Emily first met Greg when they were in high school. It's 2008 and they were introduced from a mutual friend. When Greg graduated, he signed Emily's yearbook and left his number in it. Over the summer, they dated a few months but ended up breaking up for a few years due to kids being kids. However, their first official date was to see Despicable Me. Fast forward five years, they reconnected and fell madly in love. After seven years together, they are ready to pronounce their love for each other.
Their favorite memory of each other would be meeting in high school. She thought Greg was the weirdest and most interesting person she knew - with his skateboard clipped to his backpack. They both look back fondly on their earlier, high school days.
For as long as they've known each other the have had a ton of dates. While that's true, their favorite was the day they went to Asbury Park in the off-season. They walked, hand-in-hand, on the beach and explored all the breweries in the area.
My associate helped get Greg ready to see his future wife for the first time. They talked tattoos, music + good food whilebuttoned his shirt and tied his tie. Their wedding day has been a long time coming - throughout everything that happened in their lives, they were brought back together. Greg loves that Emily loves him for who he is, regardless of his self-claimed "downfalls". He loves that she is always ready to adventure with him (no matter what he plans!). A big bonus is that she loves cats, just as much as he does! "She is thew most kind person I know and she shows kindness to people who may not deserve it, but she still gives it".
His bridal party were so excited for him! They got together, took pictures, and hyped him up.
Greg and his men finished early and arrived to the venue. I do want to know it was a bit of a hassle to keep Greg away from Emily before their first look. He was just so excited to see his wife!
As I arrived to the venue (Farmstead Golf + Country Club), I was greeted by the loveliest group of ladies. Emily is one of the kindest people I know (not just using Greg's words!). She always made me feel welcome and appreciated as her photographer, which is a blessing all in its own. As the girls offered assistance and help in any way that I needed, I was able to get some beautiful flatlays done before we took some getting ready photos.
I send an annoying amount of emails to every couple, ensuring they have enough guidance to have a "Stress-Free" day. That being said, about four of those emails are depicting what items are needed for details\flatlays and I am so grateful Emily had them organized and ready to go!
We went outside for some group photos, since inside was a tad dark and "busy" and I tried to remove a wreath that does not come off. After a bit of a struggle, I gave up and we just got all cute and took the group shots, as well as Emily with each bridesmaid. Like, how cute are they??
We went inside since we had some time, and I explained how to wax a butthole to her mom. Everyone got really intrigued and I explained the process for a male Brazilian wax. PSA: If you did not know, I worked as a wax specialist for European Wax Center for eight years - this is my past forever haunting me.
Greg arrived while Emily was getting ready in the suite and he had to force him to leave (not really, but he was so ready to see her).
Emily's mom helped her into her dress and soaked into the moment where she used to help dress her as a child. Her mom was so proud and excited for Emily, and made sure she looked perfect!
We invited Emily's two longest term friends in to see her, and their reactions did not disappoint. They helped spread her dress and gave her a big hug as it was time to reveal the beautiful bride to her crew.
My associate and me set up so we could get both their reactions and it was truly a lovely experience. The girls were now HYPED and told Emily how gorgeous she looked (which she did).
Emily's dad dressed in his finest kilt. We took them to the big tree and made sure neither saw the other. We faced them back to back and had them turn around on the count of three! Her dad had the sweetest reaction:
We had to get Greg to focus on not turning around until the perfect moment, so we chatted and calmed his nerves. Emily pulled up on their golf cart and we got everyone in position.
This moment for couples is always antagonizing - they are so excited to see each other for the first time and I make them hold their breath. Emily fell in love with Greg when he reappeared into her life. She knew of his feelings for her, but offered being a friend first. He always listened to her, took note of things she said, and surprised her with flowers constantly. He would pick her up in his car, blasting music and enjoying long car rides together. What she loves most, is how persistent and genuine he is. Even though she wasn't looking for a relationship, he offered friendship and being there for her, no matter what. Greg knew he loved her once they reconnected and it felt like nothing changed.
