Emily & Matthew

Emily Rose Wilkins and Matthew Szporka on October 28, 2017

Originally published in the 2019 edition of Newport Wedding Magazine.

“We chose Newport because of its charm, beauty and proximity to the ocean. It just felt right.”

All it took was a little rain for Rhode Island native Emily Wilkins and Matthew Szporka, from Pennsylvania, to fall in love. After using a dating app to find their perfect match, the Florida residents met at a local wine bar and hit it off. During a day trip to Disney World a rain storm sent them fleeing to buy dry clothes. Emily recalls, “It was truly in that moment that I knew Matt was the one for me; in the face of something that could ruin our day, we found a way together to make it one of the best days yet.” The two were engaged a few months later on a visit to the construction site of their future home. In their unfinished kitchen, Matt got down on one knee and said that he wanted to build not only a home, but also a future with Emily. -NH & BP

The Perfect Bouquet
The seasonal and classic flowers were wrapped in a one-of-a kind ribbon Emily bought in New York City. It wasn’t being manufactured anymore and, in addition to matching her dress perfectly, made a great “something old” for the celebration. Strung through the ribbon, cradling the bouquet, was a locket that had belonged to Matt’s late mother. It was a perfect “something borrowed,” a heartfelt tribute to her memory.

No Top, No Problem
While the bride and groom’s buttercream-frosted, vanilla almond cake may have stood topless, the couple gave it some additional charm. They placed a cartoon figurine of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in a car with a “just married” sign on it on the adjacent table. The ornament was a lighthearted gift from the bride’s grandparents, honoring the start of their love story back on that rainy Disney date.

A Taste of Italy
Emily wanted to infuse some of her Italian heritage into her day and decided what better way than with authentic Italian food. The rehearsal dinner was held at Sardella’s in Newport, well known for its rich sauce and homestyle pasta. During the cake cutting, traditional Italian wandies were placed on the tables. The wafer thin cookies accompanied classic Italian bombonieres. Afterwards, guests were thanked with boxes of bakery pizzas served cold in strips like you would find in Italy.

Where are they now?
The newlyweds honeymooned in Italy. They returned to their home in Winter Garden, Florida, where Emily works in the marketing department at Universal Orlando Resorts and Matthew works in project management for a general contractor.

Vendors
Bridal Gown: Calvet Couture Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Tuxedos/Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Rings: D.Rao and Co.
Invitations: Papers
Rehearsal Dinner: Sardella’s Restaurant
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Church
Reception Venue & Accomodations: Newport Marriott
Hair & Makeup: The Spa at Newport Marriott
Nails: Petrela Spa & Nail Inc
Flowers: In Bloom at Quality Fruitland
Bakery Pizza: D. Palmieri’s Bakery
Wandies: Wandies by Pina
Cake: Scrumptions
Officiant: Rev. Msgr. Raymond Bastia
Transportation: Viking Tours
Ceremony Music: St. Joseph’s Musical Director Denis E. Tetrault and Soprano Jennifer Vaillancourt
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Tommy Tunes Sound Productions
Reception entertainment: Jeremy M Braza from The Dance Floor DJs
Photographer: Maaike Bernström Photography
Chivari Chair Rental: J&R Rentals