As seen on hamptonBRIDE.com.
Where It All Began
Long before there was a proposal, a runway ceremony, or a wedding day to plan, there was a diary entry.
In first grade, Mariah wrote about having a crush on a “hansum” boy in her class named Drew — a small, innocent moment captured by a seven-year-old who couldn’t have known how meaningful that name would one day become.
Mariah and Drew were in the same first-grade class and stayed friends throughout their school years. Life eventually took them in different directions, but they reconnected while Mariah was in grad school — and that’s when everything changed. Their friendship grew into something more, turning a childhood connection into the beginning of their relationship. Looking back now, that small handwritten note feels like a quiet premonition — a full-circle moment that makes their story feel even more special.
A Love Story Written in the Sky
Aviation wasn’t just a detail woven into their day — it’s been part of their relationship from the start.
On their very first date, Drew took Mariah up in a small four-seater plane for a sunset flight over the North and South Forks. From that moment on, flying became one of their favorite ways to spend time together — many flights, many adventures, exploring new grass runways, hopping over to Block Island for breakfast, and seeing the world from a completely different point of view.
From that first sunset flight on, the sky became part of their story — a place where some of their best memories began.
Where It All Took Off
Some weddings begin with a venue. Mariah and Drew’s began with a feeling — something personal, memorable, and deeply rooted in who they are.
Their ceremony took place at Talmage Airfield, the only private runway in their hometown of Riverhead and a place that holds real meaning in Drew’s life. A pilot both professionally and for fun, aviation has always been part of his story. When the previous owner could no longer fly and the runway went quiet, Drew stepped in, maintaining the grass strip and bringing the space back to life with care and intention.
So when it came time to choose a place to say “I do,” the answer felt inevitable. A runway. An open sky. A setting that reflected their spirit — adventurous, grounded, and full of heart.
A Ceremony That Felt Surreal
Standing at the airfield on their wedding day felt almost dreamlike. Planes arriving, guests gathering, and a wide blue sky overhead created a moment that felt both exciting and deeply meaningful.
Pulling off a ceremony at a private runway comes with real logistics, especially when coordinating incoming aircraft. But everything came together, and the result was something they were incredibly proud to share — a piece of their everyday world brought to life for the people who mean the most to them.
It wasn’t just beautiful. It felt extraordinary.
A Vineyard Celebration Close to Home
After the ceremony, guests made the short five-minute trip to Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard for cocktail hour and the reception. Keeping the entire day rooted in Riverhead was important to them, and the vineyard offered the perfect setting to continue the celebration.
They loved the idea of beginning the day in one meaningful place and ending it in another. Baiting Hollow delivered exactly what they were hoping for — a relaxed beer-garden-style cocktail hour, a beautiful tented reception, and a team that felt genuinely invested in bringing their vision to life.
The transition felt seamless, warm, and inviting — a natural continuation of the celebration.
An Atmosphere Guests Could Feel
For Mariah, what stood out most wasn’t just the scenery or the wine — it was the energy. There was a strong sense of care behind the scenes, with a team making sure guests felt comfortable, and everything flowed effortlessly.
That combination of professionalism and ease created an atmosphere people could fully settle into and enjoy.
Of course, the vineyard views — and the wine — didn’t hurt either. (615, 633, 577, 574)
Golden Hour, Paused in Time
One of the quietest, most meaningful moments came during golden hour near the vineyard’s new bridal suite.
Mariah and Drew stepped off to the side and watched the celebration from a distance — kids running across the grass, guests mingling and laughing under the tent, and the sunset lighting everything up in the softest, most cinematic way.
They turned to each other and simply said, “This is perfect.”
It was a brief pause in the middle of the celebration — a chance to take it all in together.
A Palette Inspired by Long Island Light
The bridal party color palette brought a soft, joyful warmth to the day — gentle shades of orange, pink, and yellow inspired by the sunrises and sunsets they love along the North Fork.
Those tones felt personal and familiar, capturing the kind of light that makes the East End feel magical. It wasn’t about following a trend; it was about choosing colors that reflected what made them happy.
Mariah gave her bridesmaids guidance without being overly specific, sharing inspiration and a general palette while encouraging everyone to choose a dress that made them feel confident. The only goal was balance — mixing solids and florals, then arranging the lineup so patterns and tones flowed naturally once everything arrived.
In the end, she trusted the process — and it all came together exactly the way it was meant to.
The Overall Mood
Mariah describes the day as a sunset-soaked, open-air aviation romance — warm, light, and effortlessly joyful.
The grass runway and airplanes brought a sense of freedom and adventure. The tan suits and pastel dresses added softness and calm. And the overall atmosphere felt grounded and intimate, yet still open and expansive — like the whole day had movement, lightness, and possibility in it.
It was romantic, but not overly formal.
Elevated, but never stiff.
A celebration that felt like joy, not production.
Personal Details That Made It Truly Theirs
Every detail came back to meaning. The ceremony location wasn’t just unique — it reflected their story. Drew’s best friend officiated, which brought an intimacy and familiarity to the moment that you can’t manufacture.
They also made the intentional decision to keep both the ceremony and reception close to the homes they grew up in and still live near today, so these memories aren’t tucked away in a far-off destination. They’re woven into the places that already mean something to them.
They wrote their own vows and chose to hear them for the first time at the altar. In the middle of all the beautiful chaos, that moment grounded them in what the day was really about. It was genuine, emotional, and became the heart of the ceremony.
If Mariah could relive one part of the day without hesitation, it would be that vow exchange. In that moment, everything else faded, and time seemed to stand still. It felt like the truest reflection of their love — a memory they’ll carry with them forever.
A Night They’ll Always Remember
Another moment that stands out is the packed dance floor — surrounded by their favorite people, energy high from the first song to the last.
They were singing, dancing, and completely swept up in the joy of the room. It felt like a true celebration of love and happiness — one of those rare nights where everyone is fully present, fully connected, and all in.
Advice From the Newlyweds
One thing Mariah recommends for couples planning a wedding out East: book hotel blocks early. Accommodations fill quickly, especially during peak season, and locking that in ahead of time makes everything easier for guests — and far less stressful for you.
She also encourages couples to explore the incredible local vendor community on the East End. Many have deep experience with the area and take real pride in what they do, making the planning process smoother, more personal, and far more enjoyable. (795,308)
From the Venue — Dominique Donofrio, Event Director
Working with Mariah and Drew on their wedding was truly such a pleasure. Having both grown up locally on the North Fork, hosting their celebration at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard felt especially meaningful — it was exactly what they had always envisioned.
Although their ceremony took place off-site, Dominique Donofrio, Event Director, stayed connected with them throughout the day, making sure everything flowed seamlessly from start to finish.
One moment that stayed with Dominique happened when Mariah went into the bridal suite to freshen up. When Dominique checked on her, she found her in tears. Naturally concerned, she asked if she was okay. Mariah smiled and said, “Yes — I’m just so happy. This is the best day of my life. Thank you for everything.”
It was a genuine, heartfelt moment, and a beautiful reminder of why days like this matter so much.
Vendor Team
Photo: @KaitlynFerris_
Venue: @bhfvineyard
Bridal Attire: @northforkbridal
Beauty: @special_effects_salon_spa (Hair: Kim Vallata, Make Up: Tori Schade)
Florals: @riverheadflowershop
Video: @whitetievideo
Music: @makesomenoisedjs_djphil