Emily and Jonathan met while working at a restaurant in Exton, Pa. Jonathan was the executive chef and Emily (a social worker, now) was bartending while earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

It didn’t take long for the two of them to fall for one another. Jonathan, a classically trained chef, would cook dinner for Emily nearly every night, and they quickly became inseparable. They moved into their first house in 2013 and have been madly in love since!

On the evening of their engagement, Jonathan took Emily on a bike ride around The Market Common during sunset. He stopped his bike for a minute, telling her he had a flat tire. To her surprise, he got down on one knee. Emily met him at ground level and jumped into his arms. Her answer had always been “Yes!”

Their stellar wedding was held at Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach. The wedding was rustic and chic, complemented by multi-colored peonies and white roses. The arrangement was provided by Little Shop of Flowers. The ceremony was officiated by Sara Baxley, Emily’s sister, and included readings from Jonathan’s father, John, and Emily’s mother, Ellen.

In lieu of Emily’s father passing, her brother, Wren, walked her down the aisle.

Emily and Jonathan had no bridal party; instead, it was their wish to focus only on each other during the heartfelt ceremony. They had penned their own vows, and shared them gracefully, and with tears in their eyes.

The newly married couple’s reception was also held at Pine Lakes, in the back courtyard. There was a large, cherry dance floor outside with cafe lighting overhead; music was provided by DJ Stephen Craig; the wedding boutique was The Dressing Room in Pawleys Island; and the beautiful wedding cake was from Incredible Edibles. The reception also included a grilled cheese station. Pine Lakes’ wedding coordinator Lindsay Condelli ensured everything went smoothly.

The couple left the venue with a sparkler exit and drove to their hotel in an old Mercedes Benz. They make their home in Myrtle Beach.

Photo by Ryan Smith Photography