Mazel Tov To One Of Our Own And Her Dapper New Hubby!
We are a tight knit group over here at Philip Gabriel Photography, so when one of our own decides to tie the knot, we go all out!
Anya & Russ have been dating for 10 years, so when he proposed to her with a stunning Steven Singer blue-green tourmaline, we were honored to celebrate with her.
“FINALLY!” we all shouted!
Anya was born in the Ukraine and moved to the United States with her brother and mom at 9 years old, while her father stayed behind in the Ukraine. Anya and her father have reunited only 3 times since this move, so when Russ asked her father for her hand in marriage via Skype (with her brother there to translate,) it was more meaningful than words could say.
However, this distance proved to be an unwanted addition to the ever-growing list of things to address while planning a wedding. After all, for many brides, the moment their father walks them down the aisle is just as meaningful as the act of marrying the man of their dreams. Without a secured visa, Anya was concerned that her father may not be able to make it to the United States in time to give his only daughter away. Thankfully, all of Anya’s vendors were incredibly helpful, starting with the wonderful people at the lovely Appleford Estate, where the big day would unfold.
As Anya and Russ’ beautiful outdoor wedding plans began to take shape, everything seemed to fall right into place. The talented crew at Petah Bashano hit the nail on the head when they put together the beautiful dark teal, exotic décor that Anya had always wanted at her stunningly unique wedding. The colors perfectly matched Russ’ dark teal suit, too.
One of the perks of working alongside Philip Gabriel Photography at more than 100 weddings is that you really get to know the region’s top vendors. Everyone was so excited to help Anya and Russ plan their big day. Thanks to an all-star team of amazing event professionals, everything was looking perfect…and then Anya got the news she had been waiting for: Her father would be there on her wedding day to walk her down the aisle!
On the morning of the big day, Sara Morrison from All About Events took control as the day planner for the event. She made sure that everything ran smoothly and that there was nothing the couple would need to worry about on this beautiful day. Tim Sudall from Allure Films was there to capture the entire day on video, never missing a moment! Click here to see their gorgeous wedding day video preview!
Lynda Ross made sure the bride looked flawless with stunning hair and makeup work, and stuck around throughout the event for emergency touch-ups after many a happy tear was shed. Although Anya felt great having her around all day, we have to admit that we’ve never seen such a natural glow of giddiness and love about her, no makeup required. Russ’ groomsmen looked quite dashing as well, since Sagets Formal Wear always tailors each suit to perfection for a flawless-looking wedding party.
Anya and Russ’ gorgeous outdoor interfaith ceremony was only made better by their wonderful officiant Julie Cassidy, and the music that accompanied the ceremony carried on into cocktail hour thanks to BVTLive.
Speaking of cocktail hour, holy cow did John Serock Catering pull out all of the stops! Their cuisine was scrumptious, and they allowed Anya to create a unique menu she knew her guests would love.
After saying “I do,” Anya, Russ, and their best friends followed Gabe Fredericks around the lush and celestial landscape of Appleford Estate. It truly made for a perfect backdrop for this romantic long-awaited wedding for such a fun-loving couple. Once they were done with their first salsa dance as husband and wife, Steve Croche from Silver Sound Entertainment rocked the house all night with dance-inducing music that had everyone on their feet. What a party!
“Having my father walk me down the aisle was something I’ve only ever dreamed of – so these beautiful images not only capture the happiness and excitement from the wedding day, but they allow me to experience the overwhelming joy I felt in those rare and special moments over and over again. I am forever grateful to my Philip Gabriel family for creating these amazing and priceless memories.”
Congratulations Anya & Russ, it was an honor to capture these moments for you, and we know you will cherish them forever.
Click here for more information on wedding photography packages from Philip Gabriel Photography.
