Down the aisle

Michelle Tuccillo & Keith Smith

Manhattan. Brooklyn native Michelle used to poke fun at tourists coaxed into a horse and carriage ride around Central Park

At least until one magical night in April 2011.

After grabbing pizza together, Keith, 42, suggested they hitch a ride and Michelle, 38, reluctantly agreed.

“When the horse and carriage began slowing down, he started asking redundant questions,” laughs Michelle, owner of Pink Monkey Events. “The next thing is I turn around and the box is in my face!”

After Michelle said yes, their driver grumpily obliged to take a picture of the newly engaged couple and the bride-to-be had new thoughts on the New York quirk.

“I’m always telling people to plan the perfect engagement,” says the seasoned wedding planner. “Mine was perfect even though it was so cliché.”

Keith, a retired NYPD detective and helicopter pilot, found Michelle on Match. com and was smitten when they first met at Shalel Lounge in December 2010.

“When I saw her for the first time at the bar in person I was convinced that she was the most beautiful girl I ever had seen,” Keith says. Immediately, he knew she was the one. “He told me on our first date that he was going to marry me. And he did,” Michelle says.

Keith and Michelle tied the knot at Tribeca Skyline Studios with 85 close family members and friends.

“It was like a blank canvas for me, so I could do whatever I wanted,” Michelle gushes.

Chandeliers dotted the ceilings and candles lined the tables of their blue-themed wedding, based on a silky pair of Badgley Mischka shoes.

However, the highlight for the couple was an impromptu speech by Kayla, Keith’s 11-year-old daughter.

“It was a kid-sincere honesty that came out of her mouth,” Michelle says. “She went on to say how special she feels when she’s with my family. We were like ‘Wow!’”