It was New Year’s Eve. Twinkle lights hung from the rafters and along the bannister. The head table was lined up, adorned with wine bottles and evergreen linens. Arrangements boasting pinecones and spruce springs adorned the guests’ tables, and La Vie en Rose drifted from the speakers. Gina’s home had been completely transformed to become the site of her wedding reception. And when I say “home” I don’t mean her house, or her parent’s house, but what she described to me as the place she grew up in: her family’s tennis club. You’d be hard pressed to stand upon the balcony and find one hint that this space was normally used by athletes instead of guests dressed in suits and gowns. Over the course of a mere weeks, Pleasant Valley Tennis Club was magically converted into a wedding venue, and though it wasn’t Plan A, I get the sense that it was the perfect place to celebrate Gina and Nick’s wedding.

Before the meal began, Gina’s uncle Tom was tasked with giving the blessing. And while I must’ve listened to 100 pre-dinner wedding prayers in my lifetime, this one stood out among the rest. He pulled out a sheet from his pocket and explained the family tradition and importance these words bring to Albiero’s on their wedding day. On the paper was Gina’s Grandpa Vic’s wedding benediction– something he made up on the spot years ago, and his words now keep his memory alive in a special way on wedding days. The jist of his prayer? Love + family is the foundation of everything. And as I sat here trying to sum up Gina and Nick’s special day, it seemed almost too obvious. Grandpa Vic was spot on: they are the embodiment of love and family.

Gina and Nick- it was an absolute pleasure ringing the new year AND celebrating your wedding with you! I am so excited to see where your marriage journey takes you and all of the goodness that lies ahead. Congratulations and saluti!

Photography: Christi Elizabeth Photography // Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist // Reception: Pleasant Valley Tennis Club // Wedding planner: Sara Starck with One Events Wedding // Dress shop: Bucci’s Bridal // Wedding dress designer: Stella York // Hair/make-up: Team Bride MKE// Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie // Shoes: Nina // Groom’s suit: Mike Bjorn’s  // Flowers:  Floral Keepsakes // Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes // DJ/Lighting: David Charles Productions  // Videographer: H&I Collective

See Gina & Nick’s engagement session here!