The sweetest love I have ever photographed was that of Katie and Vinnie. (And currently as I write this in May 2020, they announced last month that they are expecting a baby!!!) The Ryland Inn was the perfect backdrop for this incredible wedding. I remember that the weather was perfect, and emotions were buzzing. It was really a special wedding for me to photograph as I was friends with both of them from a camp out in PA (the same camp that they met at!). Surrounded by friends, a LOT of family, and their wedding party- these two tied the knot and celebrated the best way possible. Some of my favorite memories of the night was when Vinnie wheeled in a mini grand piano to the reception and performed for his bride, and the choreographed dances by the bridesmaids and groomsmen! What a party it was! Enjoy their beautiful day...

Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A: My inspiration for choosing the venue for my wedding came from not really wanting a barn wedding but also not wanting it in any old ballroom. The Coach House at the Ryland Inn was the absolute perfect happy medium! I wouldn’t say I had a “theme” but wanted it to be elegant and timeless. I chose romantic colors like blush and deep burgundy along with earthy tones for my florals, which included logs from my grandparents house! A cultural tradition in my family was the Norweigian Kransekake, which is an almond based cake made out of tiered rings. Tradition holds that the newlyweds lift the cake from the top ring and however many rings they pick up is how many children they will have...we picked up two!

Q: Let's talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
A: A lot of my DIY decor involved candles, lanterns, and logs from my grandparents house.

Q: What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
A: My florals were a central part of my wedding decor and style as I LOVE flowers. I had a vibrant bouquet with complementing shades of pink, burgundy, and red. They matched my centerpieces, bridesmaids bouquets, and the floral arch in the background of my ceremony space. My florist really caught my vision and did her absolute best to bring it to life.

Q: Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A: My wedding was very entertaining to say the least.

Q: Let's talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look? Describe the looks in detail.
A: I chose mostly everything however my husband did have a say and picked out the style of tux he rented. I knew I definitely wanted him and the groomsmen in tuxedos, a timeless and classic look that I knew would compliment my dress and my bridesmaids dresses. I found my dress in a small bridal shop near my hometown in PA. My goal was to find a classic, elegant dress that was very romantic and timeless. I also wanted to feel 100% confident, comfortable, and beautiful. My bridesmaid dresses were blush, and came in several styles for which my bridesmaids were able to choose from. Each style had a long flowing skirt with a unique lacy top.

Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: Growing up in the same summer camp we knew of each other but since our age difference, we never really became close friends until we both came back as volunteers on staff for that same camp. We formed a friendship almost immediately and kept in touch throughout the year until we came together for camp each year. It took a few years but my (now) husband was very persistent in asking me out. His proposal was everything I never knew I wanted in a proposal. He proposed in the auditorium of the camp where we grew up and volunteered. One of the staff members convinced me to meet her down there while I was home for Thanksgiving to organize our nursing supplies for the upcoming retreats. She led me straight into the auditorium where Vinnie was playing the piano (one of his many talents), serenading me with a song he wrote that included a melody we made up together and would sing to each other almost daily on the phone! I was so blown away I almost didn’t notice the candles, lights, rose petals and photographers snapping away the entire moment. It was absolutely perfect.

Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A: We planned a special surprise for my 92 year old grandparents who celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary the day before our wedding. We planned a “decades dance” and anticipated that my grandparents would be the last couple on the dance floor indicating they were the longest married people in the room but the surprise came when their wedding portrait appeared on the screens at our DJ’s station wishing them a happy 68th wedding anniversary. That dance ended up being the last one they would share together. I will be eternally grateful for everyone who helped make that moment happen and captured it in photos and film.

Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you'd like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Wedding advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff. I realize that is much easier said and done but in all honesty it's true. Focus on the things that people will remember- the food, the fun, the dancing, your words- those are the things that matter.
Marriage advice: Laugh often. Forgive often. Communicate constantly. Know your hidden expectations and stop hiding them. Your spouse cannot possibly know what you are thinking, no matter if you think they “should” or not. They don’t, not unless you tell them. Give each other grace. Always be honest. And be faithful.