Wedding Day: Sept. 1, 2024 at Basil Place in Chardon
Today
Ages: 24 & 26
Hometown: Beachwood
Synagogues: Jewish Family Experience and B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
HOW DID YOU MEET?
I (Emily) started at a new school, and he was the first boy to catch my eye. It took two years before we ended up in the same class and started hanging out. From there, it was like the universe aligned, and we were meant to be. Fast forward, and here we are – high school sweethearts, building our forever.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER?
When we were first getting to know each other, we found out that we share each other’s half birthdays. We both just looked at each other, amazed. It felt like one of those little signs that we were meant to cross paths.
HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?
Almost 8 years.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?
Kyle: From the moment I met Emily, something just felt different – like I had found the person I was meant to be with. Being with her has always felt natural, and I knew early on that she was the one. In 2021, when we had just bought our first home together, it felt like the perfect time to take the next step. We had been talking nonstop about getting married. A year later, in 2022, I proposed in one of our favorite places to travel to, Los Angeles.
Emily: From the moment I met Kyle, it felt like I had known him forever. Everything between us was effortless, like we had already crossed paths in another life. Our connection has always been deep. He’s my yin to my yang, my feeling of home. When you find that kind of soul connection, you just know – and I think, deep down, I knew from the very first moment.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?
Definitely watching my (Emily’s) vision come to life, from meeting with the vendors to seeing all the details come together. It was a
lot of hard work, but seeing my vintage garden theme bloom and having our favorite people all in one place made it all worth it. The day was filled with love, laughter and happy tears, marking a magical beginning to our next chapter.
WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP?
A year ago, someone shared advice that Kyle and I (Emily) now live by: let go, trust that things will work out and have fun. This mindset goes beyond just weddings – it’s something we apply to life in general. Our strong faith in God has played a huge role in helping us embrace this perspective. We’re so grateful for where we are today.
WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING OR PARTNERSHIP?
The mikvah! It was such a beautiful, spiritual experience for both of us and we’re so glad we decided to do it.
PLANNING
Engagement: Aug. 8, 2022
Officiant: Rabbi Joshua Caruso of Congregation Mishkan Or
Dress: KR Bridal & Tailoring
Wedding Colors: Pastels
Wedding rings: Alson Jewelers in Woodmere
Jewelry: Anthropologie
Shoes: Bella Belle
Hair: Janine Lydic
Makeup: Jane Polshcha from Jein P Studio
Groom’s formalwear: Ticknors
Bouquet/flowers/chuppah: Cleveland Florist Co.
Ketubah: Etsy
Photographer: Diana Galay Photography
Videographer: Day Dream Films
Planner/consultant: Rachelle Shawel
Reception: Basil Place in Chardon
Cake/sweets/catering: Preferred Kosher Catering
Rehearsal dinner: Pinstripes at Pinecrest in Orange
Honeymoon: Hawaii (Kauai, O’ahu, Maui)
Music/entertainment: Cleveland Music Group
Registries: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Etsy and Anthropologie