We’ve never been one to shy away from the prospect a cheap thrill — we have references — but the cult of rollercoasters escapes us. It’s not that we dislike them; quite the contrary. They’re like husbands. If there’s one nearby that’s not too rickety and not overly expensive to get in the gate, we’ll take it on.
But to travel hundreds of miles and stand in line for hours next to a sign that warns “This is a dark, fast ride. Remain seated at all times and hold on tight?”
Nope.
Although we do think those words should be stamped on the front of marriage licenses, birth certificates and 401k deposits.
But fortunately, the true believers — in life, in love, in the future — are still with us, and they are plighting their troth, saying their vows, and holding on tight.
ENGAGEMENTS
Couple: Bettina Anderson, Donald J.Trump Jr.Date of engagement: Christmas week 2025Place: Camp David, MarylandFirst met: Unknown; probably spring 2024 while he was still engaged to Kimberly GuilfoyleWedding date: Still unknown; speculation is late spring-early summerFactoid: The future bridegroom’s father is president of the United States.
Couple: Madison Brooke Read, Patrick Newton MartinDate of engagement: March 2026Place: At Versailles, while on vacation in ParisFirst met: In Palm Beach, where the future bridegroom relocated after eight years in Washington, D.C.Wedding date: March 2027 at the Royal Poinciana ChapelFactoid: The future bridegroom’s mother, Mirta Maruri Martin, is the president of Ferrum College.
Couple: Eric Viner, Dr. Jordan Scott WiseDate of Engagement: Spring 2025Place: A rooftop in New York CityFirst met: Nashville, 2024Wedding date: September at Italy’s Lake ComoFactoid: Eric Viner’s father Clifford George Viner, formerly owned the Florida Panthers hockey franchise.
WEDDINGS
Couple: Angela Valdone and Samuel B. Bengisu
Date: Nov. 24Place: Beach ClubReception: Beach Club
Factoid: The bride is originally from San Jose de Cucuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia.
Couple: Emily Kelly and Jordan BargasDate: Nov. 22 Place: Henry Morrison Flagler MuseumDress: Badgley Mischka couture with a sculptural silhouette and a matching veil; reception dress by BertaHoneymoon: Thailand, Cambodia, Maldives and London, Factoid: The bride founded ClutchKit, a non-profit for women’s health.
Couple: Corinne Davenport Thomas, Anderson Maclean GrangerDate: Dec. 20 Place: Royal Poinciana ChapelDress: Monique Lhuillier with a bouquet of white peoniesReception: The Beach ClubHoneymoon: Thailand and The MaldivesFactoid: The bride parents, David and Constance Thomas of Palm Beach Gardens, were themselves married at the Royal Poinciana Chapel with a reception at the Beach Club 35 years ago.
Couple: Katherine Ann Johnson, George Harrington Shepherd Date: June 21Place: Watch Hill Chapel, Westerly, Rhode IslandDress: Sareh Nouri couture gown, her mother’s veil and a family tiara Reception: Misquamicut ClubHoneymoon: Bermuda immediately; Argentina and Antarctica laterFactoid: The bride’s family has worshipped at the Watch Hill Chapel for six generations.
Couple: Sydney McAuliffe, Charles Cunningham
Date: July 28Place: Chilmark, Martha’s VineyardReception: The oceanfront home of Doug LimanHoneymoon: Amalfi CoastFactoid: The couple met on a Cape Air flight more than nine years ago.
Couple: Stacey Leuliett and David-William “D.W.” CoffinDate: May 10Place: Colony Hotel’s East GardenReception: The Coral Ballroom Honeymoon: Harbour Island, BahamasFactoid: The bridegroom is a 13th-generation descendant of Tristram Coffin, a member of one of the seven founding families of Nantucket.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Here’s a glimpse at Palm Beach weddings and engagements this season
Reporting by Shannon Donnelly, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
