Kathleen and Patrick are two big-hearted people who find their greatest joys in life magnified by their shared passions. Both are in special education fields and initially bonded over the unique challenges and rewards of such a profession. When Kathleen moved to NYC for grad school, she and Patrick resolved to make their relationship work through the distance and they’re so glad they did. Their holiday inspired Whitemarsh Valley Country Club wedding celebrated the uniting of their lives in yet a new way: marriage.
Getting Ready for the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club Wedding
Spirits were certainly high when we arrived to begin photographing Kathleen and Pat’s wedding day. Kathleen was perfectly radiant in her cozy robe and showed us all her details excitedly. Everything was so beautiful. Her Justin Alexander wedding dress featured a daring plunge and full ball gown skirt and POCKETS! Her White by Vera Wang heels and gorgeous Christmas inspired invitation suite from Minted paired perfectly for some detail shots.
In the glow of her family’s Christmas tree and it’s rainbow lights, her bridesmaids gathered to help her into her incredible dress. It was all hands on deck. When all everything was just right, she sat down for some bridal portraits and to read a notebook full of love and well wishes. It was then that the transformation was complete. She was a bride ready for her groom.
The guys were also having a great time. We loved their red and green suspenders and Christmas socks. They really embraced the holiday season for their wedding inspiration. Pat’s custom gold cufflinks added a little flair to his wedding day look. After a couple of beers, it was time to get to the church!
The Wedding Ceremony at St Charles Borromeo Seminary
Yes, that St Charles Borromeo Seminary where Pope Francis met with local leaders when he visited Philadelphia in 2015. This stunning church had one of the widest aisles we’ve seen. Which was perfect for showing off the full grandeur of Kathleen’s gown as she swept down the aisle with her dad. Patrick smiled at her the entire way. Their traditional Catholic ceremony concluded with a kiss and joyful recession before reconvening for family portraits.
Couples Portraits at St Charles Borromeo Seminary
The stunning grounds and architecture of the Seminary was a spectacular place for these two to let loose and enjoy some time together while we photographed them. Kathleen’s evergreen bouquet was on home turf, and the stone stairs gave us the chance to show off her dress even more. When everyone was sufficiently frozen, we whisked off the the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for their reception!
The Whitemarsh Valley Country Club Wedding Reception
It was like a giant holiday party at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for Kathleen and Pat’s reception. Everywhere you looked were twinkle lights, holly and mistletoe, red and green, and snow globes. The place cards were bedecked with holly berries, guests signed Christmas ornaments for the newlyweds to put on their tree, and there were even red and green socks for guests to shed heels for dancing.
Before entering their reception, the St Joe’s Hawk made an appearance for some pictures! Then it was time to get the reception rolling. The entire bridal party entered at once, shall we say exuberantly? Followed by the new Mr and Mrs who wasted no time opening the dance floor with their first married dance. Toasts, parent dances, and a delicious dinner were served and then it was party time. DJ Bill Hence kept everyone moving and grooving all night, and Patrick even managed to sneak some Christmas songs into the rotation. Then it was time to say “Merry Christmas and to all a good night!” as we hitched up our sleigh and dashed off into the winter night.
