photographs by Stacey Ilyse Photography
While registering for classes during their freshman orientation at the University of Colorado, Allyson Howard Valentine and Michael Louis Tarson quickly discovered that they were both “East Coasters.” As the year progressed, Allyson and Michael became good friends and eventually began dating. After receiving the blessing of Allyson’s father, Michael proposed and Allyson accepted.
Monsignor Lawrence Carroll officiated at the ceremony at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. A reception followed at the Brooklawn Country Club, where guests were treated to an after-dinner candy buffet that featured the couple’s favorite childhood candies, including pop rocks, wax lips and candy buttons. After the reception the couple donned sunglasses and sped away in a red 1984 Mercedes convertible as guests waved farewell.
The daughter of Susan and James Valentine of Fairfield, Allyson is a graduate of Lauralton Hall in Milford. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder and currently works as an experiential marketing specialist at Jack Morton in Danbury.
Michael is the son of Wendy and Ron Tarson of Long Grove, Illinois. He is a graduate of Acton-Boxboro Regional High School in Massachusetts and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is an associate producer for CNN in New York.
The bride and groom honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii, and currently reside in Stamford.