Long Island Couple Taking the Big Plunge on Wedding Day

It’s difficult enough trying remember your vows during a normal wedding ceremony -- try doing it while surrounded by sharks.

That’s what April Pignataro and Michael Curry will be doing.

The couple is preparing to take their vows this Sunday while in the Lost City of Atlantis Shark Tank at Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead.

When searching for a setting for their special day, both Pignataro and Curry were drawn to the Long Island Aquarium. Johanna Zucaro, a spokesperson for Atlantis Marine World said the Long Island destination hosts more traditional weddings every weekend. 

The bride’s father, Philip Pignataro said, “While looking at the place they were excited. They wanted to be a little different.”

Robert Lanieri, Director of Food Services at Atlantis, remembers the discussion he had with the couple.

“When April and Michael told us they were looking for something different, I knew immediately they would love our Shark Dive wedding” explained Director of Food Services, Robert Lanieri.

Both Pignataro and Curry are experienced divers and the concept of a shark tank wedding both thrilled and excited them

“We both love the ocean we love the water...and yes, the idea of an underwater wedding, not to mention one surrounded by sharks at an Aquarium, is different and unique, but that is also exactly who we are,” Pignataro told NBCNewYork.

The ceremony will for the most part be a normal wedding until the moment in which they exchange their vows. From that point the couple will change into their wet suits and a full-face mask that allows for the two to communicate.

They will then enter the aquariums shark cage with a dive master and be lowered into 120,000 gallon tank. Once inside they will be surrounded by sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, moray eels and a massive Queensland grouper.

The Pastor, however, has chosen not to take the plunge. He and a few other members of the audience will be on the second floor looking down into the shark tank as the couple exchanges their vows. The rest of the wedding party will be able to observe the ceremony from the aquarium's viewing window as the couples voice is broadcast for them to hear. 

After the ceremony is over the couple will change and prepare to share their unique wedding with their visitors in the facility. And those who can’t physically make the wedding can watch the whole thing on the aquarium's aquacam.

Situated on 3.2 acres along the Peconic River; Atlantis Marine World is first large-scale Aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years. It also houses the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York's only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center.

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