May 13, 2021

A Future So Bright // Emily +Zak

Emily and Zak always wanted a spring wedding, and this ideal early-spring day could not have been more perfect for them! The weather was incredible, unseasonably warm and sunny, and their family and friends were all there to support them and celebrate with them at their wonderful wedding event!

This sweet couple met through mutual friends while they were in high school. Shortly afterwards, Zak asked Emily if she would go with him to his junior prom, and she happily did. After that evening, he asked her to be his girlfriend… and they’ve been together ever since!

Zak’s Christmastime proposal was as exciting and as romantic as their wedding day would later be. The two were living in their first apartment in Philadelphia at the time and loved going to sites around the city, and especially to the Christmas Village. That day, Zak planned for them to go to the steps of the Museum of Art to see the tree and then to visit the Christmas market after. Once they reached the halfway mark up the steps, Zak got down on one knee and asked Emily to marry him! He had arranged for a photographer to secretly document the experience, and the couple loves their photos with the iconic city skyline as the backdrop. They excitedly drove to Emily’s parents’ house to show them the ring, but Zak had, of course, invited both of their immediate families and closest friends to be there, a surprise engagement party for Emily! Truly, the best day ever… that is, until their beautiful wedding day arrived!

The bride and groom both had their final wedding day preparations at their venue, The Grove at Centerton, in Pittsgrove, New Jersey. Newly renovated and looking incredible, this fantastic farmhouse-inspired wedding venue is situated in the woods of Parvin State Park, and celebrates the area’s rich history in farming.

Zak and his groomsmen finished putting on their suits at the venue, then had a blast as they posed for photos outside. They all wore matching blue suits and light colored ties, looking so handsome for this special occasion! And Emily’s bridal party coordinated so beautifully in their pastel blue, light and airy gowns.

Meanwhile, Emily finished preparing for her day with her bridal party in another suite at The Grove. She put on her gorgeous Hayley Paige wedding gown that featured a deep sweetheart neckline and delicate spaghetti straps. And that cascading tiered tulle skirt overlay was incredible. She wore her long hair down in lovely waves and had a long veil fastened in the back for the ceremony. And her full and luscious bouquet truly popped in shades of bright fuchsia, coral, light pink, ivory and blue.

Emily and Zak’s ceremony was held outdoors on the terrace at The Grove at Centerton. We absolutely loved how Zak was overcome with emotion, then couldn’t stop smiling at the sight of his bride walking down the aisle to meet him. This is always one of our most anticipated and favorite parts of the wedding day. Pastor Pamela Werner officiated their ceremony and led the couple in reciting their very personalized vows under the rustic wood pergola draped in pretty, gauzy white fabric. Before long, they were kissing for the first time as ‘Mr. & Mrs.’!

Fabulous wedding photos were taken by Magi and her second photographer at Magdalena Studios. Emily has known Magi since their college days when she was the photo historian for their sorority, and Emily always knew Magi would be the one to photograph one of the most important days in her life. It was such a pleasure for us too to work with Magdalena Studios once again for this wonderful wedding event. Be sure to watch for Emily and Zak’s wedding to be added to her blog!

Emily and Zak’s reception followed at The Grove at Centerton. Decorated beautifully, the floral design truly led to the feeling of being tucked away in a secret, but glamorous garden. The ambiance was so dreamy, and lots of cascading floral arrangements and flickering candles on both long tables and round tables provided by Pocket Full of Posies certainly helped to continue that air of romance from their ceremony to their reception.

The newlyweds were announced and danced a beautiful first dance together, followed by touching dances with their parents. As the couple of honor sat side by side at their sweetheart table, we heard lovely toasts from Emily’s father and from her maid of honor, her sister, and Zak’s two best men, Emily’s brothers. Then that gorgeous, formal tiered overskirt came off and it was time to party! The Heartbeats performed live that evening and kept everyone dancing and having fun all night long! Emily and Zak clearly have a lot of friends and family who love the dance floor and really know how to have a great time!

Zak and Emily are both very laid back and so genuinely sweet and it was such a pleasure to film their beautiful wedding day. We wish them a lifetime of love, happiness and success!