Delaware Wedding at Winterthur Museum | Veronica + Joe

One night in Spain, eyes connected across a crowded bar, a moment which was followed by talking until the wee hours in front of Veronica and Joe’s (now) favorite late-night shawarma shop. Though their first meeting made it crystal clear there was something magic, Joe and Veronica’s journey together has been on a bit of a windy road. Says our wonderful bride, “From the beginning, our love story hasn’t been the most straightforward one… we met abroad as teenagers, spent the first three years of our relationship dating long-distance, did a second (shorter) long-distance stint, and now have spent the past two years working opposite schedules. But I think all of the crazy twists and turns only helped us to solidify a foundation of mutual respect, love, and teamwork. We both decided from early on that our connection is absolutely worth the journey, no matter where life takes us.”

Later, as they planned their wedding, that long, sweet history was incorporated in many ways, one of which was through the music. Says Veronica, “Most of our wedding “soundtrack” was hand-picked from the yearly Valentine’s Day playlists that we’ve been creating for each other since we first started dating.”

Valentine’s Day playlists. That next-level dreaminess is rivaled only by the way these two looked at one another on their wedding day!

Read on for more of their wedding story—and find out how Veronica fell for her Sofia gown—from our sweet bride below.

wedding gown: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Sofia via Jessica Haley Bridal | photographer: Adrienne Matz Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?

“My gown was an unexpected choice! When I started looking at dresses, I thought I would end up choosing something plainer and form-fitting. On a whim, I picked this dress off the rack because I was so intrigued by the unique texture of the floral skirt. It was totally unlike anything else I had tried on that day, but it just felt right—the perfect balance of simple and romantic. The studio was able to customize the dress for me by adding a more open back.”

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

“We knew from the start that we wanted to get married outdoors. We fell in love with Winterthur’s incredible scenery and indoor-outdoor flow.”

Tell us about your day!

“More than anything, we wanted our wedding to be a warm and meaningful reflection of us and our loved ones. Music was a key component, and most of our wedding “soundtrack” was hand-picked from the yearly Valentine’s Day playlists that we’ve been creating for each other since we first started dating. We had a close family member officiate our ceremony—he even wrote a beautiful poem inspired by our first meeting in Spain! We also paid homage to Veronica’s Greek family with a traditional kalamatiano dance and a signature ouzo-lemonade cocktail that we actually invented ourselves. There was some unexpected rainfall throughout the wedding day, but thankfully we’ve heard that’s good luck.”

 

What was your first dance song?

“Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier.”

 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

“We’re headed to Australia and New Zealand in January 2023!”

Veronica + Joe’s Winterthur Museum and Gardens Wedding Vendors

wedding gown: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Sofia via Jessica Haley Bridal | photographer: Adrienne Matz Photography  | wedding coordinator: Proud to Plan | venue: Winterthur Museum and Gardens | hair + makeup: Athena Beauty | groom’s tux: Baltimore Custom Clothiers | florals: Sweet Peas of Jennersville | acoustic trio/DJ: Anders Hyatt Music | videographer: Well Spun Weddings | lounge: Allaire Rentals | signage: Handlettered Heidi

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.