Thank you for visiting our wedding website! Here, you'll find all the information you need about our special day. Explore our love story, meet our wedding party, and get all the details for the big day, including a complete itinerary of events, as well as links to the location and our registry.
WEDDING STARTS IN:
DAYS
Anita D. Matey was born in Accra, Ghana; however, she currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she has spent most of her life. Anita started her blogging career in 2016, focusing on expressing confidence through fashion, with the intention of encouraging women, especially plus-size women, to not conform to society's rules of style and to live by their own. Through her blog stories and style, she pushes the envelope in fashion as a size 16/18 Ghanaian-American to motivate women to love the body God has blessed them with while normalizing the ideology that our bodies deserve to look good and feel fabulous at any size.
Written by the groom ♥
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Noah Batsa Ayertey grew up in Ghana, where he attended the prestigious Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School. After completing his university education, Noah began his professional career at ZEN Petroleum, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the industry. Seeking new opportunities and challenges, he relocated to Toronto, Canada, where he is currently building his life. A talented marketing professional with a passion for music and the creative arts, Noah loves to explore different cuisines in his spare time and enjoys hanging out with friends. His diverse interests and dynamic personality make him a vibrant part of his community, both professionally and personally.
Written by the bride ♥
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+One of our favourite photos close to Dumbo in NY +
+One of our favourite photos at Punta Cana, DR +
Our story began in 2020, in one of the most unexpected ways—through Clubhouse, a platform that brought together members of the Krobo tribe from Ghana living around the world. What started as casual conversations among strangers quickly turned into something more meaningful. From the moment we connected, there was an undeniable spark. We discovered shared values, interests, and a deep cultural heritage that laid the foundation for a unique bond.
Between 2020 and 2023, we stayed in touch, checking in on each other occasionally, offering support through life’s ups and downs, and cheering each other on from a distance. Even during those years of casual connection, there was always an unspoken respect and fondness that quietly grew in the background. But in November 2023, everything changed. A simple conversation reignited something within us—something we hadn’t fully realized before.
This time, it felt different. It felt intentional. It felt like God was weaving together a love story bigger than anything we could have imagined. We realized there was something truly special between us, and we decided to take a leap of faith and explore our relationship more deeply.
Our love continued to blossom during a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, where the beautiful surroundings and shared experiences brought us even closer. There, under the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the ocean, our love grew stronger. We realized that we didn’t just want to do life together; we couldn’t imagine doing life without each other.
Our families have celebrated this love with us, and their joy has only added to the beauty of our journey. Together, we’ve built a foundation rooted in faith, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to uplift and support one another.
Now, as we prepare to say “I do,” we are overwhelmed with gratitude—for each other, for God’s timing, and for the incredible love that has transformed our lives. We are thrilled to celebrate this journey with all of you, our closest family and friends, and we can’t wait to share this next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.
Thank you for being a part of our story. Your love and support mean the world to us as we embark on forever.
Way back in 2010 when Danielle was a senior at NYU and could not find an internship anywhere, a savior came in the form of Allie Wassel, who hired her as an unpaid intern for the fall semester. This little choice changed Danielle's life forever. When Allie and Danielle realized just how much they had in common, they set out on their adventure to conquer the world together, running half marathons and enjoying yummy vegan goodies along the way.
Luckily for Danielle, Allie had become good friends with Brad while at Scranton, and immediately saw that they would be a perfect pair. She quickly set about pairing them up with some subtle (and not so subtle) hints and nudges. Allie now lives in Austin, Texas, where she gets to enjoy the outdoors all year long, plays recreational sports, and works as a project manager at PSP.
Dan and Brad have been best friends since second grade when they met during the school’s Halloween parade. Dan is the youngest son of Bernie and Barbara Bacchetta and honorary son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell. Brad and Dan grew up riding bikes, playing hockey, and watching Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Dan graduated from Morris Knolls in 2003 and then attended Monmouth University where he earned a degree in graphic design. After graduating, Dan and Brad moved to Hoboken to enjoy the bachelor life. Dan currently lives on the Upper East Side and works at the New York startup WayUp where he is a web designer. When Brad had to choose a Best Man, Dan was the obvious choice for the job.
