Nathan & Emily | Wedding at The Grove at St. Vincent in Latrobe, PA

Generally speaking, if your Grandma tries to set you up with someone, you should definitely go out on at least one date with that person. The way I see it: Grandma’s approval is equal to an automatic green light – so I say you should most definitely go for it.

And thankfully, Nathan (finally) did.

But let’s back up a bit: Emily is a massage therapist at the chiropractor’s office that Nathan’s Grandma frequents. It didn’t take Grandma long to take notice of Emily – her bright smile, her sweet personality, her infectious laugh – who could miss it? And suddenly Grandma could only think of one thing: her grandson, Nathan, must meet this beautiful young lady.

Grandma tried dropping hints to Nathan about how good chiropractic care was, how much her chiropractor had helped her, but he wasn’t interested. He was young and healthy and didn’t have time (or a care) to visit the chiropractor.

But then, he threw his back out while working one day. Grandma saw this as a golden opportunity. She convinced Nathan to give her chiropractor a try – and when he walked in the door – guess who he saw

Nathan was instantly drawn to Emily. I mean, let’s be honest, how could he not have been? And just like that: Grandma’s instincts and intuition were 100% right on.

Fast forward to the beginning of this year and Nathan put together a date night for Emily – an extra special one. Off they went, out to dinner at a little Italian restaurant (the same little Italian restaurant they went to on their very first date) and then Nathan suggested they go for a walk.

Emily was slightly suspicious of Nathan’s plans, but while she observed him during their date, she knew that he did not have a ring box on his person. So, she shook off the suspicion and just assumed he had planned a really nice date for the two of them.
Meanwhile, Nathan knew Emily would be curious about this “special night”, so he purposefully removed Emily’s engagement ring from the box, and hid it in a small cloth pouch, inside of his pocket.

As they walked along the trail after dinner, you can imagine Emily’s surprise when Nathan pulled that small cloth pouch out of his pocket and asked her to marry him. Of course, she emphatically said YES.

This past Saturday was the perfect day for a late summer wedding – the sun was shining, it was not-too-warm-but-not-too-cool, punctuated with a light breeze that would breathe fresh air in at just the right moment.
Honestly though, I believe it could have been hurricane-ing outside and I don’t think it could have even come close to dimming the overwhelming happiness and love that was so obvious between Nathan and Emily.
Every couple is happy and in-love on their wedding day, but what Nathan and Emily share is just different. And it is magic. It is holy. And it is absolutely breath-taking.

Nathan and Emily – I was beyond blessed to celebrate with you on Saturday! I loved witnessing your faith, your intense love for one another, and your joy. I know I kept saying on Saturday that you both are “absolutely adorable”, but I honestly cannot think of another way to say how sweet you both are! You obviously compliment and match each other perfectly – and it’s not just your love for one another, it’s the peace you have with one another. I am just so excited for you both as you being this new journey of being married – enjoy every single moment!!

After getting their boutonnieres pinned on, Nathan and his groomsmen stood in the entryway of the church, greeting their guests as they arrived. My favorite reaction though was when Nathan’s Grandma walked in the door – this is the match-maker-Grandma and she was obviously overjoyed for it to be Nathan and Emily’s wedding day!

“Grandparents” were obviously a theme of Saturday’s wedding – Nathan’s Grandma was the one who introduced Nathan to Emily – and Emily’s Grandfather was the one who preformed their wedding ceremony!

It’s not often that anyone gets all dressed up anymore, so I made sure to take nice photos of both Nathan and Emily’s parents! They have such a beautiful family legacy!

This might be my favorite series of bride and groom portraits ever! Emily had the perfect “swishy” dress and Nathan just could not keep his eyes off of her!

We stepped out of the reception to take a few extended family portraits, and the light was so perfect and glowy, I just had to take a few more golden hour portraits of Nathan and Emily!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Nathan & Emily’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony: Friendship Baptist Church in Irwin, PA
Reception: The Grove at St. Vincent in Latrobe, PA
Catering: Nathan’s Aunts
Bridal Gown Shop & Bridesmaids Gowns: AZAZIE
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Zales
Wedding Cake & Cookies: Emily & Her Mom
DJ: DJ Gordon Slagle in Irwin, PA
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA