Wedding Day

The Church of the Magdalene

Ceremony

VIP Country Club

Welcome Toast

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Viennese Hour

Our Wedding

It all began in 2018, at their friend Mark’s birthday party. Donny and Marina started talking…and then never really stopped. They instantly clicked, discovering they shared the same type humor, values, and way of looking at the world (and love of history).But with both of them fresh out of serious relationships, they decided to keep things simple and just be really good friends.Over the years, life kept bringing them back to each other. They’d go on a date here and there, always laughing, always feeling that spark—but they were convinced they shouldn’t risk their friendship. In 2023, they finally decided to take a chance on what everyone else already saw: they were perfect together.Since that day, they’ve been inseparable. Marina feels unbelievably lucky to spend her life with the person who makes her laugh the hardest—her best friend. And Donny? He always knew this was where their story was headed.

Donny & Marina's Story

Our Story

Photos

The Bride's Tribe

The year after the pandemic Marina went to the bar to finally celebrate her birthday properly. Little did she know she would run into someone else also celebrating their birthday. It did not stop from just having their birthdays in common, but their endless similarities and connections grew.  Marina's other soulmate, after Donny, will always be Ana. Marina can't wait to take on and travel the world with Ana by her side.

Ana McGuinness

From 10th grade when Kayla was the new girl, she was in for a shock when she met Marina, a girl who couldn't stop talking a mile a minute and kept showing off her "wolf" jacket. From that moment they became stuck like glue to each other. They always had the most fun ridiculous sleepovers & photoshoots together and Marina always felt herself part of the Gertsen family. They've watched each other through it all, good and bad, and get to continue to grow up together.

Kayla Gersten Dagostino

Bianca and Marina met freshmen year of college. What started out as a small friendship blossomed into this beautiful thing. They realized over time they had many similarities in their innermost feelings and became a lending ear for each other. They can talk with each other for hours but also sit with each other in comfortable silence. There is no one else's wisdom she enjoys or appreciates more. She calls Bianca her "unofficial therapist". 

Bianca Stone Allin

Marina and Julie have been through it all. From 1st grade to 33 years old, this friendship is over 25 years old. Marina can remember running around on the playground together, to all their middle school awkward stages, to high-school skipping classes together, to college wild party days. Even now when Marina and Julie get together something is bound to happen. The most energetic soul who can always bring a smile to all those around her. Julie is definitely one of a kind. 

Julie Anza

Marina got the pleasure of meeting Ariel in 2019. Ariel had just begun seeing one of Marina's best guy friends, Mark Finkbiner. As Ariel soon became Mark's other half, she became an essential part of the friend group. Marina found herself yearning for another girl in the group and got that with Ariel. Finally someone to talk about gossip, reality tv, nails, etc. when the boys would go off on their tangents. Marina has found a sister among the boys. 

Ariel Bisceglia

Ciara and Marina's moms were best-friends who placed them together from when Ciara was 3, and Marina was 5, to play with one another. From playing with mermaids (and almost killing each other over them) to growing up and having the most funniest inside jokes with each other. Marina always enjoys Ciara's company, and knows no one else she rather be herself around and laugh with all day until their sides hurt. 

Ciara Dawson

Maia is Marina's cousin. Marina's favorite part of family parties is hanging out with her cousin. Marina has had the privilege of watching Maia grow up into the most beautiful young lady. Marina has always joked around that Maia is her mini me, but she has grown up to be so much more, and Marina could not be more grateful to have her by her side on her special day.

Maia Cale

Madalina is Marina's god-daughter. Marina still remembers the day Madalina was born and she was named her god-mother. Madalina means the whole world to Marina and she can not be more proud of the sassy funny self assured confident young woman she is growing up to be. Marina is excited to watch her grow and to continue to be there by her side at all times. 

Madalina 

The Groomsmen

Mark gets the honorable distinction of not just being Donny's best-friend, but also one of Marina's best friends she went to high-school with. Mark has become one of Donnys closest friends over the years. They've known each other since high school, when Tom introduced the two. It's also thanks to Mark that Donny met Marina by inviting him to Tom's house for his birthday party. Mark and Donny have been through so much over the years and always helped each other. Between the countless cars they've fixed together to the hours and hours spent at his grandma's garage building things. Mark and Donny have always been able to call each other at anytime for anything.

Mark Finkbiner 

Tom and Donny have been friends since back when they met in high-school and they've been hanging out and helping each other ever since. Between Donny wrenching on Tom's cars, helping him with electrical, Tom welding Donny's Jeeps back together, or offering plumbing advice.  They've been relying on each other over the years. Tom also is always there to lend a listening ear and can be the life of the party at the same time, especially with his alter ego "Tomas".

Thomas Palacios 

Nick went to highschool with Donny. They have been good friends for years. He has taught their whole friend group a lot about nature and especially Donny with his upstate property. He has the most gentle soul, but also is the most adventurous fun-loving person out there. Hanging out with Nick, there is never a dull moment.

Nick Coon

Dennis or "DJ" as we call him, has become one of Donny's very good friends. Back when they first met at a party when DJ asked who drove a foxbody mustang to the party. Since then they realised they had so much in common (especially with cars )and once together, beware they will definitely be egging each other on to do the most reckless stuff.