Check In – Day One
Holiday Inn check in time for guests arriving on Friday
Welcome Party!
Join us as we take over the lobby/party space at the Residence Inn across the parking lot from the Holiday Inn; light snacks, beer and wine will be provided
Check In – Day Two
Holiday Inn check in time for guests arriving on Saturday
It's Go Time
Shuttle leaves from Holiday Inn to the ceremony site at Waterloo Village
The Part Where Brad and Danielle Get Married!
Our ceremony will take place in an outside shady area at Waterloo Village; dress accordingly (high heels are not recommended); refreshing beverages will be provided
Cocktail Hour
Lawn games, snow cones, live music, signature cocktails, and delicious food in an open-air pavilion steps away from the ceremony site
Let the Party Begin!
Now is the time for dinner, dancing, more lawn games, a fire pit, and warm chocolate chip cookies in and around the Meeting House adjacent to the cocktail hour pavilion – don't worry, it's air conditioned :)
Keep the Party Going!
We'll head back to the Holiday Inn via return shuttle and keep the night going at the Holiday Inn bar
Farewell Brunch
Join us at the Holiday Inn for a goodbye brunch
Holiday Inn Check Out Time
Thank you so much for joining us in celebrating our wedding day!
When booking by phone, please mention the Sheppard-Russell wedding block, or use the BOOK NOW button below to receive the group rate of $109/night! Book by 6/8/2016.
1000 International Dr
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
(973) 448-1100
Directions: Take Route 80 to exit 25. Follow ramp around to right, exiting at first off ramp (Waterloo Village). Follow ramp around to left. Hotel will be on the left side.
BOOK NOW
Spencer's at the Waterfront Address:
1340 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1B1, Canada
Directions from Toronto Pearson International Airport
Exit Toronto Pearson International Airport and follow signs to Highway 427 South toward Toronto. Continue on Highway 427 South and merge onto QEW West toward Hamilton. Stay on the QEW West for approximately 35 km. Take the exit for Brant Street in Burlington and turn left (south) onto Brant Street. Continue south on Brant Street toward Lake Ontario. Turn left onto Lakeshore Road. Spencer’s at the Waterfront will be on the right-hand side near the waterfront. Parking is available on-site.
Ride Share Option (Uber / Lyft / Taxi)
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Enter “Spencer’s at the Waterfront, Burlington” as your destination. Travel time is typically 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tucked in the Bronx, the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses is a stylish wedding venue perfect for your New York wedding!
Originally built in 1901 and renovated in 2012, it offers scenic views of two premier golf courses complete with lush green grounds, majestic forestry, a gurgling creek and hills rolling into the distance, the venue is simply a treat to the tasteful. Coupled with these striking vistas is the clubhouse, an epitome of luxury and sophistication. Boasting a glass pavilion, picturesque outdoor gazebo, and gorgeous reception spaces – your wedding day will want for nothing more. And with the chic interiors and serene outdoor settings, your New York wedding photographer will surely capture some truly striking pictures!
The gazebo in the outdoor garden is a magical setting for reciting your vows, surrounded by vibrant flowers and idyllic greens. You can also opt for your ceremony at the glass pavilion adorned with subtle drapery, tantalizing chandeliers and vaulted ceilings and the lush greens peeping through the glass walls all combine to make the pavilion a stunning ceremony site.
For your reception, the Grand Ballroom is an opulent expression of elegance and tasteful art deco interior. With the sophistication and elegance being reminiscent of the exquisite romantic era – your big day at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses will definitely be one for the books. With the fresh change of backdrops – from serene natural settings to rustic, chic clubhouse – your New York wedding photography will definitely be a considerable notch above the rest!
Written on George Street Photo.
We are thrilled to celebrate our special day with you and would love for you to join us! Please take a moment to fill out the RSVP form below to let us know if you can attend. Your response will help us finalize our plans and ensure we have everything ready for a memorable celebration. Thank you for your love and support—we can't wait to see you there!
Site built by the groom ♥
