In 2021, Paige was moving to Northern Virginia for work and decided to join Bumble to meet new people in the city. She swiped right on Paul, and almost instantly, they were firing on all cylinders. “I asked her out immediately,” says Paul. “I was already falling for her.”
Locking down their first date, Paige suggested a bar close to where she was staying: a sports bar called Exiles. Paul showed up early, discovering that it wasn’t just any sports bar—it was a full-on Bills backers bar.
“Everybody was wearing a Bills jersey,” he says. “I thought, OK, Paige is from Buffalo, and this must be the D.C. chapter for the Bills.”
In truth, Paige (a diehard fan) had no idea. “I walked in and wasn’t expecting it to be full of Bills fans, but…” she laughs. “It was great!”
Immediately, conversation was easy and communal. Paul was an incredible listener, and Paige was genuine. Together, they knew it was the start of something beautiful.
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Six months later, Paul was ready for rings. “I knew she was my person,” he says. “But Paige had a rule that you had to date for a year before you got engaged.” He held on for another four months but couldn’t wait any longer.
Ten months in, Paul invited Paige to join him at a local resort under the ruse of a work trip. Walking to the hotel room, Paige was struck by the number on the door: 716, Buffalo’s area code. Was it a sign of fate? She thinks so.
“My mom calls this a God Nod: a sign that something is meant to be.” Amidst roses and a “Marry Me” sign in bright lights, she said yes.
Day-of details
Looking for a wedding that was classic and timeless, the couple traveled to the Queen City and began their celebration with a church ceremony at Paige’s hometown parish, St. Rose of Lima Church in North Buffalo. It included a performance by classical tenor Jay Dref and the chief cantor, who sang a transcendent version of Andre Bocelli and Celine Dion’s “The Prayer.”
The reception followed at The Saturn Club, one of Buffalo’s oldest social clubs that brims with old-world charm and architecture. Paige and Paul were keen to personalize the venue with sweet touches, including a vintage telephone booth where guests could record personal messages and a “sip and solve” crossword puzzle containing clues about their relationship.
Dressed in a white satin and lace gown, Paige wore a denim jacket post-dinner with the word “Mrs.” on the back. Paul, in a custom grey suit, wore a purple tie (to complement the bridesmaid dresses and floral arrangements) with buffalo motifs as a nod to his bride’s Buffalo roots.
A year later, life is the best it’s ever been. Having recently closed on their first house in Virginia, Paul and Paige are thrilled at the life ahead. They still share in the awe of finding each other.
“It feels like a fairytale,” says Paige. “We’re so lucky.”
The dream team
Reception & catering / The Saturn Club
Bridal accessories / Bridal Chateau
Buffalo print ties / O'Connell's Clothing
Hair & makeup / Blush Makeup and Hair Salon
Cake / Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts
Photography / Vita Bella Photography (Jessica Dolly)
