About Us

Amanda and Renato met the way most people do – at a week-long coaching course at Curry College in Milton, MA. Of course, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight. Sure, they got along like life-long friends and their energy was electric, but it took facing their fears in a 3v3 soccer tennis championship for Renato to realize she just might be ‘the one.’ Granted, this only crossed his mind after a mutual acquaintance kindly pulled him aside to say “Dude, she’s into you, go get her.” Romantic, right? It was in that moment that Renato realized not only was he oblivious, but that he just might be into her, too. It was the evening before the closing of the coaching course, and Renato knew he had to make a move before it was too late. After classes were done for the day, Renato did what any guy with a crush would do, he offered her a ride home and the rest is history…well, not exactly. Amanda lived in Maine and Renato was living in Massachusetts. Through the distance a beautiful friendship grew and their light-hearted bond soon turned into deep admiration and a blossoming relationship!

One of our first dates included a long walk around the Weston Reservoir in MA. Long walks became a staple for us early on, mostly because we wanted to soak up every minute we could during our visits. During the summer of 2020, we spent several weeks in the ADK in the house I grew up in. Amidst the madness of COVID-19, we tried to keep busy out of the house, which usually included hikes, a modge podge of summer landscaping projects, and of course, endless walks together. One spot in particular we enjoyed was the AuSable Chasm – cascading waterfalls, nature trails, and a stone bridge that oversees it all. On New Year’s Day 2021, we were craving Rulfs cinnamon sugar donuts (a must if you are in the ADK), and naively thought that the farm would be open that day. So, we bundled up, got in the car, and were shortly left disappointed when we realized none of our usual go-to spots would be open on New Years Day (small town livin’). After exhausting several locations of interest, Renato suggested that we go for a walk at the chasm, and of course I thought it was a brilliant idea. We started to walk across the bridge overlooking the waterfalls and I recall feeling a deep sense of peace and happiness. Here I was in one of my favorite places in the world with my favorite person, soaking up the beauty of the ADK and feeling extra blessed. Unbeknownst to me, Renato’s heart rate had reached peak levels and I had somehow put my hand in the pocket of his jacket that held the ring box without even noticing…a few minutes later, Renato was down on one knee and rather than responding with an enthusiastic “Yes!” I asked him if he was serious…oops. Don’t worry, eventually I came back to earth to say ‘yes”!

I (Amanda) grew up in the Adirondacks and never truly appreciated the beauty of the national park until I left for Maine after college. Coming home to the ADK after those first few months in Maine – though Vacationland is equally beautiful in its own way – was like waking up on Christmas morning. Throughout the many visits that Renato and I would take to the ADK, we found the mountains had become a source of tranquility. Although both of us had spent several years in Massachusetts, there wasn’t one specific place that held value to us the way that the ADK did. Selfishly, I was ecstatic to get married in the Adirondacks and couldn’t have imagined a more fitting spot than Rustic Pines Barn. Having grown up playing sports against Steph Demarais (Rustic Pines Venue Coordinator), I knew she would bring unmatched passion to our wedding day. Her attention to detail, pursuit of excellence, and charm completely sold us on the rustic, yet elegant venue. We were also excited about having the opportunity to support several local businesses that play important roles in the function of the small towns in Upstate NY. But ultimately, Renato’s selfless nature and love for me is why we are getting married in the ADK. We hope you’ll find a special place for the Adirondacks in your heart when you join us for the big day!