How We Met

A few Santa costumes, a house party in Arlington and a glass of Johnny Walker was all it took to bring Monica and Anthony together. Here's how it all happened...

Anthony and some of his closest friends planned a post-Christmas party to celebrate another blessed year.  There was loud music, libations and a sea of Santa hats inside Vernon’s apartment.  The holiday spirit was palpable and everyone’s solo cups were full.  With red, green and white cast across the party, it was not difficult for Anthony’s eyes to be diverted to the gorgeous girl wearing blue jeans and a black lace shirt...to the only girl not wearing a Santa costume.   

"Who’s that?” he wondered. “Who did she come with? What’s her story?”

Monica.  A friend of Meghan’s whom Malcolm invited.  Monica.  The girl in the black lace shirt, ready to hit the clubs of DC…while Anthony wore a Santa costume and looked like a creepy extra in the movie Trading Places.  Monica.  The girl drinking the Johnny Walker Green Label.  

“...Wait…who told this girl she could drink the Green Label?!  That’s for the hosts!  Malcolm, you idiot!” he blurted.

These were Anthony’s first words to Monica.  

Her response? She turned to Meghan and immediately said “it’s time to go.” She then looked Anthony up and down, rolled her eyes and mumbled “it’s getting a bit cluttered in here.”

The moment was blown.

But like any self-respecting millennial in the 21st century, Anthony stalked her on Facebook the next day (with the help of Malcolm) and bugged her until she agreed to give him another chance.

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The Proposal Story

By now, the Christmas party Monica and Anthony met at happened 2 years ago. The time had flown by.  Two years of a long distance relationship.  Two years of getting to know each other, meeting family and friends, jumping out of planes, countless trips, building a strong relationship and becoming best friends.

Anthony had known for some time that Monica was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.  After some consulting, some planning and a nerve-wrecking conversation with her parents, Anthony was ready to pop the question.

December 27, 2014.  The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny.  Anthony was driving up to DC from Fredericksburg for a post-Christmas gift exchange. He was running late… I-95 traffic.  Before heading to Monica’s apartment, Anthony met Nicholas at his office rooftop (at 17th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue) to set up and finalize last minute details.  

Monica was still feeling the exhaustion from a long night with her college roommate, Amy. Almost to the point where she was tempted to ask if they could just stay home, watch a movie and eat popcorn. (Boy, would that have been a mistake!) After she gave him his gift, Anthony told her he would have to drive her to her Christmas present.  She tentatively got into the car, warning Anthony that she hated surprises.

After 10 minutes in the car, Anthony requested Monica put on a blindfold. “But I have mascara and eyeliner on...” she said. After 5 more minutes of Anthony’s convincing,  Monica finally agreed and they made their way to the rooftop.

After an emotional video, tons of happy tears, a premature “yes!”, a few sips of champagne and an overwhelming feeling of joy, which was all beautifully captured by Nicholas, they were off to spread the word to their family and friends.

●●●●

The Bridal Party

Kim Nguyen

My favorite memory of Monica and Anthony is when we road tripped to Fredericksburg and spent the night with Anthony's mom dukes and Sam. And Anthony introduced me to them as his blood sister. And nobody thought anything of it. Then we went out for hibachi and sake bombs and we #poweredthrough. We ended the night with a dance party and hung out with Anthony's baby bro Tim, who is the coolest person I've ever met. And I've met Bill Murray. 

Malcolm Jones

My fondest moment of my brother and soon-to-be sister Monica...the hat. One afternoon, Monica found a photo of a 5-year old Anthony wearing a black hat with a large "X" across the front. Based off his excitement while talking about it, it was clear this was once his favorite hat. A few weeks later, Monica came to visit him in NY, with the most thoughtful gift in tow...the hat. It wasn't his birthday, nor their anniversary ... she just wanted him to be happy. Her level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail is unparalleled. Later Anthony texted me, he knew she was the one. Anyone who can make my brother that happy, deserves all the best.

Amy Wadcan

As for some of my fondest memories of the two of you.  I would say they were when I was living in NYC and you two started dating.  Monica would come visit me and we would spend most of our weekends hanging out with you Anthony.  I feel like I really got to know Anthony better at that time and realized how good of a balance your personality was with Monica's.  From bottomless brunches, to piggy back rides in the East Village, to watching Shira's football games, to playing nintendo in my apartment - I love those times with you guys.

Jamel Toms

I think back to when I met Monica for the first time. Tony told me he wanted to introduce me to Monica. I was a little skeptical because I didn't know what to expect. After I met her she was mad cool. We ended up staring out the window on the top floor of the bar people watching and just cracking jokes. It was a lot of fun and I started to realize how cool Monica is.

Channing Cooper

Lets just say I had my reservations about Anthony in the beginning. Nonetheless, in the year and some change that Antica have been together, my little firecracker of a friend -- Monica -- has begun to take on each day with a sense of ease that (trust me) was not there before. I know much of this is owed to the sense of security and happiness that Anthony brings to Monica's life. I'm also very much appreciative that I've found my long lost big headed twin!I am so happy for the two of you!! You deserve nothing greater than the amazing blessings that come with real love. xoxo.

