This David’s Country Inn wedding day was all sorts of fun and the details Monica and Joe chose for their day highlighted their playful spirits! These two are HUGE sports fans, and one of my favorite moments of their day centered around just that! Joe’s father had written a letter to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and thankfully, they wrote Joe and Monica a letter back! His dad held off on his toast until later in the evening where he finally revealed his gift to his son and new daughter-in-law. His dad read the letter to their guests, and it had the entire room laughing and in awe that they wrote to them for their big day! Joe may or may not have slow danced with said framed letter on the dance floor afterwards, hahah!! I also love that Monica and Joe decided to write their own vows, I think that is so special, intimate, and heartfelt! Their smiles lit up the entire room during their ceremony!
These two are so full of joy and didn’t let any stresses of planning a wedding get in the way of their fun, so their sweet bridal party was bound to be the same! Their bridesmaids and groomsmen were there to help them celebrate every aspect of the day, and their energy kept going throughout the entire night! Monica and Joe chose to stop at Stephen’s State Park for their first look and bridal party photos, which was absolutely gorgeous with the fall leaves and river running. We had so much time for portraits all around the park, and everything was just SO good! I can never complain about extra portrait time, especially when your couple is up for anything!
Monica and Joe met through an online dating site. She messaged him after she saw that he listed in his profile that he was a huge sports fan. He responded, and they talked on the phone and then met in person. They both felt incredibly comfortable with the other person from the very beginning. They found common interests in so many topics and were able to joke with each other over the other’s poor choice in sports teams. Monica says he keeps her sane and reminds her to breathe, while she is his sounding board and his everything.
How he proposed (it’s a good one!): “Joe had everything planned out for the proposal. We were planning on going mini golfing while on vacation in Emerald Isle, NC at a place we had played last year. It’s one of my favorite beach traditions from growing up! Last year we found a chain location of the place my family played at on vacation while I was growing up. Joe figured we would play the same course we played last year and knew the exact hole where he would propose. I threw his plans completely off course by insisting we play the other course that we didn’t play last year. He had to adjust on the fly! We get to hole #7 which is inside a cave structure (the golf course theme is a treasure hunt). He shoots first and gets a hole-in-one! I take my turn and I ringed the cup, which irked me cause I can’t give him the win that easily! I walked by the hole toward my ball, giving it the evil eye for rejecting my ball, and I saw what looked like a piece of black garbage bag in the hole (its dimly lit inside the cave). I literally said “What the hell is in the hole?”, took a step closer, saw the ring box, and said “…oh.” He got down on one knee and asked me very sweetly to marry him and I said yes! Both of our golf games were shot after that, but it was worth it. Joe told me to include that he still won the golf game :)”
Monica and Joe, thank you both for being so awesome, easy-going, and super fun. I had such a blast being part of your special day! Congratulations you two!!
Vendors
Second Photographer | Tori Kelner
Photography Assistant | Rebecca Sanchez
Ceremony & Reception Venue | David’s Country Inn
Dress Designer | Jasmine Bridal
Dress Boutique | Always Elegant
Shoes | Karen Scott
Hair Stylist | Fran Di Santi
Makeup Artist | Stella Valentine Salon and Brow Bar
Wedding Rings | Finks Jewelers
DJ | Fantasy Productions DJs, Bob Albrecht
Florist | Fleurs Divine, Monika Karoly
Cake | Palermo’s Bakery
Bridesmaid’s Dresses | Weddington Way
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations | Basic Invite
Transportation | DJ’s Limo Service
Officiant | Richard Cash
