Emily + Brandon | Married

Weddings

***Beautiful Intimate Wedding at Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens***

Usually most of my blog posts are from the bride’s perspective. Today, I’m sharing one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been a part of…from the groom’s perspective. Emily and Brandon are such a sweet and amazing couple! You can tell from his words and from the tenderhearted emotional look on Brandon’s face when he first sees Emily, that he’s truly a romantic and caring guy.

Here is what Brandon had to say about their wedding day:

Will you describe your wedding day to me?

On the day of our wedding, we both showed up in the morning, Emily arriving an hour before me to get ready with her girls. I can’t speak for Emily, but from what I saw in your photos they spent the time getting their appearances just perfect while my groomsmen and I did the same. The guys and I ate pizza and watched the Eagles before taking our photos. I honestly can’t remember much leading up to the doors opening because the whole thing was a blur. All I remember was when I saw my bride for the first time it was enough to break me and send me to tears. She was and is so beautiful. Everything about our vows were perfect and I will never forget a second of them. From there, the whole thing was once again a blur. We realize now that it really is true what they say about your wedding day going by in a flash. We danced the night away with our closest friends and family. The day was so perfect that the sore feet the day after wasn’t even a bother.

How did COVID affect your plans?

COVID did affect our wedding, as we were forced to cut our guest list down from 140 to 36, even though we thought we may still be nervous about spreading the virus. Everything was fine. Emily and I being able to share our special day with the people who mean the most to us melted all of the nerves away. And our huge bridal party made it better too. We got to spend the entire time singing, dancing, eating and drinking and didn’t have to “mingle” as much. We truly had a dream wedding.

Why did you choose Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens as your venue?

We knew we wanted our wedding to be at Stoltzfus because we fell in love with the venue pretty much as soon as we saw it. We never wanted anything “cookie cutter” or “traditional” and Emily really wanted a barn setting. The natural beauty of the indoor areas, as well as the outdoor, made it an easy choice. When we looked at the lawn during cocktail hour, and saw the way the sun hit the grass, it honestly looked like a little slice of heaven.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?

For our honeymoon, we had planned on going to Santorini, Greece for two weeks, but thanks to COVID, we had to pivot. We spent about a week at a couple’s resort in the Poconos, and followed that up with a long weekend in Ocean City, Maryland. While things may have not gone to plan, these changes will always be a part of our story together, and is something that nobody can take away from us.

Emily and Brandon’s wedding was truly stunning. I love the dreamy light in the Tobacco Barn, and having both the ceremony and the reception there gave us so much gorgeous lighting all day. You’re going to love their photos!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton! It was a pleasure to capture the memories of your special day!!!