress” “in case” “their daughter” “wants to wear it” just because it was so beautiful, and so me, and felt so good on me. — LM
Iris Headband – Jennifer Behr — Many people tried to convince me to wear a veil, and I am thrilled to say — you were all wrong and I was right! A simple headband felt way more natural for me, and actually does feel like something I can reasonably pass down to someone. I also am obsessed with it in general so if I am feeling brave, maybe you’ll see me wearing it again to some formal event sometime… Am I entering my Blair Waldorf era? — LM
Bow Slingback Kitten Heels – Jeffrey Campbell — Wedding shoes are a huge decision. I wanted to get heels that were fun and cute and rewearable, but also comfortable, so I went with a lower heel than what I usually would go for. I am proud to say I didn’t take off these Jeffrey Campbell Kitten Heels, which I got in the sky blue color (something blue!!), until like the last 10 minutes of the night (really, should’ve just left them on at that point, but oh well). Maybe it was the adrenaline rush, but I was jumping around all day and night and had no issue with comfort. — LM
Simple Briolette Necklace – Christina V — I wanted to give all of my bridesmaids a keepsake that they could wear all the time, but that was also formal enough to wear during the wedding. My childhood best friend’s mom works with Christina V, who handmakes beautiful jewelry in New York, so choosing something from her line was a no-brainer (most of the jewelry I regularly wear is her stuff!) The Briolette necklace was perfect because we were able to match the colors to everyone’s dresses, and I have to say, they looked gorgeous on the day of! — LM
P.S. 2 weeks from now, Lilly and her husband will still be in Switzerland and France, sitting in a tree…...so, it’ll just be me here! Look out in your inbox for part two of the Wedding Issue, maid of honor edition. See you then! — MF
If you liked this issue, let’s get hitched! Tell us your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram (@lilly_milman | @melindafakuade), or send this to your friends who are more like your family.
Ahh, this is just so beautiful <3 Congratulations, what a special day!
Wow I’m emotional 🥹 thanks for sharing this love story