There’s something about starting a wedding day at home that changes the energy entirely. The morning just settles in a way that feels so grounded when you’re somewhere familiar…
And, Emily and Josh’s River Farm wedding day was garden-perfect from the very first moment.
The day began exactly where it should have: at Emily and Josh’s home, with throwback country playing low in the background as Emily settled into hair and makeup. Her sisters and mom helped her step into her dress, and the whole morning had that easy, unhurried feeling that comes from being somewhere you already love. There was nothing to perform. Just the people she’s closest to and the start of the biggest day of her life, right where she and Josh begin so many ordinary ones.
From there, everyone gathered at their church for a Catholic ceremony officiated by a priest who’s been Josh’s friend since college.
Family members stood up as readers, one of the bride’s sisters acted as cantor and filled the space with music, and Emily and Josh exchanged the kind of giddy, can’t-help-it smiles throughout the homily that say everything without saying a word. By the time they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, the whole room was beaming right alongside them.
Then, the rose garden. I mean…
The rose garden at St. Lawrence was in full bloom and genuinely stunning. Literally like something out of a fairytale book or something. The garden was filled with color and just steps away from where these two said their vows, making it the perfect first stop to exhale and take it all in before heading over to River Farm.
River Farm just feels like it was made for these two. With beautiful river views, an expansive garden, and so much room for mingling, guests settled into the historic property as a harpist playing covers set the tone for cocktail hour. While we were initially forecasting some rain for this window of the day, somehow, any bad weather completely bypassed us in exchange for THE most stunning golden hour. With riverfront views, warm light, drinks in hand, and the kind of laughter that carries, guests soaked in every bit of it in as they caught up, exchanged hugs, and wished the brand new Mr. and Mrs. congratulations.
When everyone moved into the clear tent, the florals made the whole room feel like the garden had followed them inside!
Sweeping banquet-style seating mixed with intimate roundtop tables adorned in bud vases and the most delicious spring florals welcomed guests to their seats. Emily and Josh’s first dance (Choreographed, full of joy, and oh so perfect) opened the reception and left everyone in happy tears before they’d even found their seats. Heartfelt toasts followed, and then something that felt really like them: rather than rushing to the next thing, Emily and Josh spent time actually visiting with their guests. Side by side all night, catching up with family and friends and all of their favorite people. It was one of those small things that made the whole evening feel so warm.
Once the sun went down, the dance floor did not disappoint.
It didn’t slow down for a moment and the energy was exactly what a wedding dance floor should be: genuinely joyful, without inhibitions, and full of people who were so ready to celebrate these two. They cut a strawberry shortcake instead of a traditional wedding cake, which was perfectly them, and danced by each other’s side until the very end.
Emily and Josh are now off in Greece on their honeymoon. As much as I wish I tucked away in their suitcase before they left town, I’m so much more excited for you to get a glimpse into their beautiful garden party wedding at River Farm. Enjoy!
A quick shoutout to the vendor team before we get to the good stuff:
Church: St. Lawrence Catholic Church
Venue: River Farm
Coordination: Happily Hitched
Catering: Classic Catering
Florals: Rocking Bird Flower Co.
Hair & Makeup: Brushed Beauty LLC
Rentals: Sammy’s Rental
DJ: One and Done Events
Harpist: Monika Vasey Rhodes
Officiant: Fr. Dozy Ononuju
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
Still Meadow Farm Wedding Day | Madeline and Tom
