“Pretty Little Liars” Actor Brendan Robinson Is Married: 'First Day of the Rest of My Life' (Exclusive)
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The actor tied the knot with fiancé Haley Puglia during an elegant ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30: "We make each other better," Robinson tells PEOPLE
Wedding bells are ringing for Brendan Robinson!
The Pretty Little Liars actor, 33, who played Lucas Gottesman on the series, tied the knot with his fiancé Haley Puglia at The Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30.
"To me, getting married is about making the greatest commitment of your life to the person you love. It’s the first day of the rest of a wonderful life you plan to make together," Robinson tells PEOPLE.
“I feel like we compliment each other very nicely," he adds. "We have the ability to lift each other up and make each other better because of it. I admire Haley’s commitment to family, and her determination to raise a family like the one she grew up with. I’m very excited for us to build that family together."
While searching for the ideal place to say 'I do,' Robinson says that the couple chose their venue because of its close proximity to where his bride grew up.
The actor adds that he also has extended family nearby, which made it "the perfect place where nobody had to travel too far," he says.
Adds Puglia: "It was important to us that our guests were able to stay onsite, " she says of the 120 friends and family members who attended the nuptials. "There’s something extra fun about everyone being in the same spot for the entire weekend. We toured several locations that fit the bill, but were ultimately drawn to the Hotel Monaco because it’s in the heart of D.C., and it's a historical building. If we were going to get married in D.C., we really wanted to go full-out."
Robinson's parents also met and were married in Washington, D.C., "so there is a nostalgia factor as well," the bride says.
Puglia explains that the "vibe" of their "classic elegance" wedding was built around Robinson's Enzo Custom burgundy suit. "The decor, flowers, and bridesmaids were in varying shades of blush," she says. "Our guests will be dressed in formal attire to match the historic elegance of the venue." Minted provided the paper goods for the celebration.
"We've really enjoyed the wedding planning process," she adds. "Our wedding planner, Christi Rich, has been making sure the finer details are all taken care of. The only thing that has been a little challenging is planning from across the country in Los Angeles."
The wedding celebration took place over three days and kicked off on Friday with a small welcome cocktail hour at the hotel, followed by a chef’s table style rehearsal dinner at Blue Duck Tavern in Dupont Circle.
The following day, the couple said "I do" in a romantic ceremony held in the Paris and Athens Ballroom at Hotel Monaco.
Puglia walked down the aisle wearing a Justin Alexander signature beaded ball gown from Charlotte’s Weddings in Portland, Oregon, as a string quartet played the Bridal Chorus. Her hair and makeup was by Claudine, while her bridesmaids were dresses from Jenny Yoo.
"We will be married in the center of the ballroom, and entering towards the audience, instead of down a traditional aisle," the bride explains.
Robinson's Pretty Little Liars' co-star Janel Parrish officiated the ceremony. Parrish is a longtime family friend of Puglia's and introduced her to Robinson while roasting s’mores at Parrish's own wedding reception in 2018.
Four years later, on Aug. 25, 2022, Robinson popped the question to Puglia on the beach in Cape May, NJ, where he got down on one knee and presented her with a custom-designed engagement ring.
Both the bride and groom's mothers also had roles in the ceremony. Puglia's mother recited a traditional reading, while Robinson's mother read a prayer. "We are both close to our mothers and wanted to have them involved," Robinson says.
At the altar, the couple decided to share handwritten vows. "We've been to many friend's weddings over the years and have really enjoyed hearing their personalized vows. It adds a sweet touch," says Robinson.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds joined their family and friends for a reception and after party at the hotel’s restaurant, Dirty Habit.
They served a 3-course, plated meal for their guests, which included butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter cream sauce, beef, veal, salmon, and scallops served with mushroom risotto and sauteed veggies.
As a sweet touch, a trio of chocolate mousse tarts, lemon tarts, and chocolate cake pops were served. Later in the night, the couple cut into their 3-tier vanilla cake with raspberry jam filling and white buttercream frosting.
During the reception, Robinson and Puglia shared their first dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. "We’ve been taking professional dance lessons and are excited to wow our guests with a choreographed performance," Robinson told PEOPLE ahead of the ceremony.
"The wedding is a fairytale," says Puglia. "It’s a celebration of the life we’ve built together and continue to build in the future."
She continues: “I adore Brendan’s devotion. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that he only has eyes for me. I also admire his passion and drive for acting and producing. It is inspiring to see him get up every morning and create.”
The morning after their nuptials, the newlyweds bide farewell to their guests with a brunch held in the Athens Ballroom, before they jetted off to Sandals in Barbados for a 10 day honeymoon.
"I’ve felt like a part of Hailey's family for a long time, but making it official through our love and vows to each other feels so good," says Robinson.
Adds Puglia: “I'm looking forward to being surrounded by the love and support of all our closest friends and family as Brendan and I begin our lives together as husband and wife!"
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
