Location: Wilmington, DE, USA
Setting: Winery
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 125
How long did the couple plan the event: A year
Wedding theme/style: Summer soiree, Tuscan-inspired, organic, natural.
Jack and Erin’s love story began in 2016 when Mallory, one of their best friends, played matchmaker. Mallory had a keen instinct that Jack and Erin would be a perfect match, and her intuition proved spot-on again. Encouraged by her confidence, Jack and Erin went on a date in Providence, where their connection was immediate, fueled by their shared experiences of attending school in New England. In 2018, Erin decided to move back to Boston to be closer to Jack, and together, they eagerly embarked on a new chapter, reveling in the vibrant neighborhoods and countless adventures the city had to offer. They reside in the charming coastal town of Winthrop, cherishing their lives together as they create lifelong memories in this quaint and picturesque location near the city.
Erin shares: “Our wedding wishes honestly were simple – we wanted it to be a summer celebration, a simple, organic gathering of friends and family, where people could sing, dance, and eat great food. My family, growing up, were always the hosts of such parties, creating epic snack boards, playing Frank Sinatra on repeat, and enjoying each other’s simple company. I wanted to bring this energy into our reception and that is exactly what happened.”
Erin’s wedding morning was filled with undeniable joy and pure excitement. She was immersed in delightful activities, playing with her beloved dog and engaging in lively conversations with her family and bridesmaids. For Erin, this was the ultimate bliss, as she embraced the best feeling imaginable on her special day.
Erin decided to go for a classic and sophisticated makeup and hairstyle on her wedding day. The skilled makeup artist and hairstylist from True Beauty Marks skillfully applied subtle and natural tones that enhanced Erin’s natural beauty and gave her a flawless skin tone. Her hair was beautifully arranged into a simple bun. Erin’s classic and sophisticated makeup and hairstyle perfectly complemented her bridal beauty, resulting in a harmonious and breathtaking wedding appearance.
Erin faced some challenges throughout her journey with her wedding look: “I went to great lengths to get my hands on my Galvan bridal dress. It’s quite the complex story, but I ordered the wrong size from a department store in London at one point as the UK sizing threw me off a bit. I finally got the last dress in stock I could find online two months before my wedding. My veil also showed up two weeks before. You could say I was a little last minute, but hey, it all works out doesn’t it!”
Erin faced some challenges throughout her journey with her wedding look: “I went to great lengths to get my hands on my Galvan bridal dress. It’s quite the complex story, but I ordered the wrong size from a department store in London at one point as the UK sizing threw me off a bit. I finally got the last dress in stock I could find online two months before my wedding. My veil also showed up two weeks before. You could say I was a little last minute, but hey, it all works out doesn’t it!”
Jack felt overwhelming love from his family and friends as he prepared for his wedding day. He looked dashing in his State and Liberty suit, anticipating the incredible day ahead.
The couple selected St. Joe’s on The Brandywine for their ceremony venue – a stunning church in Wilmington that evokes the charm of a hill-top Italian church.
Erin added: “Before the ceremony, I arrived at the church early with my Mom and Dad as people were walking inside. My mom told me to stay in the car so people wouldn’t see me, but I realized, ‘wait—this is my wedding, and I don’t have to follow the traditional rules!’ Some of my favorite pictures are of me running around before the ceremony outside the church!”
The wedding day radiated with its enchanting allure. Although Erin and Jack chose a traditional Catholic ceremony, an effortless grace enveloped the entire afternoon. The atmosphere exuded an irresistible charm, inviting guests to bask in the joyous celebration.
Dona and Nik from Morina Photography, who expertly captured the essence of this joy-filled wedding, flawlessly depicted the carefree, organic, and natural ambiance inspired by Tuscan beauty. Through their lens, they artfully portrayed the deep love shared between Erin and Jack and between their families and cherished guests. Their photographs beautifully encapsulated the heartfelt connections and special moments of this remarkable wedding.
Finding the perfect venue for their wedding wasn’t easy for the couple. Erin shared: “I toured a few wedding venues, but it always felt so ‘plug and chug’ and sterile. Nothing felt personal or intimate, and I always envisioned something that fostered relationships and uniqueness. Details make my heart sing. Most people questioned why I wouldn’t choose a standard wedding venue. I heard ‘It will make your life a lot easier!’ plenty of times. While I fully agree a venue would have been A LOT easier, my Sagittarius energy couldn’t agree to something boring!”
Erin and Jack chose a picturesque Rizzo & Sons’ winery for their reception, a close family friend who kindly allowed the couple to use their unique and beautiful space. The Rizzo’s are a staple family name in Delaware, known for their masonry work and unique winery space where they bottle their wine to share with family and friends.
Inspired by the magnificent atmosphere of the Rizzo’s winery, Erin was captivated by the allure of Tuscan courtyard weddings. Envisioning a magical outdoor setting adorned with gently glowing lights, she couldn’t wait to incorporate organic and meadow-like flower arrangements and charming decorative accents into the design. Determined to create an atmosphere that was anything but formal, the bride decided to set up food stations instead of the conventional sit-down dinner arrangement, ensuring that the overall tone was relaxed and inviting.
The reception held for the couple was extraordinary and truly unforgettable. The unique thing about this wedding is that the bride herself did most of the planning and decorating. It perfectly embodied their dream vision of a relaxed, sun-soaked celebration with a summery Tuscany ambiance. Describing the reception space proved challenging, as mere words couldn’t capture its magnificence. The brick walls, grand Tuscan gates, and enchanting fountain created a remarkable setting ideal for a delightful summer gathering. Adding to the charm was the family’s wine, a touching and exceptional offering exclusively for their cherished guests.
Erin and Jack were immensely thankful to their wedding photographers Dona and Nik: “Dona & Nik, our incredible photographers, leaned into this energy and helped us capture the pure liveliness of the day! I don’t know another photographer who would allow me to kick fountain water directly into their camera.”
The celebration continued with heartwarming dances shared between the couple and their parents, creating beautiful, cherished moments. The cake-cutting ceremony added an element of fun and excitement, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the day.
The wedding was fantastic, culminating in a memorable moment where Erin jumped into a fountain: “Nonetheless, the most unique part of the wedding was me getting into the fountain and scaling the statue with Jack while all of our friends cheered in support. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another bride do that before.”
Advice from the couple:
• Be yourself on the wedding day—be free, have fun, enjoy this time.
PHOTOGRAPHER Morina Photography | FLORALS Farm and Garden Flowers | MUAH Kiersten with True Beauty Marks | BRIDAL DRESS Galvan London | GROOM’S SUIT State and Liberty | RING Vrai | CATERING John Serock Catering | CAKE The Master’s Baker | DJ Silver Sound DJs