Dennis Montaruli

Jaleel is Marina's best-friend since middle school when he "stabbed" Marina in the stomach at Medieval Times. They have been by each other's sides for 20 years and Jaleel has now also become Donny's good friend.  Jaleel was introduced to Donny by Mark, when they lived together. Jaleel is always up for an adventure and having a good time. Jaleel and Donny have gotten into numerous crazy situations and there sure is more to come.

Jaleel Hemans

Nicholas is Donny's little brother. Donny has had the privilege of watching Nicholas grow up. Donny is fiercely protective and proud of his brother and they've grown closer as the time has passed to sharing a passion for gaming to driving ATVs through the woods .They can always have a good time together and there's no one else he would want more by his side on his special day.

Nicholas Basile

Josip or Joe is Marina's younger brother. He may be younger but he is wiser and funnier than most. Donny and Joe share a passion for cars and traveling and have gotten to know each other over the years from Marina bringing Donny around her family. They enjoy spending time together and we could not be more honored to share our special day with him.

Josip Druzic

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’ve saved a block of 25 rooms for our people at the Sonesta White Plains Downtown for the weekend of October 16–18, 2026. Rooms are available at a special rate of $209 per night and must be booked by Wednesday, September 16, 2026, using our wedding room block. If you are booking online please use the link below that says "Website", it is the passkey and will take you directly to our block of rooms. If you are calling the Hotel, please refer to the code above "Druzic/Basile wedding rooms". Check-in begins at 4:00 PM, with check-out at 11:00 AM. Guests will enjoy discounted parking and complimentary Wi-Fi. We will be providing transportation for those that stay here to and from the venue (VIP Country Club). We’d love for you to stay close, relax, and celebrate a magical weekend with us 🤍

Sonesta White Plains Downtown

📍 Ceremony Location &amp; Directions:This charming country church is nestled in the beautiful hamlet of Pocantico Hills, surrounded by rolling fields and scenic countryside. From the Sonesta White Plains Downtown (your hotel):By car: The drive is about 7–10 minutes (~7 miles) and is the most convenient way to reach the church. By taxi/ride share: A short ride is another easy option if you prefer not to drive. If you’re coming from further away:Pocantico Hills is located in Westchester County, NY (about 30 miles north of NYC). We recommend using GPS or your preferred navigation app and entering “525 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591” as your destination to find the best route for your location.

*We will be providing transportation to and from Sonesta Hotel to the VIP Country Club so we can all stay safe &amp; happy , but if you are not staying at the hotel here are the directions below:📍 Reception Location &amp; Directions:This beautiful venue will be where we celebrate after the ceremony — join us for dinner, dancing, and all the fun!From The Church of the Magdalene (Pocantico Hills):By car: The drive is approximately 25–30 minutes depending on traffic.Head south on Bedford Road toward Central Drive.Take Saw Mill River Parkway South toward New York City.Merge onto I-287 East toward New England.Take Exit 3A for US-1 North/Boston Post Road toward Larchmont/New Rochelle. Continue on US-1 North to North Avenue.VIP Country Club will be on your right.From the Sonesta White Plains Downtown (Hotel):By car: About 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.Take I-287 South to Exit 3A for US-1 North/Boston Post Road toward Larchmont/New Rochelle. Continue on US-1 North to North Avenue.The club will be on the right.If you’re coming from further away:VIP Country Club is in New Rochelle, just north of New York City and easily reached by car or ride share. We recommend entering “VIP Country Club, 1087 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804” into your navigation app.

Travel

Things to Do Between the Ceremony & Reception:

There will be a break between our ceremony and cocktail hour, giving everyone time to relax and explore the area before celebrating with us! Here are a few ideas: Return to your hotel and unwind – Freshen up, grab a drink, or relax before the evening festivities. Sonesta White Plains Downtown offers excellent food and drinks options. Stroll through Downtown White Plains – Enjoy shopping, coffee, or a late afternoon drink at one of the many malls, restaurants, bars and cafés. Visit Tarrytown &amp; Sleepy Hollow – Just a short drive away, these charming river towns offer boutique shopping, historic streets, and beautiful views of the Hudson River. Walk along Rockefeller Estate or the Hudson River – Take in the scenery at one of Westchester's most beautiful landmarks. Rockefeller State Park Preserve offer scenic walking trails and gorgeous fall views. Also Pierson Park offers great walking along waterfront areas. Enjoy an early bite or cocktail – There are plenty of great restaurants and bars throughout White Plains and Tarrytown if you'd like to relax before heading to the reception. Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains is full of great options!

Things to Do

Registry

Please Click Below to RSVP/Find Your Invitation:

You may RSVP by mail or online. To RSVP electronically here, please click the link below and follow the instructions to access your invitation: <a href="https://forms.gle/ErJXQGMtMRRPrfsY7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MARINA &amp; DONALD RSVP LINK</a>

Marina & Donald

Marina & Donald

Q + A

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Are children welcome to attend the wedding?

Are guests allowed to bring a plus-one?

Is there a hotel block, and will there be transportation between the hotel and reception?