The Garden at The Hops

Wedding Day

Arrival

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Tabitha and Konstantin matched on Hinge in January 2020 with Konstantin shortly reaching out to Tabitha's initiation saying, "I'm pretty sure I liked your profile first...", even though that's not how Hinge works. After some brief back and forth they planned to meet at a local Asian eatery near their offices on February 7, 2020. Their last ever Hinge exchange was Tabitha stating it was very windy out on her way there and Konstantin encouragingly suggesting her to "use the force", knowing full well he has absolutely no knowledge of the Star Wars franchise...Their first date lasted over four hours, to the surprise of both, filled with seemingly endless conversation, earnestness, and laughter with Tabitha, having been on a dry run for the past three years, secretly judging Konstantin for drinking multiple beers when, during their Hinge interactions, Konstantin noted he's "not much of a drinker". By the end of their third date the couple hadn't kissed yet and Tabitha, unsure of where they had stood blurted out, "What are we doing here? Are we just friends?", which Konstantin answered by lunging toward her to seal the deal with their first kiss. They went on a few more dates until March 2020 came and everything had shut down.Having only known each other a short while, the couple decided to take some time apart while they each figured out the new normal. But even a global pandemic couldn't keep them away from each other for long! They reconnected slowly at first with walks in Prospect Park that were six feet apart, sitting on opposite ends of the couch watching movies and, later, dabbled in co-working in each other's apartments. For Easter that year Tabitha wasn't able to go home to celebrate with her family, so Konstantin came over and the pair dyed Easter eggs, with Konstantin politely eating Tabitha's over-vinegared deviled eggs...By the fall, new waves of COVID were coming and Tabitha decided to move back to Connecticut. She would regularly come back to New York to hang out with Konstantin and, as he likes to mention, live rent free in his apartment for one-two weeks at a time...In the Spring of 2021, the couple decided to take advantage of their work from home situation, hop into Konstantin's then Volkswagen GTI Mk6 Driver's Edition, of course, and go on an epic road trip up and down the East Coast! Their plan was to meet and stay with each other's family and friends along the way, many of whom they were meeting for the first time. They spent three months exploring the East Coast's National Parks, beaches and oceans, caverns, forests, and mountains while getting to know the people that have touched both of their lives in one way or another, building a stronger connection with each other as a result...In 2022, Tabitha moved in with Konstantin and his adorable female cat, Mourlyaka (can you pronounce that?) in Brooklyn, New York. Being exclusively a "dog person", she expressed some concern in compatibility. Over the course of time, Tabitha and Konstantin continued to build their lives together and started to make traditions of their own that include surprising each other with a day-full of planned activities for their Birthdays, having "Latte and Laundry Saturdays" (LLS), "CVS Coupon Runs", and "Sunset Walks" together, as well as ordering of customized yearly Xmas ornaments and calendars in which Tabitha can be seen proudly wearing her "Cat Mom" hat...On Friday, October 17, 2025, Tabitha thought she was waking up for a normal day of work, but Konstantin had other plans! With the ruse of needing to repark their car, Konstantin got Tabitha on the road. It wasn't until they were approaching the George Washington Bridge that the Passenger Princess realized something had gone awry to which, without much fuss, Konstantin stated simply that work had been cancelled and the two were going to spend a nice and relaxing fall day together. With Tabitha now fully realizing what was inevitably to happen that day, the couple arrived at the farm they had never been to before. Fragrant apple orchards, pumpkin patches, a small zoo, a bridge that framed the whole farm, and even a corn maze suddenly were places where Tabitha looked for photographers and posed rather than relaxing and enjoying the beautiful and sunny day, as Konstantin's statement had suggested, perplexing even him. As the last resort for potentially giving Konstantin the confidence he didn't know he needed and for getting what she herself desired, Tabitha hinted that splitting up in the corn maze may be fun (in order to find him on one knee). Unfortunately, “No way—I don’t want to get lost.” from Konstantin was the end of that. With a lovely time had at the farm but no proposal in sight, Tabitha dubiously got into the car again.The unfolding of events at the next leg of the journey was not predicted even by Konstantin. Parked in the back of an ordinary house, off a regular road, the couple could see a small chicken coop and a big red barn. Dialing the gentleman with whom he was in touch about this shindig, Konstantin confirmed they should walk on over to the barn and, as they have, a few horses appeared in their field of view. They were going horseback riding! Inside the barn they met Cowboy Bob—an amiable gentleman with many decades behind him and a twinkle of mischief in his eye—who declared Tabitha an experienced rider after learning about the one and only horseback ride she went on at the ripened age of 10 and sent everyone off down a wooded trail, Tabitha leading the way. Just shortly after, Maria - the youngest horse in the stable on top of which the newly established leader was now sitting, felt a "soft hand" and decided quenching her thirst a matter more pressing than just a walk in the woods, which the couple was promised. Galloping down the hill to the nearby stream without control, Tabitha casually wondered if October 17 will be her last day on Earth. Konstantin and Chocolate, the horse he was riding, casually wondered the same, albeit from the top of the hill. Having finally realized simply telling Tabitha to tell Maria to come back wasn't working, Cowboy Bob took matters into his hands, got both back to the trail and led the way from then on, noting in amazement that Maria had discovered a section of the woods he had not been to yet! They trotted a while longer, listening to Bob's stories, looking at notable points along the trail, and having their pictures taken. At one of the stops, Cowboy Bob randomly pointed toward a sunlit hollow and teased of a “big, beautiful goldfish” that lives in the creek, suggesting the two check it out. With a bit of reluctance and surprise, Konstantin and Tabitha made their way down to the little creek. As Tabitha earnestly looked around for a fish, inquired about whether the fish is real, if it's a painting of a fish, or even the knowledge of the fish's existence is trustworthy, Konstantin glanced back up at Cowboy Bob who was smiling back and giving him a big thumbs up. Turning back to Tabitha, Konstantin finally interrupted her search mission with an exclamation of "Well, I guess this is our spot!", got down on one knee and proposed to Tabitha to her now genuine surprise. She said Yes!