And then they turn around and see each other for the first time. BAM! Fireworks.
They embrace, smooch a bit, and check each other out!
To be fair, they clean up HELLA GOOD.
The bridal party arrives and it's time to get some group photos done! They had the best bridal party- ready for any of my crazy prompts!
We share moments before the ceremony, getting portraits done. It's overcast so no golden hour available. To be fair, I was manifesting all week for the rain to hold out until at least after the ceremony and family portraits (which it did).
Their connection is a fire burning brightly. The spark that these two hold is incredible. Throughout the whole session, they were laughing and smooching all the way through!
This is one of my most favorite venues - they have the most gorgeous set up, plus the food is always great and the staff are super accommodating.
As Emily's dad escorts her down the aisle, Greg shed a tear and stares at her. It was a surreal moment for him and he was so excited to make her Mrs. Pellegrini.
The ceremony was beautiful. They exchanged their vows and professed their love in front of all their closest friends and family.
Then they made it official with a kiss!
The first kiss as an officially married couple is a lot similar to your first kiss when you begin dating. Emily was a little drunk (she was nervous so she gained some liquid courage) and went for it! They were both twenty-three, which feels like ions ago. Greg looks back on this moment fondly due to them spending that entire day together! He brought her to his favorite bar and spent the night chatting about all the traveling they both have done. When Emily kissed him, he was shocked that she made the first move that night in his Jeep. And now, they're husband and wife.
Luckily, the rain held out and we were able to accomplish all family photos right after the ceremony. Both their families, cheer and congratulate the newlyweds.
Farmstead Golf + Country Club always do an amazing job decorating and setting up for both the ceremony and the reception.
Emily added a little extra sweetness by having her students write what love is and decorating a table with their words. Like how cute is this?
The entrances had everyone HYPED. The Bridal party came out moving and grooving. The crowd EXPLODED with cheer when the newlywed Mr. + Mrs. Pellegrini walked out.
As Emily + Greg's first dance was initiated, it seems as if they were the only ones in the entire room. Their song is Ho Hey by Burns and Biz Coletti. Greg looks at Emily as if she puts the starts in the sky. And to him, she does.
Emily dances with her dad and Greg dances with his mom, both parents elated for this moment, laughing all the way through.
Father/Daughter Dance: My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
Mother/Son Dance: My Wish by Rascal Flats
The dance party begins and everyone gets wild! Emily's grandma dances THE ENTIRE NIGHT. And boy, does she got the MOVES. At some point, funky light up bunny and cat ears come out and everyone belts to their favorite songs. The energy is HIGH and everyone (including me) has a great time!
As the night dwindles to an end, it's time for cutting the cake! The cake, equally beautiful as is delicious, made by Cafe Pierot, as well as all the other delectable desserts.
As people continued to get wild + crazy, I said my goodbyes and headed home. It was an amazing day, from start to finish.
It is obvious that Emily + Greg are going to last forever. They have a lot of future plans, such as going to Scotland - a dream they both share. There is also a ton of home projects they envision - such as building a second story and making their home "more us". Being both adventurous, they're excited to travel more and explore places they haven't yet been. All throughout this, staying happy and in love in on the forefront. They look forward each day to seeing each other, watching TV and eating dinner. Greg works long hours, but as soon as he gets home, the long day apart is worth it.
One of my absolute favorite couples 15/10 Totally recommend.
Venue: Farmstead Golf + Country Club
Hair: Nikki + Josh from 2W Hair Bar
Makeup: Stephanie from 2W Hair Bar
Florist: The Potted Geranium
Invitations/Stationary: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet
DJ: Mobile Sight + Sound DJ
Dress Shop: Say I Do Bridal
Brand of Wedding Dress: Stella York
Bride's Jewelry: Copper Lane Gift Co
Bride's Shoes: Kailee P
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Groom + Groomsmen Suits: Tuxedo by Sarno Denville
Desserts: Cafe Pierot
