Let Your Love Shine, Apple Pie Moonshine | Jade + Nick
The Beginning
Fate works in mysterious ways. It just so happened that Jade went over to her neighbor's house when Nick was visiting. Turns out, Jade's neighbor is Nick's cousin. At the time, Jade was living with her parents while Nick had his own home where he enjoyed Lord of the Rings in solitude - this was all about to change! Nick took Jade on their first date to Texas Roadhouse since both of them love BBQ. Over crispy Diet Pepsis, their relationship blossomed. Going on many dates, one of the favorites being going to Hibachi then enjoying a bucket of popcorn and pretzel bites.
At some point, they both fell in love with the other. Jade's moment was when Nick would come over to her parents' house for dinner, every day straight from work. Jade's parents definitely loves how charismatic Nick is, as well as how often he helps with odd side jobs around the house. Nick had his realization moment when they both started remodeling all the rooms in his house. Between the chemistry and teamwork skills, he immediately wanted this to last forever.
And now, they can start forever.
Wedding Day
Getting Ready
Nick
From the moment he was getting ready, Nick was HYPED. Whereas the room was super small for the group of guys, they enjoyed their drinks, fun patterned socks, and preparing Nick to see Jade. Every single day, he looks forward to coming home from a hard day's work and Jade greeting him at the door. Spending quality time together, such as cooking dinner, is always a favorite of his. From the moment they had their first kiss, Nick knew that something he has been missing became right.
As time was counting down, the excitement only builds.
Suit from Chazzmatazz Formal Wear
Flatlays
Nick and company arrive to the venue early, where him and his best man share brews.
Of course, we had to get all the guys looking sharp!
After some fun group photos, it was time to set Nick up for Jade's arrival!
Jade
Jade blew me away as soon as I arrived - she looked absolutely incredible. As she was getting her finishing touches, we were able to get her and Nick's details done (love when I can do both of them). Little Stella was also looking her best in her white flower girl dress! Everyone jumps on the bed (without injury) and we grab some cute shots in their getting ready robes!
Wedding mornings definitely have some time matrix attached to them because time flies so quick. It was already time to get into her wedding dress. With a classic, romantic look, Jade was about to transform into a bride! Her mother buttoned her up, she put her earrings in, and her maid of honor tied her shoes. It was now time to leave the hotel and get to her first look with both Nick and her dad!
Flatlays
First Looks
Groom
They picked Spring Valley Meadows as their venue because they were able to envision all the possibilities. They fell in love immediately and knew it was the perfect place for both first looks and the rest of their wedding day celebrations.
Nick does not often lose his words, but the moment he saw Jade as his now-future wife, he fell silent. Once he regains his voice, he tells her how beautiful she looks. I mean, c'mon. look how good these two clean up.
Dad
First looks with dads always get to me (same with daughter/father dances) since my father wasn't well enough to come to my wedding. Regardless, Jade's dad had the BEST reaction. He was in absolute awe over his little girl getting ready to walk down the aisle. While he does not have to drive her to soccer games every weekend anymore, he will still be able to watch her start the next stage of her life.
Pre-Game
Jade's personality is unmatched - she's fiery and funny and Nick is an absolute compliment to her in every way. She is the absolute life of the party. That being said, both her and Nick chose the most important people in their life to witness and support them on their big day.
The great thing about this venue is that it has the coolest barn that you can decorate any way that suits you. It's also always nice when I see the engagement session we did together as some sort of decoration throughout the wedding space (go, me!).
Jade + Nick took a moment to enjoy each other's company before they walk down the aisle and become Mr. and Mrs. Cerra.
This is when your entire relationship flashes before your eyes.You look back at favorite memories you both have shared. For J+N, it was a road trip to Vermont and how they made a pit stop in Massachusettes. Or Nick drinking Mai Tai's while Jade enjoys Bushwacker's during their cruise to the Carribean. This is just another adventure they are on together and will continue to explore the world as one.
Then, it was time to walk.
Ceremony
Details
Mr. and Mrs.
as the music plays, everyone falls silent. Then Nick sees Jade as she walks towards him and his reaction goes a little bit like this:
This is where all his emotions came from the pit of his heart and out on the surface. Jade's dad proudly walks her down the aisle, shakes Nick's hand and goes to sit.
The ceremony was beautiful and my favorite part was their vows they wrote for each other. Witnessing them pronounce their love for each other made it obvious, they were put together by the universe because they are meant for each other.
Portraits
During cocktail hour and forty five minutes before sunset, I stole the both of them for their portraits.
Let me be honest, these are some of my absolute all time favorite wedding portraits.
Reception
Details
Dances
As everyone came to the reception, it was time for the newly appointed Mr. and Mrs. Cerra to have their first dance. They danced to "Live Forever" by Kane Brown. After, Jade and her dad danced to "Forever Now" by Michael Buble. Nick and his mom danced to "That's What Mamas Do" by Jason Matthews.
Speeches went on and everyone cheered the couple; then it was time to PARTY.
PARTY TIME
This reception was WILD. Everyone was on the dance floor - with and without drinks in hands - and was getting funky. Even baby Stella was running around to the music.
Instead of a traditional cake, they had the most delicious gourmet donuts by Cupcake Magician.
and after a sweet exchange of cupcake, they shared a kiss and danced the rest of the night away.
Future
Every day, Jade looks forward to Nick coming home and getting a big smooch. She loves doing the little things together such as running errands and starting new house projects. Nick dreams of a weekend getaway in a cabin located on a mountain. Jade wants to see Tennessee. Both love to travel and want to explore the world.
As for long term, Jade wants a successful marriage and always encouraging to do better for themselves, whether its getting a new job or some type of thing to help support their family. Nick dreams of a house on a lot of land, "raising some babies and being dedicated to my family".
I believe with my whole chest that these two will accomplish all of the above and then some. It was an absolute joy getting to know the both of them and being able to capture their day. 15/10. totally recommend Mr. + Mrs. Cerra.
Check out another wedding here: Tattoos + Glitter: A Love Story | Emily + Greg
