Wedding Date: September 9th 2023

When you find the recipe for happiness, everyone wants to know your secret. In Molly and Ross’ case, there is no secret ingredient, everyone around them knows it’s unconditional and unwavering love. Being in a room with these two is like being wrapped in joy. Molly fills the conversation with full body laughter and Ross can’t help but join in and before you know it, you’re laughing along with them. I think if there was a way to sum up their wedding day it would be love and laughter.

I joined them at the gorgeous Villa Bellezza on a perfect blue sky day. Molly was busy putting on her finishing touches while the guys were enjoying a charcuterie board in the groom’s suit. After hugging her family, Molly and I set off to meet Ross at the top of the epic staircase overlooking the vineyard. She carefully made her way up the flights of stairs, her beautiful lace dress trailing behind her. Ross excitedly waited on the top floor as the rays of sunlight lit their first look location. The second they saw one another, their eyes welled up and the whole world seemed to stop. They wrote messages on the soles of one another's shoes and exchanged them, standing half barefoot while they read the sweet words. They held back tears until Molly started laughing and then all three of us were somehow laughing and crying at the same time.

As the laughter turned to excited smiles, we went outside to enjoy the beautiful day and join their friends and family in the sun. Their beloved corgi was the first to greet them and even put up with a mini photoshoot. After exploring the grounds, Molly surprised her dad with a special dress reveal that had him speechless. I love these sweet parent moments, they always give me goosebumps and end up being some of my favorite moments. Their wedding party was ready to cheer them on, of course with their corgi in tow as well. After a lot of laughter and some great shades, it was time to prepare for the ceremony as the first guests started to arrive.

Once everyone had taken their seats in the shade of the large pavilion in the middle of the vineyard, the ceremony began. Molly walked arm in arm with her dad down the aisle toward Ross at the other end looking like he just won the lottery. After exchanging some sweet vows and a lovely knot ceremony, they were officially married and walked down the aisle to cheers and applause. Their faces say it all, they couldn’t have been happier. To celebrate, we decided to go to the little nearby town. We stopped along the way to enjoy the lake with the sailboats bobbing in the calm water. Their laughter echoed across the sleepy beach and once again it felt like the whole world stood still.

Back at Villa Bellezza the reception hall looked incredible and the guests were in awe as they entered the grand space. Everyone cheered once again for the newlyweds as they made their grand entrance. As the toasts began, we were all treated to a spectacular dinner. As a professional chef, Ross knows good food and it was very apparent that they put a lot of thought into this stellar meal. Comfort food favorites brought smiles to everyone's faces as the toasts and dances warmed their hearts. After dinner and dancing, the patio opened up and turned into a cigar lounge. I stole the happy couple away for a few moments to enjoy the quiet evening before they returned to the party. With only the sounds of the fountain in the courtyard and the distant laughter of their guests, they were able to take a moment to let it all sink in. I may not know what their secret ingredient is, but my guess is love.

Vendors: Villa Bellezza (venue), Love You More Floral (florist), Boho Rental Co. (decor and lighting), Midwest Sound DJ (dj and lighting), River Valley Catering (catering), Andrea Field (dessert), Level 11 LLC (photo booth), 87 Lumens (videographer), Morilee (dress designer), The Wedding Shope Inc (dress shop), Glossed and Glammed (makeup), JB Beauty Room (hair)