Jamexis Christian

My fondest memory of this wonderful couple took place during Halloween
2014 at a spooky shindig. Monica and Anthony arrived with coordinated
costumes - certainly the most attractive Bride of Chucky and Chucky
I've ever seen. Even when imitating creepy dolls from the 90s, they
were still the cutest couple present. Monica, I don't know how you fit
all that hair under that wig. Anthony, thank you for indulging her!

Shira Brown

I just think back to all of the crazy times in NY and DC. At first Monica would come up to NY to hang with Amy and I and we would all meet up and have the most fun, silly, and sometimes ridiculous times- like the Cuse Sweet 16 game. And as time went on, Anthony became a bigger and bigger part of each trip, and we knew it was getting serious. I had such a great time getting to know Anthony better and seeing how happy he was making Monica, and still is! Those are my favorite, and I can't wait to make more. In the mean time, thanks for always stick figure drawing me in to the pictures while I'm far far away!

Lavar James

I have a number of fond memories of Anthony and Monica. The most special moment that comes to mind was when I truly understood the bond between them was one that could not be broken. The three of us had lunch and of course they were running late; it didn't bother me much because I have never eaten at Cava Grill. Nevertheless, the conversation and lunch was when I truly understood that my brother found someone to love and one that loved him back the same.

Reuben Clarke

So many great moments with Antica but my fondest memory was last summer during our couples camping trip at Rehoboth Beach.  Anyone who has spent time together with this couple will agree that their positive energy is contagious and they simply know how to have a good time.  We have all witnessed the many different traits that make this relationship a great one, from Monica's selfless acts of kindness (e.g. Lil' Yayo) to Anthony's enthusiastic, fun nature.  I'm very happy for both of you and I wish the best of luck and success together!

Vernon Anderson

Anthony and Monica taught me that dating someone seriously (vs. gallivanting on Tinder dates) touches every aspect of one's life, from sharing friends to sharing food. I had never really seen how this works before dining with these two foodies. I get a laugh every time Monica starts an entree selection discussion with Anthony with, "...can you order X so I can order Y and eat some of yours." This guy is winning. She has clearly saved him so much time and mental processing capacity (he doesn't have much) over the years.  #winning #whenabaconlovermarriesanearvegan #antica

Christiana Richardson

My fondest memory of these two is actually the first time I met Monica. I've known Anthony since his transformation years of high school lol - he's always looked out for me like a sister and I've been protective of him. The first time he wanted me to meet Monica, I was skeptical but it took 0.03 seconds for me to fall in love. She ordered bacon and she helped me grade my student's papers...at the brunch table! Her selflessness was a quality I knew Anthony needed in a girlfriend. Monica and I have developed a close friendship and she's one of the most loyal, supportive, and patient friends I have. I love YALL!!!
 

Meghan Winston

Who would have known that the guy in the extremely creepy santa costume would end up being the guy that every girl hopes and prays walks into their best friend's life. I am so happy that Monica will be sharing her life with someone that gives her as much joy and happiness as she does for her friends. Love you!

Nicholas Jordan

While I have many memories of Monica and Anthony's relationship, my fondest came on the morning of December 27.  I met Anthony and a blindfolded Monica outside of my office in Washington, D.C.  The three of us boarded the elevator up to my roof where Anthony proposed; Monica had no idea where she was or what was about to take place, (or that I was there armed with champagne and a camera).  It was one of those perfect moments that come once in a lifetime, filled with laughter, tears, kisses, cheers, and promises of a bright, blessed, and unified future.  I was honored to be there and will certainly never forget it. 

Shane Moore

My fondest memory of Anthony and Monica is joining them on a weekend road trip that started in DC, pit stopped in NYC and ended in Boston. It was a trip full of laughs, good times and Monica took me to the diner where they filmed Seinfeld, so she's been good in my book since then.

The Big Day

1:00 PM, BARAAT + MILNI

In North Indian communities, it is customary for the groom to travel to the wedding venue on a mare (white horse), accompanied by his family members and friends. The groom and horse are covered in finery and surrounded by dancing and singing from the people accompanying him to the procession. When Anthony arrives at the wedding venue, a ceremony known as the milni (meeting or merger) is carried out, in which equivalent relatives from the groom and bride's side greet each other. This symbolized the unification of the two clans.

2:00 PM, HINDU CEREMONY

3:00 PM, LIGHT RECEPTION

coffee, tea and light snacks

4:30 PM, WESTERN CEREMONY

baptist and filipino catholic

5:30 PM, COCKTAIL RECEPTION

6:30 PM, PROGRAM + DINNER

_________

Westin Arlington Gateway
801 N. Glebe Rd
Arlington, VA 22203
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Accommodations

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Westin Arlington Gateway

801 N. Glebe Rd
Arlington, VA 22203
(888) 627-7076

www.westinarlingtongateway.com

mohan-lucas wedding Room Rate: $105 a night

What's Nearby?

The Westin Arlington Gateway is conveniently located just two blocks from the Ballston Metrorail

Stop (Orange/Silver lines) giving guests extremely easy access to Washington, DC.

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