The Farm Bakery & Events

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story begins in May 2019 when Jenni and Samela went to a bridal shower together for a friend they graduated PA school with. Over dinner Samela asked who Jenni was taking as her 'plus one' to the wedding. It was in Atlantic City, NJ so it was sure to be a blast! Jenni had every intention of going by herself. Samela was insistent that she take her childhood friend, Rich, that way it could be 4 of them including Samela's husband Chris to enjoy the weekend at the beach. After some convincing, Jenni agreed, but under one condition- no funny business and this was strictly as friends! Samela gave Rich Jenni's phone number so they could chat and get to know one another prior to the wedding. They had conversations here and there, and then a few days prior to the wedding Rich asked Jenni to car pool to the wedding. Jenni laughed and said " You know I live in PA... right?". Rich claims to this day that Samela left that detail out. Jenni offered Rich to back out since it was a 5 hour drive to NJ, but he still wanted to accompany her.

THE BEGINNING 

The four of them met up the night prior to the wedding. Samela and Jenni were walking to the store when Rich arrived, and Jenni instantly had her foot in her mouth- she wasnt expecting him to be so handsome and charming when he introduced himself! They walked the boardwalk together and came across a crane machine- Jenni’s addiction. It was filled with Rottweiler stuffed animals and she was persistent she needed one to bring home to Goliath. After $35, she gave up and they carried on with the night. They went to dinner at Sugar Factory and Rich asked Jenni if she wanted to split a burger. Jenni quickly shut that down and wanted to get her own. Rich thought she didnt like him very much. The four of them navigated to Ocean Nightclub. Jenni was so nervous and stiff as a board, but after a few lemon drop shots she was ready show off her dance moves. She and Rich instantly hit it off, and the four of them danced the night away. They accompanied each other to the wedding the following day and had a blast for the second day. They went for a walk by the beach at night, and while Rich thought they would have a nice conversation, Jenni took off running down the beach. You see, after a few drinks shes the friend that takes off on an adventure. The third day came and it was time to say good bye. We were all sad that the weekend was over, but we knew it would come to an end. Jenni gave Rich a broken seashell she found on the beach and said “Here, a broken seashell to remind you of my broken heart now that this weekend is over” and laughed it off. Rich drove back to Connecticut, and Jenni drove back to Pennsylvania.

THE MEET UP

Jenni drove home from that weekend not knowing what the future held, but reasoned with herself the entire ride that whatever was supposed to happen, would. The following Monday Jenni came home from work to a little brown box in the mail. The return address was from Rich. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she opened the box and there was the Rottweiler stuffed animal from the boardwalk with a card stating how much fun he had, how he hoped to see her again, and he wished that Goliath enjoyed his stuffed doppelgänger. Turns out after they said their goodbyes, he went back to the boardwalk by himself and put $5 in the machine, said a quick prayer, and won it on the first try! Well, that won her over. They made plans for Rich to come to Pennsylvania 3 weeks later. Rich told Jenni through their conversations that he always wanted to feed a giraffe- it was on his bucket list. So naturally, Jenni arranged for them to feed a giraffe together at the local zoo for their first official date!

A FEW DAYS LATER

Rich and Jenni continued to hit it off following their first weekend together in Pennsylvania, so Rich asked Jenni to accompany him to his friend Nicole’s wedding, as someone else cancelled last minute. Jenni quickly agreed and went to Connecticut to accompany him to their second wedding together, and meet his family. The wedding was a blast, and like their first meeting, they danced the night away. After a few drinks Rich told Jenni that night that he was going to marry her one day, she brushed it off and said “Ha! OK prove it!”. They came home from the wedding and Rich’s mom greeted her with open arms, hugging her and kissing her telling her in Portuguese that she was the daughter she has always wanted- they still laugh about it to this day as she was not holding back. Rich and Jenni will always LOVE weddings.

TWO WEEKS LATER 

Jenni never thought that a simple yes to taking a stranger to a wedding as her plus one would completely change the direction of her life. From 2019-2022 the two shared so many memories, made it through the pandemic, and traveled back and forth from Connecticut to Pennsylvania every weekend (mostly Rich). Jenni has always wanted to go to Nashville so Rich suggested they go there for their 2022 vacation, but asked if his best friends Matt and Samella, who are both photographers, could go with them. Jenni thought the four of them would have a blast in Nashville, but Rich really asked them to come along to photograph him proposing to Jenni. Matt and Samella got stuck in the airport with countless delays on her birthday weekend, but they were still persistent to make it to Nashville in time for the big moment. Two days later they arrived in Nashville around 11pm. The last day in Nashville, the four friends were going to their final dinner together, but before they went Matt asked if they could stop at a bridge that overlooks the city to take some pictures for a jewelry brand they promoted. Samella modeled the jewelry and Matt took the photos, while Jenni complained that she was hungry and hot. Matt offered to take a picture of Rich and Jenni on the bridge, Jenni declined and said she was too hot, but Matt insisted they take a picture! Well, mid picture Rich pulled a little white box out of his back pocket and got down on one knee- proving that what he told her in 2019 was indeed true. Jenni instantly knew she was going to say yes! Rich still has the broken seashell from Atlantic City that Jenni gave to him kept in a jar with sand from that weekend, and Goliath still has his precious Rottweiler stuffed animal in his toy collection.

