{SBB Bride of the Week} Emma
E M M A
+
C H R I S T I A N
{September 3rd, 2023}
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
She is just so beautiful!
Introducing our stunning bride, Emma!
For her early September wedding, Emma looked flawless in a gown from SBB’s Private Label, Emilia Leray!
She accented it perfectly with a fingertip length veil from Bel Aire Bridals!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
We’re LOVING the fall vibes in Emma’s florals, all thanks to JM’s Flowers with Jazz!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
Emma married her hubby, Christian, in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony at Four Corners Winery in Valparaiso!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
After the couple said “I Do”, everyone headed inside the barn to celebrate the newlyweds with a beautiful reception!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
How did the happy couple first meet?
“In 2013, I started college at Purdue. During my first year I met 2 girls (Stephanie and Marissa) who quickly welcomed me into their study group and became my best friends. Stephanie always opened her home to Marissa and I especially during the winter when the roads were bad and we had to drive to clinical early in the morning. On one random study day at Stephanie’s house, I met her older brother Christian. The rest is history.
How did Christian pop the question?
“We took a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in May of 2022. He proposed after we reached the end of Abram’s Falls Trail at the waterfall.”
Was it a surprise or did Emma know it was coming?
“I knew he was eventually going to propose because we went ring shopping. I just didn’t know when!”
After they returned home, it was time to go dress shopping!
“My dress buying experience was everything I could’ve asked for. I felt extremely comfortable talking to the employees and them assisting me with trying on gowns. The staff was so kind to my guests and they didn’t rush me at all.”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
“I knew my dress was the one because as I continued to try on dresses, I kept thinking about how comfortable I felt in that one particular dress. After the sixth dress I tried on, I wanted to try that specific one again. When I put it on for the second time I knew it was “the one”.”
What was her favorite {and maybe not-so-favorite} part of wedding planning?
“My favorite part of the planning process was deciding what specific songs we wanted during the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dances with our parents and our first dance. It felt so personal and brought back lots of memories when Chris and I first started dating. Our song selections were special and so “us”.
My least favorite part was probably the itinerary. I didn’t hire a wedding planner so coordinating everything with all our vendors was stressful. Then explaining the schedule to our entire wedding party and helpers was a lot.”
Now that the wedding is over, does Emma have a favorite memory she likes to look back on?
“My favorite moment of our wedding was when we took pictures at sunset. We couldn’t stop smiling at each other. The vision of our wedding day had finally come to life.”
Does Emma have any words of wisdom for brides who are currently planning their own big day?
“The best piece of advice I can give is it’s never too early to plan. Makeup teams, photographers and venues are booked over a year out sometimes. Pinterest is your best friend for inspo. Also remember, it’s YOUR wedding. Your wedding can be whatever you want it to be. Whether it’s at a church, outdoor venue, or if you elope. Don’t let others opinions make you and your partner feel pressured into anything. Check in with each other during the planning process and most importantly, take a moment with your partner on your wedding day to take it all in.”
Congratulations, Emma + Christian!!
Check out more of their beautiful wedding pictures by Leah Rife Photo in the gallery below!
