A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of photographing one of my oldest friends (we’re going on 23 years!), Ellesa, marry her soulmate. Before the wedding day, I found myself going down a rabbit hole on Ellesa’s Facebook page and I found so many photos of us and our families throughout the years – New Year’s Eve celebrations, family trips to Stone Harbor, Easter egg hunts, birthday festivities, and prom – just to name a few. I even found a couple of photos of Ellesa that I took on my first “real” camera, YEARS before I knew I’d end up becoming an actual photographer. Our families have had so much fun over the years, and I was always so thankful to have her to grow up with!

When I first met Kevin, I knew Ellesa had found her future husband. The way he looked at her spoke volumes, and he fit into her family so seamlessly. Kevin is warm, welcoming, genuine, and an all around good, good person. You are both perfect for each other, and I’m so happy that you each found your soulmates!

A huge thank you to Kelly & Tori for helping me out while I photographed and bridesmaid-ed!!

How they met…

From Ellesa: “We met at Kean University, where we were both studying to be math teachers and playing in the university wind ensemble. A few years later, a mutual friend in our major had a Christmas party, and decided to play match-maker, sort of (“Kevin is still single!”). We had a great time talking together that evening. A few months later, Kevin challenged me to a game of Trivia Crack, back when that was “the thing”. We hit it off, talking as we played, and as I utterly destroyed him in Trivia Crack. He says he wasn’t even trying to let me win ;). We started dating soon thereafter!”

How they got engaged…

From Kevin: “As for the ring, Ellesa wanted something involving green, her favorite color. I went to the jeweler, and after a crash course in diamonds and gems, I picked out a design that I thought Ellesa would love.

For the proposal, Ellesa’s mom, Kathy, helped me come up with an amazing plan. Our families were celebrating Easter on Palm Sunday at Ellesa’s house, and her family would always do a scavenger hunt for the kids. So a bunch of us were in a scavenger hunt, with Ellesa having no idea that it would culminate in the discovery of a faberge egg. Ellesa’s sister, Mary, even flew home from Scotland to be there for the big moment! Kathy guided us through the scavenger hunt, and at the end, I opened the final prize, presenting the egg to Ellesa with the ring inside. We were surrounded by family and friends as Ellesa said ‘yes.'” 

Click here to see their engagement session!

Congratulations, Ellesa and Kevin!

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If Ellesa and Kevin receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8×10 print of their choice!

Photographer | Tori Petrillo
Second Photographer | Kelly Pullman
Third Photographer | Tori Kelner
Venue | The Meadow Wood
Dress | Martina Liana purchased at I Do I Do
Shoe | Betsy Johnson and Converse
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Grooms & Groomsmen Attire | Cozy Tuxedo
Hair Stylist | Lauren Walker from Lucia C. Salon
Makeup Artists | Kathryn Wambach & Ava Stallone
Florist | Conroy’s Florist
Rings | Trimarco Jewelers
Invitation Design | TME Designs LLC
DJ | Elite Rhythms Entertainment
Videographer | Harlan Kramer
Transportation | Jake’s Limo
Officiant | Father William Sheridan
Wedding Cake | Palermo’s Bakery
Ceremony Musicians | Dr. Lisa Pike and Patrick B. Phillips
Cocktail Hour Musicians | Norma Davis