📸: Olivia Gird Photography // @oliviagird

The Meet Cute

“We met working at Whole Foods in the Prepared Foods Department…slicing deli meat,” says Emma. “As my sister, Tess, said in her wedding night toast: ‘It was love at first slice!’”

The Engagement

Fast forward three years to the spring of 2019, Joe initially hoped to propose during a hiking trip, but a few consecutive weekends of rain forced the couple to cancel their plans. “He had already had the conversation with my parents and, fearful that my mom would spill the beans, he got antsy and asked me one rainy afternoon in our apartment after I had just gotten out of the shower,” Emma shares. Sat on their couch with soaking wet hair and a giant robe, she agreed to marry him.

The Vision

Emma opted for simplicity from the start. “I was not the girl who dreamed about her wedding day from a young age and the thought of planning a wedding seemed very overwhelming to me, an introverted tomboy at heart,” she admits. The result? “Lots of neutrals, lots of greenery, some twinkle lights — it felt very dreamy against the wintry, February backdrop.”

The Venue

Years prior, Emma and her mom came across Squantum Association while walking on the East Bay Bike Path and wondered what the beautiful building on the water was. In fact, it made enough an impression that her mother suggested it once Emma and Joe got engaged. Clearly, mother knows best: “The Squantum Association had a great feel, and the staff were all laid back and accommodating; everything worked out seamlessly from the start and I only have good things to say about the venue,” Emma says.

The Timing

Originally, the couple set their date for May 2020. They even sent out Save the Dates the summer prior. But, in a “surprising turn of events, I found I was pregnant and due in early June 2020.” They weighed their options and, after talking with their venue and vendors, they agreed on February 1, 2020. Some would call it a blessing: “One month later, the world shut down due to COVID and our original May wedding would not have happened,” Emma says. “I will say having a winter wedding was awesome and I felt pretty glamorous rocking that sweet fur coat. I also think the February wedding gave everyone something to look forward to in the dead of winter.”

The Highlights

“I’ll always look back fondly and remember how our family and friends really came together to make everything wonderful — all the work my parents put in; my uncle arranging the flowers, getting ready with my sister; our officiants writing and delivering the heartfelt ceremony; friends helping with decorating, hair and makeup; our sister-in-law making the cake; our niece playing the piano for our ceremony; and the list continues. Seeing everyone’s work come together that day was impressive and touching.” — Emma

The Advice

“I know everyone has different opinions and styles when it comes to weddings, but try not to lose sight of the reason why you’re planning a wedding in the first place, which is to marry the person you love. Don’t stress over minimal details, keep the ultimate goal in mind and have a nice day celebrating,” Emma says. “Oh, and if you can wear a fur coat on your wedding day, do that.” (Fun fact: Emma’s mom thrifted hers for just $0.99. “The owner’s name was embroidered on the inside — thanks, Bernadette!”)

The Details

Ceremony, Reception and Catering: Squantum Association | Officiant:  Sam Kilbane (Brother) and Alie Plouff (Family Friend) | Bride’s dress: Alexandra’s Boutique | Bride’s Fur Coat: Salvation Army | Groom’s suit and Tie: J. Crew | Cake: Melissa (sister-in-law) |Flowers:  Tom Kilbane (Uncle of the Bride and Former Owner of Terra Cotta in Coventry) | Reception Music: DJ Sara Williams