Swiped Right, Fell In Love
After a serendipitous meeting and years of shared adventures, a couple brings their love story full circle with an elegant summer wedding.
In a world where modern romance often begins with a swipe, Erica and Charlie Fell’s love story feels like fate. Both working in the fast-paced financial industry, they built a relationship grounded in shared values, overlapping circles and a connection that felt natural. Erica, 31, who grew up in Upper Saddle River, and Charlie, 33, from Garden City, N.Y., now call Hoboken home—but their story stretches far beyond one place.
Erica likes to say they met through “friends of friends,” and in many ways that’s true. The two connected on an early version of the dating app Hinge, back when matches were based on mutual Facebook friends. As it turned out, they shared hundreds of connections, making their introduction feel less like a chancy online gamble and more like a long-overdue meeting.
“I always joke that Charlie is lucky,” Erica says with a laugh. At the time, she had never used a dating app, but her friends encouraged her to give it a try. One date over drinks was all it took—easy conversation and natural chemistry made it clear this was more than just another first encounter.
That first date took place at Elsie Rooftop in New York City during one of the hottest days of summer 2018. It was also Erica’s first day moving into the city, adding a sense of excitement to the evening. But it was the couple’s second date that truly set the tone. The pair attended the Northern Trust golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus—where, in an unexpected twist, Charlie met Erica’s entire family.
“I didn’t quite think through the fact that he’d meet everyone on our second date,” Erica says. “But it ended up being perfect.” Charlie quickly bonded with her family and, not long after, Erica met his family in Westhampton. From that point on, it was clear that family would be at the center of their relationship.
Over the years, Erica and Charlie built a life filled with shared passions, especially their love of travel and sports. Whether exploring the south of France, wandering through the medieval village of Èze on the French Riviera, visiting Portugal or navigating the English countryside, their adventures became cherished memories. A particularly meaningful chapter came when Erica worked abroad in London, giving them the opportunity to experience Europe together and deepen their bond.
London would later become the setting for one of the most important moments of their story. On Nov. 11, 2023—a date Erica had always loved for its “11:11, make a wish” sentiment— Charlie proposed. After asking her parents for permission, he chose a private room at The Berkeley Hotel for the occasion. It was “perfect,” Erica recalls.
When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple worked with Christine Figliuolo of Wyckoff ’s CBC Events to bring everything together. Choosing the venues felt natural: Church of the Presentation in Erica’s hometown for the ceremony, and Ridgewood Country Club for the reception. Erica had “grown up” at the club, and what once felt like a distant childhood dream became reality on June 21, 2025.
“She came to me with a vision,” Figliuolo says. “The events I help create and coordinate are never about the material items. It’s always about the people. The people make the events unique and memorable.”
Surrounded by 200 of their closest family members and friends, Erica and Charlie exchanged vows in a celebration that was equal parts elegant and heartfelt. The design embraced classic summer tones—white, green and soft pink—enhanced by candlelight and lush florals that created a warm, romantic atmosphere. Personal details were woven throughout, including a custom monogram and a playful nod to their shared love of golf: a seating chart made of monogrammed golf balls displayed on tees.
Erica’s bridal look was another highlight. She found her gown—an Elie Saab design featuring delicate Alençon lace—during a special shopping trip in New York City with her mother and closest friends. The lace detail honored a meaningful family tradition, making the dress feel even more special. With additional looks for the rehearsal dinner and after-party, each outfit reflected a different facet of her style.
As the evening unfolded, the celebration and music by 45 Riots took center stage. Guests packed the custom dance floor, the energy building with every song and shared moment. It was a night that felt both beautifully orchestrated and completely effortless—a reflection of the couple themselves.
Looking back, what stands out most isn’t just the setting or the details, but the overwhelming sense of love that surrounded them. “My mom and I spent a year and a half talking about ‘Erica’s vision,’” says the bride. “Seeing it all come to life was surreal. The energy in the room was incredible. It truly was the best day of our lives.”
And perhaps that’s what makes their story so special. From a chance connection that felt anything but random to a wedding day filled with meaning, laughter and love, Erica and Charlie’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the best relationships don’t feel new at all—they feel like they’ve been there all along, just waiting to be discovered.
