Three years ago, I was walking 500 miles across Spain with Deirdre (my best friend turned amazing second photographer) and my sister, Rosie. Near the end of the Camino, close to Santiago, we met two fellow Catholic American girls, Catie and Nicolette. We only spent one evening together, but we had amazing conversations, shared a ton of laughter, and commiserated over our similar (slightly traumatic) starts to our Caminos. And, of course, we bonded over our shared Catholic faith and nationality! Although we didn’t see each other again, we followed one another on Instagram, so you can imagine my excitement when I received an email from Catie last year inquiring about wedding photography!

I obviously would have been excited about this wedding regardless of how the day went because of our special connection, but Catie & John’s wedding was truly one of the most colorful, joyful, Christ-centered wedding days and such a gift to be a part of!

Catie’s twin brother is a Franciscan brother, one of her bridesmaids was a religious sister, and several more religious sisters attended their Holy Hour and Mass. They also had several priests who concelebrated their wedding Mass and offered Confession beforehand during two simultaneous Holy Hours. One took place in the chapel in the St. Cecilia’s office for Catie and her girls, while the other was held in the St. Cecilia Church for any family and guests who wished to spend some time in quiet prayer. Wedding mornings can often feel a little rushed and chaotic toward the end, so having that hour of quiet prayer before Mass created such a beautiful opportunity to slow down and prepare their hearts before entering into the Sacrament of Marriage. It was such a gift to witness!

Catie has the BEST smile (as you’ll very quickly see), and her joy was absolutely overflowing and infectious! I also loved how bright and colorful this wedding was, from John’s green suit to Catie’s STUNNING embroidered veil, the mix of colorful bridesmaid dresses, and, of course, their gorgeous florals!

Their venue, The Barn at Perona Farms, was decorated so perfectly by their florist and planner, Bella Events. Sometimes barns can feel a little overwhelmingly orange, but this one was just perfect! String lights and greenery were hung throughout the space, while candles and bud vases lined the rustic farm tables. Every detail came together so beautifully!

Their reception was also SO much fun! They kicked things off with an open dance floor set (a common trend at many of my Eastern PA and NJ weddings, and one I always love!), and the party was still going quite strong when we left a few hours later!

Catie and John, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your wedding day! It was such a joy to celebrate with you both, and I’m so grateful that the Camino brought us together three years ago.

Xoxo,
Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH //St. Cecilia Church

RECEPTION VENUE // The Barn at Perona Farms

VIDEOGRAPHER // Chari Films

FLORIST & PLANNER // Bella Events

DJ // Danny G — Elite Sound Entertainment

CAKE // Palermo’s Bakery

DRESS // Bridal Atelier Montclair

HAIR & MUA // Sabella Salon

BRIDESMAIDS // Azazie, Birdy Grey, and two others

GROOMSMEN // Joseph A. Bank