Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Ceremony 3:30PM Cocktail Hour 4:00PM Reception- 5:00PM

Our Wedding

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Emma and Josh spent their first date at a coffee shop called Cool Beanz in Rock Island, IL, but there was a band playing so it was difficult for them to hear each other. Emma was rambling about a one armed Amish man, and Josh just nodded and didn't question. There was obvious chemistry there so they continued their date at Schwiebert Park where they sat and watched the Mississippi River as they talked for hours. They only thought it fitting that they would do their engagement photos where they had their first date.

Photos

Emma's People

When Tiffany heard that Emma was coming into her life, she cried- and not tears of joy. Emma grew on her though and now they are not only sisters, but best friends. 

Tiffany

Most people think Emma and Andrea are related by blood, and they might as well be. Andrea came into the family and her first task was to paint Emma's baby room.

Andrea

Erica and Emma met in high school marching band and bonded by playing the same flute....at the same time. Yah, Emma was the mouth piece and Erica was the keys.

Erica

Bree and Emma also met in marching band. Since then, Bree has always been the person she can text late at night and talk/vent/cry to.

Bree

Maggie is the last of the marching band group- and how a percussionist ended up with the winds is still a mystery, but thank goodness because Emma couldn't imagine this day without her. 

Maggie

Sarah and Emma met in college- technically. They had both been to MANY of the same band competitions and lived 8 minutes from each other for years prior to meeting. When they finally did meet, their dorms were right next to each other. It seemed like fate wanted them to be friends.

Sarah

George and Emma also met in college- technically. They both did JROTC drill team in high school and had been to the same competitions. George even signed a petition for Emma before they even knew each other.

George

Josh's People

Jessica used to be an only child… until Josh was born. He’s known her longer than anyone else on this list, through tears, laughter, and everything in between (now including each other’s weddings).

Jessica

Anna is Josh’s younger sister. Although four-year-old Josh would say he wanted a brother, having Anna in his life has been a gift he wouldn’t trade for anything, and this day wouldn’t be the same without her.

Anna

Andrew is Josh’s younger brother. From changing diapers to watching him graduate high school, Josh has helped raise Andrew into the young man he is today. Josh couldn’t be happier to have his brother and best friend here on this special day.

Andrew

Colton and Josh met in the third grade, and have remained friends ever since. They were even college roommates through all four years of undergrad! They graduated together twice, and it just wouldn’t be the same to not have Colton here as Josh begins yet another important chapter of his life.

Colton

Todd and Josh met in the sixth grade, beginning a friendship that’s grown into a full-blown creative partnership. Between their frequent video, film, and art collaborations, you’ll find them making each other laugh with layers upon layers of inside jokes (to the utter confusion of anybody nearby).

Todd

Emma & Josh's People

Emma and Josh started fostering Goose in 2023 and adopted her in 2024. She needed a lot of love and care to heal the burns she had on the left side of her body. She has been working really hard to overcome her trauma and reactivity so she can be part of Emma and Josh's big day.

Goose

Falkor came into Emma's work and needed a very extensive surgery to fix a portosystemic shunt. Pilar made Emma have a soft spot for Shih Tzus, so he was an obvious choice for adoption. He is the sweetest little guy you've ever met and he can't wait to meet everyone!

Falkor

Everett is Emma and Josh's nephew and Emma's godson. Everett came into the family very shortly after Emma and Josh met. He has been unofficially calling Josh "Uncle Josh."  Emma and Josh are super excited to make that title official.! Also, Emma gets to brag that Everett wants to be a vet- "just like his aunt."

Everett

Rory is Emma and Josh's niece. Emma stands zero chance of spending any time with Josh when Rory is around, because she automatically steals him away to play. You could ask Rory who her favorite is and she will generally say "Uncle Josh". Auntie Em isn't salty about that... at all. 

Rory

Wedding Party

If any of your questions aren't answered, please reach out to Emma or Josh!

Q + A

Travel

Things to do in Crete, IL

Nice place to stop for some drinks in downtown historic Crete.

Evil Horse Brewing Company

They have a beautiful trail and an amazing dog park- Goose and Falkor recommend it.

Plum Valley Preserve

Some dang good BBQ. They will be serving our late night snack for the reception if you want a sneak peak!

Smokey Jo's

Lincoln Oaks Golf Course

Outside of Crete

Crete is a small town, but we are only about a 45 minute drive from Chicago if you want a taste of the big city. A little closer is Cedar Lake, IN. This is a lakefront town with amazing restaurants and beautiful views. If you want a perfect camping spot, Staved Rock is about an hour and a half away, but you can also go to Matthiessen State Park (Pilar hated the fact that she had to walk through a ravine with water).

E&J

Wedding Day