Ballroom at the Westside Wedding | Cathleen + Luke

Cathleen + Luke | Ballroom at the Westside | August 4, 2017

It’s always a joy for us to get to take part in the weddings of close friends. Ashley was able to photograph her friend Colleen’s wedding last year, and this year, Rachel got to do the same for Cathleen and Luke at Brandywine Grace.

Cathleen and Luke have an epic love story that spans 9 years. They met through mutual friends in 2008, and were instantly taken with each other. However, they were starry eyed and young, and life had some plans for them including a relocation for Cathleen to Boston. While in Boston, she experienced an unplanned pregnancy that took her back to her family who attended Brandywine Grace Church and the West Chester area.

Her return to the area reconnected her with Luke; who had never stopped thinking about her. After about a year of her being home, he asked if she wanted to try their relationship again and in no time at all, they were engaged.

Through all the highs and lows, they’d never moved on from wanting to be together and made everything permanent and official on August 4th. And as longtime friend to both, Rachel was over the moon to get the chance to celebrate their love up close and personal.

Getting Ready in West Chester

Rachel arrived at Luke’s and walked into the familiar kitchen full of old friends who hadn’t aged a day, and started photographing a very anxious groom. Luke was so excited to see Cathleen that he could barely eat. Thankfully, we forced some food into him and took him outside for some groom portraits alone. Once he was calmed and fed, we made our way to the bride!

When Rachel arrived at Cathleen’s, the bridesmaids were all ready to go and Cathleen had all her gorgeous details out and ready for their moment in the spotlight. It perfectly complemented the elegant and understated wedding dress. Her bouquet by Fiori by Stephanie was full of vibrant hues and rich textures. It was the perfect complement to the customized wedding gown, sewn by the talented Angie Sacks – a former broadway costume designer. As she slipped into it, she transformed from nervous fiancé to graceful and gorgeous bride. The moment had arrived, it was time.

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The Ceremony at Brandywine Grace Church

When we arrived at Brandywine Grace, the church was packed. The guests were excited. The big moment was just about here!

Every girl deserves to have someone look at her the way that Luke looked as Cathleen made her way down the aisle to him. Luke has always been an open book. As we watched him react to seeing his bride making her way to him, the pages flipped and flew. Years of memories telling the story of their love flashed before us. It had been a long road, but they were where they were supposed to be. When they were supposed to be.

The ceremony was filled with love as they dedicated the rest of their lives to one another. They joyously exchanged rings. And the room exploded when they sealed their union with the most intense kiss. Once we gathered everyone, we made our way to Stroud Preserve for bridal party and couple’s portraits.

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Portraits at Stroud Preserve

With a bridal party full of family and close friends, Rachel had an easy time getting everyone to cooperate. In just a few minutes, the bridal party pictures were finished. Then we focused in on Cathleen and Luke, and their new formed family. We made sure to include Cathleen’s son Dominic. Luke was just as excited to become Dom’s step-father as he was to become Cathleen’s husband.

Their portraits were a breeze. These two are so in love and Cathleen is basically a model, so we just snapped away at them. Once we’d exhausted ourselves, we headed to the reception.

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Reception at the Ballroom at the Westside

Rachel was so excited to get to be a guest at the reception, but she did capture the heartfelt toasts and speeches given in their honor. Their first dance was to “Passenger Seat” by Death Cab for Cutie. A song that had been theirs since they’d met. After a speedy cake cutting, Rachel put her gear away and kicked up her heels to celebrate her friends.

Cathleen and Luke, thank you for letting us be a part of your epic love story. We’re so grateful that through life’s ups and downs, you have managed to find the person you are meant to be with. We wish you many years together of married bliss!

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