Our Story

Photos

Tabitha first encountered Julie as a once-in-a-blue-moon guest at a book club she was in. Both having a love of romance books and Broadway, Tabitha wanted Julie to be more than an acquaintance in her life and invited her out to get matcha. Julie, not liking matcha, but being mid-western -  accepted and, as they say, the rest is history. Julie met Konstantin when Tabitha brought him to their annual picnic in Central Park to listen to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, Julie has accompanied the couple on many an adventure. Fun Fact: Julie and Konstantin share the same birthday!

Julie

“Strawberry man”, as he loves to be called, is none other than the Best Man chosen by the couple. A blend of not-so-subtle genius and a disciplined active duty serviceman, he’s undoubtedly a great choice to add on a flair you all didn’t know you were missing.  Will he be allowed to be there? Will he not be? Stick around and find out! Pavel is Konstantin's cousin and is thrilled to join the fun. Fun Fact: the mustache is about the only way a serviceman can express himself. 

Pavel

Jessica and Tabitha met freshman year of high school in 2003. After just one year of getting to know each other, Jessica transferred to a different school but the girls made it their mission to stay friends--making time to hang out outside of school and even attend each others proms. They made it a point to always visit each other wherever they were, whether it was college or a new state one of them was living in. During Tabitha and Konstantin's "epic road trip", Jessica kindly opened her home to them as a stop along their route and got to see them as a couple. Fun Fact: Jessica definitely visited Tabitha while she was living in Charleston, but to this day, Tabitha remembers nothing about the trip! 

Jessica

Dennis and Konstantin are long-time, tightly bonded high school friends. It is no longer known exactly how they were introduced. But the two have remained parts of each others lives ever since, sharing common appreciation for finer things in life like... mineral water, automobiles, and the importance of universally having personal integrity and accountability. Oh, and they both despise leaving footprints in this digital prison that is being built for you and me. Well, luckily for Dennis, this website is temporary and he does not yet have to deal with wedding planning. Do ensure you say "hello" to him at the event! During the "epic road trip", Dennis was another person the couple made sure to visit. The trio spent their nights living it up in southern sunny coastal towns and their days - getting to know each other. All three continue having periodic hours-long phone conversations where the sarcasm is high and the laughs are abundant.  Fun Fact: Konstantin, Dennis, & Pavel once went for a nature walk in the woods and ended up 17 miles away from the trail because they were having a great time,  lost track of the markers, and because Konstantin insisted on being "device free". The great time was over pretty quickly...

Dennis

Fun Fact: James & Sophia are twins! We suppose they can also be called "little strawberries" given that "The Strawberry Man" is their father. Tabitha and Konstantin have visited their amazing and ever-expanding family numerous times and have watched them grow, along with their older brother Nikolas, from teeny-tiny babies to the adorable toddlers they now are.

James & Sophia

Wedding Party

Q + A

$139 (Standard King) - $189 (One-Bedroom Suites) per night. Last day to book is September 1, 2026 Note: this is the hotel block we reserved in advance. It is offered as an option and there is no obligation to stay at this hotel if you find other arrangements.

Hyatt House Shelton

One round trip shuttle will be provided for guests from and to the Hyatt House in Shelton. Times will be confirmed soon, so please check back closer to our event. Ubers/Lyfts are generally available in the area, but they can be a bit less reliable later in the evening or during peak wedding times. We recommend guests utilize the provided shuttle when possible, especially for return transportation at the end of the night. That said, getting a ride from Milford train station or nearby hotels is typically doable—it just may require a little extra time or planning.

Shuttle 

For international guests traveling by plane, JFK in New York is likely the best airport to fly into. From there you have the option to rent a car and drive to Connecticut or make your way to Grand Central and the Metro North to Connecticut.

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Bradley is an international airport located in Connecticut about an hour drive from the venue/hotel.

Bradley International Airport

For out of town guests travelling within the U.S., the closest airport to the wedding is Tweed in New Haven. From there you have the option to rent a car or take a car service. It's roughly a 30 minute drive to the area.

Tweed New Haven Airport

For New York guests who will not be travelling by car, taking the Metro North from Grand Central is a great option. You will get off at the Milford Train Station. The venue is roughly 15-20 minutes away by car.

Grand Central Terminal

Travel

October is the perfect time to pick pumpkins and enjoy some wine on a local family farm.Konstantin and Tabitha love visiting this farm when they are in town.

Homestead Farm of Jones Family Farms

Enjoy an invigorating hike up to the stone observation tower for panoramic views of the vibrant canopy. State park with hiking trails up a ridge whose uneven profile is thought to evoke a sleeping giant.&nbsp;

Sleeping Giant State Park

A closer option for a nature walk.

Osbornedale State Park

While you're in town, we highly recommend trying New Haven-style pizza. Passionately debated, many believe that it is superior to the New York slice. The three most famous institutions for your taste test include:Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana; 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511 Sally's Apizza; 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511 Modern Apizza; 874 State St, New Haven, CT 06511

New Haven Pizza

Duchess is a fast-casual regional staple that can only be found in southwestern Connecticut. It is so worthy of a visit that in the 2016 film The Do-Over, Adam Sandler famously has a helicopter make a pit-stop at Duchess.

Tabitha & Konstantin

Tabitha & Konstantin

Things to Do

Homestead Farm of Jones Family Farms

Sleeping Giant State Park

Osbornedale State Park

New Haven Pizza

Duchess Restaurant