It’s not very often that we have a couple that were each others date for the 8th grade formal but Kate & Brennan were just that.  Their great love and natural ease around each other was something so special.  The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp on one of the most beautiful December days in memory.  Kate held back tears as she opened her gifts from Brennan on her wedding morning.  A beautiful gold honeymoon band with their wedding date engraved and second diamond band.  She smiled as she joking recalled the band “Now I have a stone for each year we’ve been dating!” Her sisters helped her into her lace Lazaro gown with custom crystal inlaid belt.  She slipped on her bright red Valentino stilettos,  just the thing for a December wedding.  Classic red roses from Flowers From Hannah and gold edged invites by William Arthur from The Papery in Summit fell right in line with the season.  All three girls gathered around their father as he brought out their mother’s jewelry.  She loved to go to estate sales and collect special pieces. Each girl lovingly helped pick out bracelets for one another.  Kate descended the stairs to the christmas tree to meet her attendants.  Each girl chose her own black gown to match her personality and held a beautiful 1920’s style silver holder with a nosegay of white roses.  The excellent day of event coordinator Jan Stephens of Something Social calmly ushered the wedding party to  Christ the King Church of New Vernon. The beautiful church with it’s classic black & white checkered floor and blue walls is one of the prettiest to photograph.  Even the swans were out on the lake in front.    The sermon was a touching statement on love & hospitality.  It doesn’t take much to see that Kate & Brennan have those wonderful qualities in abundance.  The reception moved to the beloved Baltusrol Golf & Country Club where a traditional bagpiper greeted guests.  The Cunningham Brothers Band kept the crowd on their toes all through the night with their mix of high energy dance music and touches of traditional Irish tunes.

The couple was so lovely we did a more relaxed after wedding portrait session. We got such a kick out of Lauren’s converse sneakers!

Lauren’s parents recall thinking of this day when building their grand staircase.  With four daughters it will be the backdrop for many special days!

The ceremony was also in New Vernon at The Church of Christ the King where the couple made a dashing exit in an antique Triumph convertible.