“I want to give Lisa this at the first look” Neil said to me as he held out a Hadas (Myrtus) branch.

I looked up at Neil, “Oh I love it! Does Lisa love Hadas branches?” I asked as I turned my focus back on capturing their beautiful rings.

“No, I just want her to smell it.”

I immediately looked up at Neil and bursted out laughing. Well this was a first, but I have to admit, I was not that surprised. It was exactly the kind of thing I could expect from Neil and I absolutely loved it.

A few minutes later, Neil was looking sharp in his blue and black suit and was ready to go.

He was standing with his eyes closed and Hadas branch in hand. Neil was about to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day and the look of excitement and joy on his face brought me butterflies.

Lisa came up behind him and looked like an absolute vision. Her hair was perfectly styled, her dress was totally her and her smile was brighter than the sun above us.

“Neil” she said.

He turned around.

Smiled immediately.

Gave his bride a hug and then said… “Here!” as he handed the Hadas towards Lisa.

“What is this?”

“Smell it!” Neil said.

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh as she took a quick whiff of the Hadas Branch that Neil saved just for her. There was a knowing sparkle in her eye that made my own smile widen.

“We used it last night at Havdalah (a Jewish religious ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week) and I wanted you to smell it too”

And with that my heart melted.

He wanted her to smell it too.

Neil wants to share everything with Lisa. No matter how big or small of a moment, he wants to share it all with her. He wanted to laugh with her, smile with her, cry with her and smell things with her! Lisa was right next to Neil wanting to go hand in hand with him through all of life’s adventures.

Lisa and Neil have a true partnership and it is equally beautiful and powerful.

As we sat in the loft of the Bishop Farmstead Barn, listening to all six of the heartfelt speeches given by Lisa and Neils family members, I felt the love I felt the excitement and I felt the energy that is only present when two people find their true beshert (is the Jewish notion that means destiny or your predestined spouse).

Lisa and Neil, my wish for you is that you will always be able to share all of your moments together. The ones filled with joy and happiness, the ones that challenge you and the ones that smell and make you laugh!

Mazel Tov Lisa and Neil! I couldn’t be happier for you!

The Creative Team:

Venue: Bishop Farmstead | @jamcatering

Bridal Boutique: RK Bridal | @RKBridal

Bridal Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero | @maggiesotterodesigns

Bridal Alterations by: Pinpoint Bridal | @pinpointbridal

Bridal Earrings: Olive and Piper | @oliveandpiper

Bridal Shoes: David’s Bridal | @davidsbridal

Caterer: Above and Beyond catering | @aboveandbeyondny

Band: Shirsoul | @shirsoulmusic

Invitations: Lisa (THE BRIDE!)

Hair and Make Up Artist: Shimmer for You | @shimmerforyouLLc

Florals: Botaniq Blooms | @botaniqblooms