Maria and Greg met online and definitely hit it off right away! Their first date actually lasted eleven hours and involved lots and lots of talking to get to know each other. We're firm believers that when you know, you just know!
Greg's proposal came as a complete surprise to Maria. He works most evenings, so Maria planned a nice evening out with the girls one night. Well, about an hour into the evening, Greg called to tell her that he was coming home soon because he hurt his back at work. He would need help from her with taking off his work boots. So Maria, disheartened, left her friend's house and came home. Inside her house, Greg had prepared rose petals on the floor in the shape of a heart, with tea candles outlining the petals. In the middle stood Greg with a ring box in his hand. Behind him were silver balloons that spelled out, 'MARRY ME?' and he had one of her favorite songs playing ('Holy' by Florida Georgia Line) as he asked Maria to be his wife. A professional photographer was there to capture the moment for them forever as Maria said 'yes'! She then changed because Greg told her they would meet her sister and brother-in-law out for a quiet dinner, but instead Greg had planned a huge engagement party at her sister's house and even flew her best friend in from out of state for the surprise! As Maria noted for us, 'He did great!!'.
More celebratory silver balloons were present on their fabulous spring wedding day, as 'I Do' shaped balloons were tied to the lamp post at Maria's parents' home, the place where she would be getting ready for the big day. La Bella Sposa expertly applied Maria's makeup while she remained in her pretty floral robe and the gorgeous, bright floral bouquets arrived for the large bridal party. Afterwards, Maria took a few quiet moments to read a wonderful card filled with a beautiful, heartfelt message from Greg. In it, Greg tells Maria that he is lucky and so blessed that they found each other and how excited he is for the day's events. Meanwhile, Greg got dressed into his classic black tux with white tie at a nearby home and also took time aside to read a lovely love note from Maria. We were so thrilled to be able to capture these sweets moments for the couple.
Then, with help from her mother and sister, Maria put on her gorgeous wedding gown. Her sleeveless dress featured a head to toe, full lace overlay and had an elegant trumpet silhouette, flaring beautifully just above the knee. She had a long veil fastened to the back of her updo for her ceremony and after accessorizing with jewelry, she was ready for her emotional first look with her father.
Then it was time to head to the church! With a gorgeous white bouquet in hand, Maria arrived at St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson, NJ for their ceremony. Father Dan delivered a very special, personal message for the couple and guests before they recited their traditional vows. After being pronounced 'husband and wife', they sealed it with a kiss and exited the church to a fun bubble salute!
It was such a pleasure to work alongside Artistic Imagery, one of our favorites, as they photographed the day's events and the formal portraits for Maria and Greg's wedding.
Maria and Greg's wedding day also incorporated such beautiful, touching tributes to Maria's brother. They released symbolic floating lanterns during the day and evening and laid a lovely flower bouquet at Lakeview Memorial Park in honor of his memory. The remembrances were so beautiful and so moving. It was so wonderful to have him included in this special day.
Afterwards, we traveled to the grand Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate in Bensalem, PA for their incredible reception! This elegant venue overlooking the Delaware River features soaring ceilings, ornate iconic columns and sparkling chandeliers. Maria and Greg's arrival was announced, then they danced a beautifully tender first dance as husband and wife. Maria's father welcomed everyone to the reception and gave such a touching toast to the couple, officially welcoming Greg into his family. Maria's maid of honor and Greg's best man followed with both heartwarming and lighthearted toasts to the happy couple! And Maria's dance with her father had those same qualities... they started slow and traditional but broke into a fun, choreographed dance routine that had everyone cheering them on! Sean McCaffrey from Center Stage Entertainment kept the party going all evening long and the guests' hands in the air on that dance floor! The evening concluded with a dazzling sparkler salute for the couple as everyone celebrated this joyous occasion and two very special people.
Congratulations and all our best wishes to Maria and Gregory!
Photographer: Artistic Imagery - Fairless Hills, PA
Hair & Makeup Artist: La Bella Sposa - Glen Mills, PA
Entertainment: Center Stage Entertainment - DJ Sean McCaffrey - Lindenwold, NJ
Cake: Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA
Officiant: Rev. Daniel E. Kirk - Cinnaminson, NJ
Church: St. Charles Borromeo - Cinnaminson, NJ
Venue: Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate - Bensalem, PA