Their Wedding: Private Residence, NJ

Emma and Phil’s wildflower backyard wedding was an absolute honor and joy to capture! Every little detail from the whimsical florals to the nature-filled backyard celebration could not have been more perfect!! We adventured a ton throughout the day and ended with a sunset reception that had everyone on their feet!

Emma got ready in her childhood home, where they would later celebrate with friends and family, and Phil got ready at Emma and Phil’s new home, where he enjoyed a morning of fishing and beers with his friends!

Then, we went to the field across from their home for an emotional, tear-filled first look and some glowy portraits. Back home, a family member who loves photography awaited our arrival for the most adorable photos with their chickens! Emma and Phil LOVE their animals, so we had to include those sweet moments with the chickens.

Off to a gorgeous waterfall location with the wedding party we went! The sun was shining and this crew was up for anything from walking up steep mountains to heading down to the waterfall. A quick stop at the historic home in the area for some vintage-inspired portraits finished up our portrait time before the ceremony began!

Back at Emma’s parent’s house, guests started to gather for their ceremony and cocktail hour down the stream that runs through their backyard. The property is truly incredible and was such a magical experience for their guests.

A reception with an ice cream truck?! Yes, please!! These two thought of everything! Everyone enjoyed toasts, family-style dinner, and a wild dance floor as the sun set!!

Their Love Story

I knew their love story was one for the books the moment Emma shared this with me: “I know you probably hear this all the time but we really feel like we are soulmates.”

From the very beginning, they both sensed an unparalleled understanding between one another, unlike anything they’d experienced before. Emma ended up sitting next to Phil in a college class purely out of necessity; she was a little late and all the seats were taken except the one beside him. Initially frustrated at being placed in the front row, Emma found herself enthralled by Phil’s constant humor. It made it challenging for her to concentrate in class.

Their bond deepened over years of friendship and they took their time navigating their relationship. After a period of minimal contact due to Emma moving to California, it just so happened that Phil began traveling there for work. Both single at the time, they reignited their connection with chatting daily and planning visits!

Their impromptu getaways are memories they’ll cherish forever, and living together in DC solidified their certainty of a future together, leading to their engagement after a year of dating. This exciting news truly surprised no one – they all knew it was meant to be!

Their Proposal

These two had always envisioned settling in the countryside, cultivating a small farm. They loved to explore quaint towns in Virginia, sourcing produce from a local farm every month.

While out for lunch downtown in VA, they stumbled on a charming, family-owned jewelry store that had truly stood the test of time. Emma had never tried on rings before, but she wanted something understated yet timeless! The solitaire ring set in rose gold was perfect, and she told Phil she would love something similar in gold!

Emma suspected nothing different about a later trip to Virginia for their anniversary, and she definitely didn’t expect a proposal! The day they left, Phil uncharacteristically woke up at 5 am to rake the yard in January. Emma said she should have realized then!

They shared a bottle of wine when they got settled in their room, and Phil gave Emma a small anniversary gift and instructed her to close her eyes. As she opened them, she found Phil on one knee, holding the ring of her dreams! The intimate moment allowed them to soak in their joy before sharing the news with others. Phil had chosen the exact diamond Emma had admired during the summer and had it reset in gold – what a DREAM!

Emma & Phil,

You already know I absolutely ADORE you two!! Your love shines in every way and your connection is so admirable. I’m beyond honored that I could be the one to capture it all! Your stunning wildflower backyard wedding will forever be a favorite of mine! Wishing you two a lifetime of love, happiness, and lots of farm animals to call your own! <3