Emileigh and Mary: From High School Sweethearts to Soulmates
High school sweethearts turned lifelong partners, Emileigh and Mary’s story is one of deep connection, growth, and unwavering love. From their first meeting in government class to saying “I do” in a romantic Italian destination wedding, their journey beautifully captures what it means to grow together through every season of life.
Photographer Valeria Pitarresi Photography | Location Lake Como, Italy
“We had an instant connection. It was like we had been friends forever and knew each other so well, even though it was our first time meeting. Instantly, we felt so comfortable with each other, and from that moment we were inseparable…”
How and when did you meet?
We met in our junior year of high school.
Tell us a little about that first time you met…
The first time we met was in government class, picking up books.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
We had an instant connection. It was like we had been friends forever and knew each other so well, even though it was our first time meeting. Instantly, we felt so comfortable with each other, and from that moment we were inseparable.
Tell us about the standout moments in your relationship…
Our first kiss. We had been friends for about a year when it happened. In that moment, we both knew there was no going back to friends.
Moving out of our childhood homes to move in together for college. It was perfect. We felt so happy to be together all the time, cooking together, watching movies, getting a puppy, and building our life together.
Buying our first home. We were so happy and proud of ourselves. We had so much fun decorating it exactly how we wanted. Navigating our relationship starting so young, going to college, and building careers.
Mary’s birthday trip to Napa Valley, it was one of the most incredible trips we have ever taken (except for the wedding and honeymoon trip in Italy). We ate amazing food, visited the most gorgeous wineries, and drank the most amazing wines. I actually thought Mary was going to propose to me on that trip.
Mary’s proposal at New Smyrna Beach. The weekend we got home from Napa, she surprised me with a trip to the beach. She picked the exact condo my grandparents used to own. This place was so special to me, I grew up there as a child, and Mary and I also spent our summers there together. It was so special that she chose this place to propose to me.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage means an unbreakable love that you have for each other. You are fully committed to your partner, no matter what life throws at you. You vow to each other to always put your relationship first, and you grow together through life’s stages to form a love no one else could ever have.
Who proposed and how?
Mary proposed on April 13th, 2024. We had just returned home from her birthday trip to Napa Valley, and she told me she had booked a long weekend for us at New Smyrna Beach. This was one of our favourite places. My grandparents had a home there, and I spent all of my childhood there. When I met Mary, she started coming with me to my grandparents’ home, and we would spend every weekend and summer with them. We had the most amazing memories there. When my grandfather passed away, they sold the home. Fast forward, she booked the long weekend for us at the exact condo we used to have. It was so special. She planned a proposal on the beach, and we sipped on wine as the sun went down. It was perfect.
When did you get married?
May 26th, 2025.
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
It was Mary’s dream to have a destination wedding in Italy. We wanted to have an intimate ceremony we would never forget.
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
Staying present with each other and enjoying every second of this day we had waited so long for and dreamt of.
Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?
We spent way too much time on Instagram and TikTok looking at weddings for inspiration.
What was the most difficult thing about planning your wedding?
Not being in Italy and planning everything from the United States. We had to put all of our trust in the vendors.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We stayed for two incredible weeks in Italy after our wedding, visiting Venice, Tuscany, Positano, Capri, and Rome.
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?
Don’t forget the whole reason you are doing this, to celebrate your love and commitment to each other forever. It is easy to get frustrated and tired during the planning process. Take it slow, communicate with each other, and have fun.
Emileigh and Mary’s Team
Photography Valeria Pitarresi Photography
Video Lola Montalvez Films
Planner Scelta di Classe
Makeup Fogileva Beauty
Officiant The Italian Wedding Celebrants
Flowers Vertuani Fiori
Venue Villa Regina Teodolinda
Catering Sunlake Catering
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