Maria and Patrick’s wedding day was straight out of a fairytale, or better yet a Taylor Swift music video (this wedding gives me strong “Love Story or Enchanted” vibes. Totally random tangent, but does anyone else remember when it was a big thing to make music videos out of movie clips and put them to Taylor Swift songs on youtube? No, just me?)

Maria and I were in the same high school class of 11 kids (yes, you read that right) in a small homeschool co-op and have stayed friends throughout the years since. It has been so amazing to hear about Patrick and watch this relationship grow and develop. I always love getting to photograph weddings for friends and this was no exception. (Scroll to the very end to see a photo of those of us from our class who were here – also crazy to me that we were talking about needing to start planning our 10 year reunion.)

October 2nd brought the best kind of fall weather and combined their enchanting venue, Cold Saturday Farm, in the Maryland countryside and it was a wonderful day. We started the day on the property in the bridal suite (which might be one of my favorite getting ready spaces I’ve been able to photograph – so much light and white space while being beautiful and cozy at the same time).

After Maria was dressed, she had a precious first look with her Dad (it was her gift to him that brought out the tears), a fun reveal with her bridesmaids, new sisters and mother-in-law, and the sweetest first look with Patrick. Since Maria and Patrick chose to do a first look, we were able to do all their wedding party photos before the ceremony which meant after the ceremony, their wedding party was free to go mingle and enjoy cocktail hour.

The wedding ceremony took place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sykesville, MD (if you’ve been a long time follower, you might recognize it from two of my cousins’ weddings in 2018 and 2019). While I enjoy shooting in new places, it is also always nice to be back in a church that I am comfortable and familiar with.

By the time we were back at Cold Saturday Farm, the sun was low in the sky giving us the perfect golden glowy light for Maria & Patrick’s portraits. I am obsessed with them. Seriously. As the sun dipped behind the hills, we went down to the most adorable stone arch bridge by a little pond. Again, I’m not kidding when I say this wedding felt like it belonged in a fairytale story. I’m honestly not sure if I love the glowy photos or the rich fall color photos better. I’m just glad Maria and Patrick have both to choose from!

Their reception was held in the barn on the property and after dinner and toasts were shared, we moved outside to the porch for the dancing. Their first dance and parent dances took place as the last light from the setting sun illuminated the sky with pastel hues and after the sun had set, an outdoor dance party commenced under the twinkle lights and stars. I’d say that’s a pretty epic way to end a wedding.

Maria and Patrick, I’m so happy you found each other and I’m so grateful you trusted me to document your wedding!

Our mini high school reunion (just missing a few people):

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. Joseph Catholic Church, Sykesville MD

 RECEPTION VENUE // Cold Saturday Farm

CAKE // Kristina Dubyoski

FLORIST // Ianna Rose Events

CATERER // Tasty Creations Catering

HAIR & MUA  // Make-up: Erin Hair: Brittany

WEDDING DRESS // Cherie Sustainable Bridal Designer: Anne Barge

BRIDESMAIDS // Tulle & Chantilly