THE REST 

Our Story

Photos

Angelina and Jenni have been inseparable since 2006. They met sophomore year of high school at Bishop Hoban, where they typically were up to no good, causing their mothers to get grey hairs early on. All throughout high school, college, and their professional careers they have stuck by each other’s side and supported one another through the ups and downs of life. Not only are they best friends- but their dogs Goliath and Malcolm are too! Angelina loves all dogs, home improvement projects/design, Orange Theory, and a good cocktail.

Angelina Collotty

Matt is one of Rich's longest-standing friends. The two met during early childhood years when Rich's mom immigrated from Brazil and found a local Brazilian church led by Matt's father Bishop Moses. Since their early years the two have been close and getting into trouble in the church hall, doing shaving cream pranks during camping trips, and creating memories while traveling the world. Not much has changed since their childhood as the two are still goofballs when together. Matt is one of the easiest laid back people to be around, a successful photographer, a bandmate to Rich, and amazing friend.

Matt Ferreira

Matt and Jenni met through their mutual friend Angelina in 2014 and they instantly hit it off. Matt is the type of person that you immediately click with- it’s impossible not to like him! Angelina to this day takes credit for introducing the two. He has the biggest heart, is slightly petty, and will make you laugh until your belly hurts. He moved from PA, to NJ, then to California, Ohio, and now DC. No matter how far the distance, he has always been one of Jenni’s biggest supporters in life.  

Matt Gorski

Chris is one of Rich's best friends for more than a decade and easily the life of the party. The two met when they worked together at a local ISP and hit it off almost immediately after introducing themselves. Often times more like brothers than friends, Rich and Chris are constantly teasing each other but know this comes from a place of genuine care as they always have each other's backs while encouraging each other and celebrating each other's achievements. Chris is caring, honest, and still remains a very close friend to Rich. Chris is Sophia's "appa" or Dad in Korean and has, along with the rest of the Choi family, a very special place in Jenni and Rich's hearts.

Chris Choi 

Samela and Jenni got introduced in 2015 when they were assigned to each other as practical partners in PA school. They quickly became bonded as they survived and graduated PA school together. Jenni had no idea at the time the impact Samela would have on the direction of her life.  They both were to attend a fellow classmates wedding in 2019 and Samela INSISTED that Jenni take her childhood friend, Richard,  as her “plus one”. Well, here we are creating the wedding website of Jenni & Richard- so it’s safe to say that didn’t go as planned, and Samela knew what she was up to all along. 

Samela Brown

Phanuel and Rich have been close friends since their early teen years. The two met while going to the same Brazilian church and have been like brothers ever since. They have been a part of each other's many important life milestones over the years. Phanuel is an accomplished scholar who is willing to patiently explain any of his recent research that Rich is deeply interested in, despite Rich struggling to understand such highly complex topics. He is a kind soul and can be described as having a calming presence. Rich and Phanuel both share a love for EDM, Mutemath, and an unyielding belief that they can play FIFA like they used to when they were kids.

Phanuel Mariano

Melissa and Jenni met while walking their dogs, Goliath and Millie, in their neighborhood in 2020. Melissa just moved to the area from Pittsburgh after getting married. It was love at first sight for the dogs, so they scheduled their first play date at a local dog park together. Melissa’s husband Brendan hit it off with Rich when Rich offered him tequila shots, and they quickly became one of Jenni & Rich’s favorite couples to spend time with, especially through the pandemic. In such a short time they experienced many challenges of life together. Jenni gave Melissa a fertility injection in her kitchen late 2021, and shortly after Melissa found out she was finally going to be a mom! Jenni still takes credit for playing part in baby Henry’s creation.  Who would’ve thought going for a simple walk with our dogs in 2020 would be so impactful our lives. Melissa loves all things Pittsburgh and basketball.

Melissa Walsh 

Nazar and Rich are close friends who met at the same time Chris and Rich did. Naz often gets teased for his unhealthy habit of ordering an absurd amount of blue cheese with wings. Despite this abominable crime, Rich is not ashamed to publicly claim Naz as one of his closest friends. Their friendship is full of laughter and happy moments as they feel comfortable being themselves around each other. Naz is someone Rich admires, and even though they've lived far from each other, the two always get excited at the opportunity to make new memories.

Nazar Gjyli

Ashley and Jenni attended King’s college together and became friends in the graduate phase of the PA program. She was roommates with Samela- so quickly it became the 3 of them living in survival mode for the next two years. They celebrated each week of exams they passed with a trip to La Tolteca or Arena Bar & Grill . They both moved to the Lehigh Valley for their first job as PAs shortly after PA school- ironically working at the same hospital system. She moved away for her husband’s residency program in Pittsburgh for a period of time, and then they both decided to move back to the Lehigh Valley! Ashley is a new mom to the handsomest baby, Cal, and she loves her dachshund, Josie. 

