Paula and TJ Greenwood

Paula Jo (Scola) Greenwood, 27, attended UMKC and earned a BA in criminal justice and criminology. Paula is hard of hearing and runs her family business, Scola’s Original Italian Cookies and Pastries. She and her new groom, TJ, live in Liberty, Missouri, with their puppy

TJ Greenwood, 28, attended University of Central Missouri. He is currently a driver at UPS; when he’s not working for them, he’s helping Paula out at the bakery. 

“We have always known each other,” Paula notes. “TJ and my sister have gone to school since preschool. What’s funny is if you asked us when we were younger if we would marry each other, we would have said no. It wasn’t until the end of my freshman year of college that we really started to like each other.” 

TJ enlisted family help for his proposal. “He had my mom host my birthday party,” she laughs. “He told me we needed to take our German shepherd to the park to wear him out before family came over; he had a blanket laid out and gave me a birthday gift, which was a sign for our dog to wear saying My Parents Are Getting Married. I looked up and he was on his knee and asked! I obviously said yes. Then we went back to my parents’ house and our friends and family were all there.”

The blissful couple tied the knot September 18, 2021, with a full bridal party. “My sister was my Matron of Honor; I had a Maid of Honor and 11 bridesmaids. TJ had a Best Man, 11 groomsmen and two ushers,” Paula describes. “We had two candle lighters and what we called a bridal entourage, which consisted of ten little kids under the age of six, two ring bearers, one flower girl and my niece, who was the miniature bride. It was a total of 14 little kids. Our bridal photos were taken at the Hotel Kansas City, which was a beautiful backdrop and everyone was so kind.”

The day was full of family. “Family is everything to TJ and me; we had all of our siblings and little cousins in the wedding and close friends who are more like family,” Paula said. “My mom, Dianna Scola, planned it all; to us, everything was picked out by her and that made it even more magical. Our favorite part was our cookies table! When we opened the door to the table, everyone stood and clapped.” ■

Tied the Knot: September 18, 2021

Bridal Gown
Stephanie’s Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
Stephanie’s Bridal

Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits/Tuxes
Tip Top Tux

Makeup
Mikaela Bengimina, Nicole Falco, Jennifer Conroy

Hair Stylists
Anna Pisciotta, Anna Vitale Merricks, Katie Vitale Grither

Florist
Beverly Bevel

Videography
Tower Studios

DJ
Anthony Brancato

Caterer
Argosy Casino and Hotel

Cookies
Scola’s Italian Cookies

Cake
Cakes by Rama Sola

Wedding Coordinators
Dianna Scola, Carol Jo Siraguso

Wedding Venue
St. James Catholic Church

Reception Venue
Argosy Casino and Hotel

Jeweler
Meierotto Jewelers

Invitations
Di’s Elegant Invites