It isn’t every weekend that a bride’s mom meets you at the front door with a 32-year-old photo of your sister as a darling little pre-schooler. Such was the case with Emily’s mom, whose son, we figured out about halfway through our first meeting, had gone to pre-school with my little sister in the very early 1980s. What a small world! The whole day felt just like that — like working with old friends. Emily was nervous and excited and anxious before the ceremony. Matt was calm and mellow and quietly funny. I imagine these two are like that a lot together. Their wedding was infused with lovely personal touches, many coming from the piece of land they bought together last year where, as Emily put it, “we’re building a house and building our lives together.” Matt proposed on the property and they gathered wood from the lot to use in their centerpieces and table card holders. Speaking of their table cards, theirs were one of the most fun and clever ideas I’ve seen. Rather than numbering their tables in simple chronological order — 1, 2, 3, etc. — they chose numbers that had some significance for them. So table No. 2 marked the number of helicopter rides that Matt has tricked Emily into taking over the course of their relationship. Table No. 14 marked the inches of height between the petite Emily and her 6-foot-4 groom. Table No. 3,356 marked the maximum number of miles that have separated them since they started dating (when Emily was in Ireland and Matt home in Baltimore). And table No. 861 marked the days since the couple’s first meeting. Each card included a photo. It was a lovely way to share fun facts about their relationship and to entertain their guests, who walked from table to table during the party to read the various cards. As big fans of Tiffany blue — and presumably the store’s jewels as well — they created little Tiffany-like ring boxes to hold custom-created chocolates for favors for their guests. And they had one of the most detailed cakes I’ve ever seen, celebrating New York City, its famous stores and landmarks. Here are some of my favorites from their wonderful day:
Emily got ready in her childhood bedroom.
We were a bit nervous that the forecasted rain might derail plans for an outdoor ceremony — something that the nature-loving bride and groom really, really wanted — but it instead managed to pour about an hour before the ceremony. You can see the rain coming down in these next several photos of the bride, her bridesmaids and parents outside on the porch.
A family prayer before the ceremony.
And then, it was time to get married!
Asked who presented Emily to be married, her father Denny responded, “My mother and I.” (He obviously meant *her* mother and I.) It made for a very funny moment.
These two looked at each other just like this all day long. It was magical.
The next image on the right was shot by my assistant Lucas.
This next image was also shot by Lucas.
We zipped through the family and wedding party photos and some portraits of the newlyweds, confident it would start pouring again at any moment. Thankfully, it did not.
An emotional father-daughter dance.
And lots and lots of fun and merriment. Congratulations, Emily and Matt. It was an absolute joy to work with you both and your families!
Credits:
Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography, LLC
Ceremony, reception & catering: Hillendale Country Club
Officiants: The Rev. Christopher Tang and Cantor Jinny Marsh
Ceremony musicians: The Antares Musicians
Bridal attire: Augusta Jones gown from The Betsy Robinson Bridal Collection
Make-up: Nicole Palermo
Hair: Jackie Messman of Bridal Hair Design
Bridesmaids’ attire: Bill Levkoff dresses from The Betsy Robinson Bridal Collection
Groom’s attire: The Tuxedo House
Florist: Divine Designs and Events
Cake: Yia Yia’s Bakery
Videographer: Reflexion Videography
Transportation: The Limo Lady
Papergoods: DIY
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There are no words to express how lovely this is. You are the best. I was telling everyone I never saw the photographer at all during the wedding, and that is what is supposed to happen. The photos in this blog are wonderful and I can’t wait to see all of the photos thanks so much for your kindness and professionalism. and of course the beautiful photos
Thank you so much, Martha! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you, Denny and Andrew for Emily and Matt’s big day. I’m so glad that you didn’t notice me at all on the wedding day — and that you’re thrilled with the photos. To me, there’s no greater compliment! I hope you got a nice break after all your hard work with the wedding planning!
Best,
Jennifer