OK, so I'm still behind on my blogging.... life has been absolutely crazy with the new (well, not so new as she is 1 years old now) little that is scooting around the house and getting into everything. Also, let's not forget this "new normal" we have grown accustom to over the past year - COVID and everything that is involved: socially distant, face masks, quarantines, vaccines, double face masks, hand sanitizer, zoom meetings and school, triple face masks (ok, kidding on the last one).
Anyways, mini rant over. Let's talk about Patricia and Patrick. I first met these two right before the world stopped. We discussed their vision for the day - intimate: ceremony at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in Linden, NJ, followed by photos at the local park and a small reception afterwards. They were set to marry on the most popular date of the year: 10-10-20 - how cool is that?!?! Like many couple around the world, these college sweethearts had to replan their day. Luckily for them, their original plan was already a small affair so Patricia and Patrick still were able to get married on their day.
Ok, so back to the title - COVID-chic. When I asked Patricia to fill out some information about her wedding, she described the day as such. I felt that is was just fitting and decided it needed to be featured. We have had a handful of couples provide personalized face masks for their wedding party. Patricia's wedding, however, was the first of 2020 that wore the masks most of the day - the bride and groom eventually took them off for part of the ceremony and when they were outside and keeping socially distant from people they didn't have everyday contact with. As a newer mom at the time, I was so thankful for the precautions they took.
The beautiful couple, who has been together for six years now, first met in college through a mutual friend and also sang in their church choir together. Patrick popped the question at Liberty Hall Museum. Patricia used to work there and he asked the question in front of a Christmas tree in her favorite room in the house. So sweet!! I love when the proposals are personal and include something significant to them (first date location, favorite holiday or event, etc).
Patricia found her dress at a Kleinfeld's Pop-up in NJ. She went shopping with her sister, mom and maid of honor. As she as she put the dress on with the veil, she knew it was the one. And that veil??? As gorgeous as the dress! When asked if she had any advice she wanted to offer to other couples planning a wedding, Patricia said, "The important thing is to get married! Don't focus on what other people might want or expect; remember that the wedding is one day, but marriage is for the rest of your lives." Very valuable advise to keep in mind.
The couple choice to keep things tradition and not have a first look. Patricia loved waiting as it added a surprise to the day. Patricia opted to walk herself down the aisle, which in a Catholic church, is usually a long walk. Now normally, a bride has someone to share the walk with, however, Patricia's father played the violin in the loft has she walked herself down. While it was a first for me - having a parent play an instrument during the processional - it was very unique and a beautiful addition to the ceremony. Patricia also added that her favorite moment of the day was when the couple kissed for the first time as husband and wife.
Following the ceremony and family portraits at the church, we went to Warinanco Park, in Roselle for a few intimate wedding portraits. Check them out below along with some others from the day.