Gianna and Zack met at the very beginning of their freshman year at West Chester University. During the first couple weeks of school, one of Zack's friends was placed into the same dorm room as Gianna, and she was introduced to Zack through her during their orientation weekend. After that, their relationship continued to grow as they got to know... and then fall in love with each other.
Zack's proposal to Gianna was so touching! At the last minute one day in late September, the two decided to drive to Ocean City, NJ instead of their planned apple picking date. As they got closer to town, Zack asked Gianna if she wanted to drive past her grandparents' former shore home. Afterwards, as that sentimental feeling was still in the air, they parked and walked to the ocean's edge. Zack told Gianna to walk over and put her hand in the water and when she walked back to him, he grabbed her hand and told her, through tears, how much he loved her. Then, he got down on one knee and asked Gianna to be his wife. She of course, said 'yes'! Now let's fast forward to their beautiful wedding...
Yes, it did rain on this wedding day, but the rain certainly didn't put a damper on anything! The one thing we remember most from this fabulous wedding was how genuinely happy and excited this couple was for their wedding day to be here. There was not one thing that was going to take away the smiles on their faces or the excitement in their hearts!
On the big day, Gianna got ready for the wedding at her home while Zack relaxed and readied with his groomsmen at The Westin Mount Laurel. Gianna's beautiful bridal party wore long white gowns and carried such lovely bouquets in ivory, with just a hint of blush, from Addie Rose Floral Events. Zack dressed into his classic black tux with a necktie and looked ever so sharp! And check out those sports-themed argyle socks the guys all wore!
And wow, Gianna was such a stunning bride! She wore a gorgeous Martina Liana gown with a subtle fit and flare silhouette. It had a dramatic sweetheart neckline and was covered in lovely sequin lace. She accessorized with her mother's delicate tennis bracelet and a beautiful, lush bouquet with its handle wrapped in part of Gianna's mother's wedding gown. Such wonderful tributes to her mom and to her parents' wedding day.
The two decided not to have a first look, but instead to save that special moment for the altar at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Marlton, NJ. We loved seeing how overwhelmed with emotion Zack was at the sight of his bride walking down the aisle on the arm of her father. It was such a moving moment and one we know they'll both treasure. Their ceremony was so beautiful, with Reverend Jorge Bedoya leading the couple in reciting their traditional vows. At the end, they were pronounced 'husband and wife' and shared in a kiss and laughter!
Before their cocktail hour began, the couple traveled to Lakeview Memorial Park for another terrific photo shoot with All My Love Photography. It was so wonderful to work with the team at All My Love and the couple had a blast while their photos were taken... despite the rain that continued to fall! They were such troopers, and had so much fun the whole time! Be sure to check out some of the photos from the day on All My Love's facebook page!
Gianna and Zack then continued on to The Merion in Cinnaminson for their reception. We absolutely love filming at The Merion and couldn't have been happier to be there celebrating with such a wonderful couple! And the ballroom looked so glamorous, with tables overflowing with tall floral centerpieces highlighted by flickering tea lights. We were touched again to see the cards at the place settings letting guests know that a donation to the Cathdral Kitchen was made in lieu of favors (in their grandparents’ honor as they were very involved with helping this organization).
The new Mrs. & Mrs. were introduced, then danced their sweet first dance together. After heartfelt toasts from Gianna's father, her matron and maid of honor and from Zack's best man, the newlyweds shared dances with their parents. They cut their beautiful (and so delicious) all-white cake from Isgro Pasticceria and Gianna tossed her bouquet, all in between high-energy dance sets brought to life by Center Stage Entertainment! All their friends and family had so much fun as they celebrated the enduring love and life that Gianna and Zack will share together.
As Gianna remarked later, this wedding was such a dream! It was for Gianna, Zack and their families, but also it was a dream for us. It was so wonderful to work with such a sweet, thoughtful, easy-going and simply happy couple! We wish them love, success and all the happiness in the world!
Photographer: All My Love Photography - Riverside, NJ
Floral Design: Addie Rose Floral Events - Berlin, NJ
Hair Stylist: Moxie Blue - Marlton, NJ
Makeup Artist: Kiss n' Makeup Artistry- Southern NJ
Wedding Dress: Martina Liana
Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Entertainment: Center Stage Entertainment - Lindenwold, NJ
Cake: Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA
Transportation: Albert's Transportation - Mt. Laurel, NJ
Officiant: Reverend Jorge Bedoya - Marlton, NJ
Church: St. Joan of Arc Parish - Marlton, NJ
Venue: The Merion - Cinnaminson, NJ
Accommodations: The Westin Mount Laurel - Mt. Laurel, NJ