The first time Max saw Marissa was during an informational session for University of Maryland students planning to study abroad in Spain. According to Max, “Marissa walked in a half hour late to the session and proceeded to ask the presenter some very bossy questions about whether or not she needed to bring a printer with her to Spain.” Jesse, Max’s best friend from college who was also planning to study abroad, leaned over and said, “We’re going to be best friends with that girl!”
They met for the first time a few months later in January 2009 in Madrid. They became close friends throughout the semester, and stayed close friends after returning to UMD. Fast forward a year to Valentine’s Day 2010, where Max surprised Marissa on her doorstep with a dozen pink roses and a love letter.
“Our ceremony was the most important part of the wedding for us; almost every detail has special significance to us,” noted Marissa. The couple chose the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel for their ceremony “because our story really began at UMD.”
Marisss and Max had a beautiful interfaith ceremony which was co-officiated by Father Kurt, a dear family friend of the Polichenes, and Rabbi Block, who hails from Boston and is an adjunct professor at UMD. “We designed the ceremony together, choosing the most special readings and traditions from each faith.”
180 guests were in attendance.
Marissa and Max used a traditional New Years Eve color palette of whites and soft gold.
Marissa is a Technical Program Manager for Toast, a Boston startup. Max is a Senior Audit Associate for KPMG. They currently live in Boston.
The proposal: “Max is the king of grand gestures. He woke me up and told me to pack pack my bags. He had been emailing with my boss, and got me the day off. He surprised me with a trip to Montreal. That night we went out to dinner; he had flowers and champagne waiting at the table, and that is where he proposed. The first thing I said after he proposed was “yes” and the second thing was, ‘you’ve been carrying that ring around all day?!’ Max was very relieved to have the ring out of his pocket and on my finger.”
First dance song – “What Dreams are Made Of” Hilary Duff
Something funny that happened: “There are hilarious pictures of all the groomsmen watching YouTube videos on how to tie a bowtie and taking turns trying to tie the perfect bow, but in the end it was some saint at a tie store in the mall who saved the day.”
Honeymoon– South East Asia
Favorite element of wedding planning- “Are we allowed to say when it was over?”
- Getting ready location – College Park Marriott Hotel
- Ceremony location – University of Maryland Memorial Chapel
- Reception & catering – Ayse Meze Lounge
- Photographer- Pearly Kate Photography**
- Coordinator- Heather Akers
- Flowers/decor- Blossom and Basket Boutique **
- Hair/Makeup – Heather Rea Style Studio
- Music/entertainment – Stuck in Reverse and The Bachelor Boys Band
- Lighting – Tents LLC
- Transportation – On the Town Limousines
- Stationery– Ivy’s Invitations
- Officiants– Father Kurt Klismet, O.SS.T. and Rabbi Kenneth Block
