Billy Boccasini and Melanie Callaghan tied the knot on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Bowlero in Melville. NewsdayTV's Drew Scott reports. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez

Melanie Callaghan and William Boccasini found their fairy tale Disney romance at work.

In 2019, Boccasini and Callaghan were working at a school for children with disabilities in Smithtown — Boccasini as a teaching assistant and Callaghan as an educator of students on the autism spectrum. Boccasini said he was in awe of her passion.

“She’s the most amazing teacher I ever met,” Boccasini, 28, said.

The two bonded over their favorite TV shows and talked constantly. One day, Boccasini stayed late to help Callaghan make table centerpieces for her parents’ anniversary party, which is when she said she knew he was more than “just a coworker.”

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She said she asked him out for the first time in December 2019.

“We were both low-key broke, so we’d hang out at Avalon Nature Preserve and Blydenburgh County Park twice a week and just talk about everything,” Callaghan, 28, said. “Everything I said, he fully listened. And I didn’t have that in the past.”

The two went on low-cost weekend trips to Walt Disney World every chance they could. While there in January 2023, Boccasini said he proposed in a secluded nook next to their favorite ride, Splash Mountain, against the backdrop of the nighttime fireworks show.

“I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Callaghan said.

As a couple that “doesn’t like being the center of attention,” they said a traditional, expensive wedding was never going to be their style. Instead, they chose an unconventional setting for their celebration: the Bowlero bowling alley in Melville.

On March 23, “Married Life” from Disney-Pixar’s “Up” serenaded the pair as they walked to the lanes, where their wedding ceremony was held. And in lieu of a first dance, Callaghan and Boccasini shared a “first bowl” before 61 guests, who were then free to partake themselves on nine open lanes.

The couple take their first bowl.

The couple take their first bowl. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

“We’re really happy with it, and I was so excited to just finally marry her and be able to call her my wife,” Boccasini said. “I’ve been waiting for that for a very long time.”

Callaghan, for her part, said she hoped their nuptials could be an example for other couples planning their big day: “I hope people start having fun with it and do different things because no matter what happens, at the end of the day, you’re still marrying your best friend.”

WEDDING VENUE

The couple wed and held their reception at the Bowlero bowling alley in Melville.

WINE AND DINE

Bowlero catered the reception. Dessert included cookies and other baked goods from Uncle Joey's Rainbow Explosion in Farmingdale, as well as a full cereal bar. Other vendors the couple want to shout out are their florist and decorator, Sarah Mulcahy at Celebrations with Sarah; Oh Snap Photo Booths.; DJ Eric Bischoff of Sound Explosion Event Group in Staten Island; and their photographer, Gabrielle Giovinazzi.

HONEYMOON

The couple is planning a mini-moon to Walt Disney World in late April and ultimately a cruise to Alaska.

LET’S DANCE

After the “first bowl,” the couple got the party started with “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts.

FAVE RAVES

Five things Callaghan loves about Boccasini: He’s a good cat dad, he’s great with kids, his laughs, his hugs and his support.

Five things Boccasini loves about Callaghan: Her smile, her eyes, her jokes, the way she cares for others and the way she “keeps him in check.”

HOME BASE

Merrick

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Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.

Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.

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