Check out this real wedding love story that we totally swooned all day over. I mean, seriously, do you see her gown?!
Emily and Todd celebrated their big day with us on a beautiful early July day, and said the I-Do’s right as the golden hour was upon us. We asked them a few questions about their love story- check out our conversation below!
-Where did you two meet? What were you first impressions of each other?
The couple met in 2005 in Milan, Italy, where they were both residing at the time.
Emily: When I first saw Todd, I blurted out, “OMG! He is so cute!”. He was a friend of my roommate and I saw the way he treated his friends and through he was kind and caring. His energy was so calming, I knew he was someone I wanted to be around.
Todd: Besides the fact that she was hypnotically beautiful, I could tell she was brash and a bit of a trouble maker- which made her exciting. I could tell she forwent the traditional cultural and social norms in exchange for a more adventurous life- which was immediately apparent bu not fully understood.
-When and how did he propose?
Emily: Todd and I didn’t get married for a long time. We were young and more concerned with traveling and having fun. So for the next 10 years, that’s just what we did. Cut to Christmas 2014 and we were in Nicaragua on a surfing trip. On Christmas Day, he got two horses and we went riding down the beach to a place called “Magnific Rock” which goes pretty far out into the ocean. As the waves came over the rocks, I turned and he was down on one knee.
(Serious Swoon)
-What made you choose Gramercy Mansion as your wedding venue?
Emily: I’m from Maryland so I was looking for a place that was accessible to my large family but also felt unique and worldly. The house is divided perfectly so each event, from ceremony to cocktails to dinner and dancing, felt like it’s own. Each room was intimate and not competing with the last.
Todd: My family is from Colorado and I think when people first hear Baltimore they think industrial. I was really excited to show them how whimsical Maryland can be. The gardens, the rolling greens-gorgeous.
-Where did you get your inspiration for your wedding decor?
We aren’t the type to overly organize everything so we went for a garden theme. Lots of brightly colored flowers, light and airy feel. But that’s the beauty of Gramercy- it’s so interesting inside you don’t need to decorate much.
The dress: Who designed it and what made you decide on that one?
Emily: Todd and I live in New York City so Kleinfelds was the easiest place to get a dress. I thought I wanted sleek and modern. But then, I saw this huge floral gala gown and I thought to just try it on for fun. When I tried it on, I knew it was mine because the child in me was ecstatic. It was huge!! The floral went with my theme and color is way more fun! It was by Lazaro and when I bought it, he came to see me in it. He sketched me in the dress, so that was a special memento.
What’s your favorite detail from your wedding day?
Todd: Everyone coming together from all over the world- it really meant a lot to us.
Emily: Todd knew I would cry so when I got to the end of the isle he handed me an embroidered handkerchief that said “I’ll always be here to catch your tears T&E” The little thoughtful moments are the best.
Are you planning on honeymooning?
We have not taken a honeymoon yet. We are planning to go to Patagonia, Argentina for a month. And January is the best month because that is their summer. It gives us something to look forward to.
Any tips for newly engaged couples planning their wedding?
Planning a wedding is stressful-elope. 🙂 But if you still want a traditional wedding, plan it all early so you’re not going crazy at the last minute. Also, no one will notice the ribbon colors or table cloths so don’t worry about the small stuff.
Congratulations again, you two! We enjoyed hosting you on your wedding day! We hope it will be remembered as a dream come true and we wish you both a lifetime of happiness and love. Special mention to B.O.B. photography for the gorgeous shots that captured the big day!
Vendor Team:
Venue: Gramercy Mansion
Catering: Chefs Expressions
Photography: B.O.B photography
Florals: Flowers by Judy
Dress: Lazaro
-Emilie joined the Gramercy Mansion family as an event specialist in 2014 and has been helping create and manage flawless weddings and events ever since. She oversees the venue from set-up to breakdown, works with the caterers and event professionals during weddings and parties, warmly greets visitors and B&B guests and happily assists with everything in between. Also an ordained wedding officiant, Emilie is available to perform ceremonies at Gramercy and throughout Maryland. She loves helping wedding couples make their big day all that they envisioned and more and watching big smiles during their first dance.
Tags: B&B, B.O.B. photography, Baltimore, baltimore county, Baltimore gardens, bed and breakfast, ceremony, Chef's Expressions, events, flowers, Garden, gardens, Gramercy, Gramercy Mansion, Gramercy Mansion events, Greenspring Valley, love, love story, Maryland, md, real life love story, romance, romantic, romantic ideas, summer, wedding, wedding reception