Jess + Emma
8 | 22 | 2024
Photography by Aubrey Schanz Photography
Real love is all about being able to show your authentic, eccentric self when you’re with the one you love. This has always come naturally in Emma and Jess Brosey’s relationship, and they wanted their big day to reflect exactly that.
“Weddings are about expressing yourself and the love you have for each other, so having a simple or plain wedding was not what we were looking for,” Emma says.
Bright bold oranges and pops of hot pinks and magentas made Emma and Jess’ intimate Thursday micro-wedding far from simple.
The couple first met during their second semester of nursing school, and Emma says they were “inseparable” ever since.
“One day, Jess complimented my green and white Nikes. … During lecture, we had brief 10-minute breaks, but those often stretched to nearly an hour as we got lost in conversation, eager to learn more about each other,” she says.
A little over two years later, on August 22, 2024, they finally said “I Do” and tied the knot in front of 50 of their closest family and friends at Historic Ashland in Wrightsville.
“We wanted an intimate wedding where we could connect with everyone who took the time to share in our joy,” Emma says. “We knew we did not want a long ceremony, but we knew we wanted it to be special and unique, and we also wanted our guests involved.”
Emma and Jess opted for uniqueness during their ceremony with a butterfly release, in which they released four butterflies, and each guest had some to set free as well.
“A butterfly represents transformation, growth and the beauty of life’s journey. Jess and I were embarking on our own beautiful journey, and we were ready to grow and transform together,” Emma says.
Emma—whose career as a postpartum nurse is far from the wedding industry—planned their special day herself, and she says it was essential to keep the theme of family consistent throughout it.
“My Aunt Lucy was the officiant. My Poppy walked me down the aisle, and my mom and Bobo walked down the aisle together. Jess’ mom and dad walked her down the aisle,” Emma says. “We also remembered our loved ones who are no longer with us with a memory table that displayed their pictures. … Instead of passing my bouquet to a bridesmaid, I had my mom hold it.”
Other details that made the day memorable included having only bridesmaids, choosing alternating colored napkins, giving succulents as wedding favors and keeping the entire day outside—with “perfect” weather.
Emma says her favorite part of the wedding was the private first look and vow reading held prior to the ceremony, and that she “wouldn’t change a thing” about the day, crediting its success to her “incredibly supportive” wedding vendors and family.
“Our vendors guided us throughout the process, and our family went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. We are so thankful,” she says. “Weddings are a time to express each others’ personalities and love for each other, so don’t be afraid to use bright colors or do something that isn’t the wedding norm. Don’t forget to make the most of your day because it truly goes so quickly.”
She says she and Jess are most excited to travel in the future (with a trip to Belize in March 2025), start the IVF process to have babies in 2026 and continue spending time together fishing, doing puzzles, shopping, playing with their silver lab, Maeve and lying on the couch with their cats, Peach and Junie.
“It is a breath of fresh air knowing we have each other for life, and we no longer wonder when the right one will come along,” Emma says.
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Details
Dress: Justin Alexander (Ceremony dress); Christina Wu (Reception dress)
Cake: Simply from Scratch
Caterer: Simply from Scratch
Florist: Burke and Poppy
Hair: Brittany Lynn Bridal
Invitations: Zazzle
Makeup: Kylie Ryan Beauty
Musical Entertainment: Thunder Kiss Entertainment
Officiant: Lucy Brosey (Emma’s aunt)
Photography: Aubrey Schanz Photography
Videography: Hannah Simon Media
Planner: Emma Brosey
Rings: Brent L. Miller, Brilliant Earth
Tux/Suits: Indochino
Venue: Historic Ashland
Other Vendors: LOVE Letters
