I was NEVER more happy to tell a friend 'I told you so' then I was to tell my good friend Robbie 'Masserobie' Padavano. I met Robbie when we were babies in the wedding industry. He was usually staffed as the MC on most of the events when I worked as a lead photographer for a DJ company, and boy what a personality. Mr. Life-of-the-Party and I had some crazy times over the years. The stories we could tell you...would take an entire evening and multiple glasses of wine. When he was younger, he always used to tell me that he would never get married, and I would roll my eyes at him and tell him that he would change his mind when he met his person. So here we are Robbie. I told you so.
Anyway, the ever-stunning Rachael swooped into his life and how they met always makes me laugh when I think about just how ITALIAN it was. Rachael actually met Robbie's Mom at a wedding, and Robbie's Mom asked if she was single. Luckily for Robbie, she was, and Robbie's own Mom facilitated their first date! You really can't get much more Italian than that.
Robbie proposed to Rachael at the Molly Pitcher Inn and the two immediately began planning their wedding at South Gate Manor. They both got ready at the venue, exchanged gifts, and Rachael shared a really cute first look with her Dad, before they all headed off to the church for the ceremony.
They decided that they wanted to see each other for the first time when Rachael came down the aisle. Robbies reaction did not disappoint. I could see that he was truly moved by the meaning of the moment, and by his bride-to-be in all of her beauty. They said their ' I dos' and were officially pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Padavano...and just like that 'Maserobbie' is off the market.
Since we were in the heart of Freehold, Rachael and Robbie decided that they wanted to do a quick portrait session in the cute little downtown area. Surprisingly it had a lot to offer in terms of interesting backgrounds! I loved shooting in front of the Hall of Records, and that epic middle-of-the-street kiss is one for the books!
We headed back to the South Gate Manor for a quick costume change and to shoot with friends and family. South Gate Manor has a nice outdoor area that offered alot of shade and greenery making it the ideal backdrop for some beautiful portraits. We also planned an epic rose petal toss photo that was definitely my favorite moment from the whole day. Look at how great that came out!
Since Maserobbie has a talent for getting the party started, the reception that followed in the epic ballroom at South Gate did not disappoint. I had the greatest time watching my friend dance with his new wife, and out of all the friends and family that gathered; I saw a couple of familiar faces. And Robbie's younger brother (the I <3 hot moms kid) gave the funniest speech I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, and I would pay to listen to it again.
All in all I was happy to be right, and the match couldn't have been more perfect. Robbie and Rachael compliment each other in a way that is #couplegoals and I'm so excited to watch their relationship grow and their family bloom. I'll see you at the next wedding fellas. *Maserobbie on the mic* GNIGHT!
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