Love is Not Cancelled

…But some wedding plans are. Jianna and Anthony were impacted in the worst way when they had to cancel their April 18, 2020 wedding, just weeks before the big day. It was heartbreaking, but they rallied, setting their hopes for an early September wedding. However, the slow rate of improvement from the Coronavirus outbreak has most of us wondering what the fall will bring. Not ready to let the outbreak determine their wedding once again, Jianna and Anthony decided to get married in less than a week.

I got a text from Jianna on Tuesday, the 16th saying “I need to just elope at this rate. Is Sunday totally out of the question for you by any chance?”

Not at all!

And that folks, is how Jianna and Anthony pulled their intimate wedding at Ninety Acres together in under one week. Everything had been ready to go since April, so why not?

A Perfect Intimate “Micro” Wedding

“So how did you invite all of your guests?” I asked Jianna as she shared all her wedding details with me.

“I texted them!”

Everyone was on board, and so excited for this day to finally arrive. Actually, I think the surprise of it all made the day even more thrilling because it was like a very well planned elopement. While not a 200+ wedding, Jianna and Anthony’s closest family and friends were all in attendance for their micro wedding.

Jianna was getting ready with her sisters, Mom and closest friends at her Mom’s salon, J. Walker Salon in Bernardsville. They had the perfect getting ready location. Not to mention a built in team of talented family members who did everyone’s hair, makeup and nails! Among Jianna’s details were pearl earrings that belonged to Anthony’s mother, and her classic bouquet of calla lillies matched his mother’s wedding bouquet so many years ago. Along with her picture on the alter next to the bride and groom, these details were such beautiful ways to remember and celebrate Anthony’s mom.

Anthony saw Jianna for the first time as she came down the aisle of St. Vincent Martyr Church, escorted by her Grandfather and Step-Dad, and she was just glowing!

After the two officially said their “I dos” we left for Ninety Acres for some bride and groom (nay, husband and wife!) portraits. Most of which we took over by Natirar’s gates!

The best part of a small wedding? No timeline, no schedule. You can do whatever you want! So, we did! We took pictures, until we were tired of taking pictures! They decided to dance to their first dance, song sung by Jianna’s Uncle, when they felt like it!

Having a flexible schedule was so freeing! It reminded me so much of my 13 person wedding almost 17 years ago. Some of my most fond memories of that day, are the portraits. My family hanging around as we got all the groups together. Walking over to dinner together after finishing up portraits together. It may seem like a strange memory, but it was wonderful. We were all together.

Jianna and Anthony, I know this is not the wedding you had planned. This is not the wedding date Anthony has inscribed on the inside of his wedding band, or the date on the back of your phone. And that is all perfectly okay in a not so perfect year.

Your wedding already makes a great story.

I am so happy for you, and for the love that you share with each other. Thank you for having me (and Kelly!) there from the moment Anthony proposed, to the joyous day of devoting your lives to one another! It was such an honor to be part of it. Thank you also, Kelly Joyce, for jumping on board so last minute as well, and for taking so many beautiful pictures alongside me! And check out their awesome highlight video by Rovayo Studios: https://www.rovayostudios.com/films/anthony-jianna

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Kelly Joyce

Hair/Makeup Salon: J. Walker Salon

Wedding Dress: Berta, L’Fay Chatham

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Group

Groom’s Attire: Ted Baker

Church: St. Vincent Martyr

Venue: Ninety Acres Restaurant

Bouquet: Jardiniere

Reception Florals: Peonies to Paint Chips

Videographer: Rovayo Studios