Ashley Prater

Derek and Rich have been hyping each other up for bad decisions since their high school days. Derek is a soft-spoken but determined and talented individual. One of their most notable memories is getting in trouble for going onto the school roof and making an impromptu rap music video. Derek, stage name Official, and Rich, stage name VIP, to this day reminisce and laugh at their youthful foolishness and both are very grateful there is no evidence of this hysterical and embarrassing moment. While both will deny responsibility and blame each other for any story of getting in trouble from their past, they still to this day are a pair that both of their parents sigh when they know they are spending time together. They have the kind of friendship that no matter how much time or distance is between them, when they meet it's like nothing has changed.

Derek Quarles

Sam is one of Rich’s best friends. They met through his best friend Matt when she moved here from Brazil in 2011. It was always the three of them traveling the world together. When Jenni and Rich started dating, Jenni quickly took a liking to Sam. Sam welcomed her into the group and it became the four of them planning trips together. Sam so graciously spent her birthday weekend in the airport with countless delays trying to get to Nashville with Matt in August 2022 when Rich was planning to propose to Jenni. Jenni thought they were arriving to join in on the trip- but really they were the photographers who were going to capture the big moment! Sam is a fashion designer who studied at FIT, and is currently working on opening her own line- La Vérité the Label.

Samella Knupp

Paul is the last member of the 4-man group between Rich, Naz, and Chris. Paul is known amongst the group as the Viking despite having no Scandinavian ancestry. Despite his intimidating Viking-like beard, he is very approachable and easy to talk to. The two have shared unforgettable memories such as long car rides and goofy conversations while making the long trip to visit Nazar during his time in MA, as well as the infamous PAX East incident of 2018. Paul is selfless, generous, intelligent, and arguably the only reason the friend group ever made it out of escape rooms events. 

Paul Bessette

Rebecca is Rich’s cousin, but they were raised like sister and brother. Jenni and Rebecca met the first weekend Rich brought Jenni to his home in Stratford, Connecticut. Rebecca was eager to share all of the embarrassing stories of Rich. Jenni was the first girlfriend of Rich’s that Rebecca approved of. She has high standards, a little bit of sass, and a huge heart. She is a dog mom of two toy poodles, Remy and Milo. She enjoys modeling and traveling. 

Rebecca Brice 

Joshua is Rich's cousin and younger brother to Rebecca. When Joshua was born his middle name was chosen  in honor of Rich. No one expected that he would so closely follow Rich's tendencies as a toddler- constantly running around the house unclothed or driving every one crazy when he got ants in his pants. Joshua was the first infant Rich ever baby sat and first diaper Rich changed. It wasn't until Joshua's mom arrived at home that it was discovered Rich put Joshua's diaper both inside out and backwards. Needless to say, Rich wasn't allowed to baby sit Joshua solo very much after that day. Joshua is in high school and an aspiring basketball player.

Joshua Rocha

Sophia is the daughter of Rich’s friends, Chris and Ali Choi. She is two years old and full of energy and so silly! She loves all the dogs and her snacks. When the whole group gets together, you can find her feeding the dogs their cookies. Sophia loves her hound-mix dog, Lady. Her Uncle Rich and Aunt Jenni love her very much.

Sophia Choi

Landon and Levi are Samela and Chris Brown’s twin boys! Jenni & Rich ironically were at Samela and Chris’ baby shower for the twins, sitting one table apart from each other still as strangers- having no idea what was in store for the future. Landon is the jokester, always ready to perform or pose for a picture. Landon likes to sneak his mom’s iPad and text her friends from it- he’s quite the social butterfly! Levi is super smart, and has everyone’s birthdays and important dates committed to memory! It is amazing! They will make the best “ring security guards”! 

Landon & Levi Brown

If you know Jenni, you know Goliath is her son. He is a four year old Rottweiler, who is not only super handsome, but incredibly intelligent. He is in advanced obedience classes, and likely will be in school for life. He is very protective of Jenni, but a big goofball with Rich.  He immediately took a liking to Rich when he was introduced at 8 months old, and quickly nominated him the one and only “daddy”. He loves socks, pasta, swimming, and his girlfriend Millie the goldendoodle. He is the light of Jenni & Rich’s life- and he’s so excited to walk down the aisle on their wedding day- he has been practicing for this moment his whole life! 

Goliath Lisiewski 

Millie met Goliath on their walk in the neighborhood- and it was love at first sight. She is a five year old goldendoodle. She quickly became part of our family, and loves to go to Jenni’s house for play dates and dinner dates. Jenni taught her how to sit like a pretty girl for pictures and how to eat off of a fork. Millie enjoys playing frisbee with her mom, rolling in the grass, submerging herself in the pool,  and tantalizing her boyfriend Goliath with his own toys and bones. She may be little, but she wears the pants in the relationship. Jenni, Rich, & Goliath hope she NEVER moves out of the neighborhood! She promises to work on her best walk down the aisle for the big day! 

Millie Walsh

Wedding Party

Q + A

Please be sure to make hotel reservation by August 6th to take advantage of the block discounted rates. Once this date has passed, there is no guarantee that a room will be available due to other large events occurring in the area this same weekend.

Jenni + Richard

Jenni + Richard

Travel

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Allentown Bethlehem/Center Valley