A Sentimental Ceremony

I’d like to jump right to the ceremony at St. Joseph’s in High Bridge. Hilary and Jake did not have a first look, which is very typical for a church wedding. There is a lot of traveling happening when we’re going from getting ready, to church, to reception, so I made sure we built a schedule that allowed time for portraits after our couple was happily married!

Back to the ceremony! When Hilary mentioned she was having her ceremony at St. Joseph’s in High Bridge, the only thing I knew about the church is that I was baptized there, and what do you know? Hilary and Jake were as well! I love that they chose to have their wedding ceremony where the rest of their sacraments took place!

I don’t know if I normally include so many ceremony pictures, but be sure to take note of the faces that Father Maurice makes throughout the ceremony. They all tell a story.

First of all, everyone arrived at the church on time. However, there was no one to tell us exactly when to “start” or walk down the aisle. So, the groomsmen decided, “let’s start” and that’s what we did. I have no idea how the bridesmaids knew to start walking down the aisle, but they did. Then the music stopped. We waited, and waited, peeked out into the ceremony to see if they were going to start up again, and after what felt like a long time, they did!

Hilary’s father proudly walked her down the aisle, and at the end, Father Maurice gave him a “what took you so long” look. I give them credit, they organized the entire processional solo!

Somewhere about 2:30pm, 2 year old John Wayne realized that he missed his nap and was going to take vengeance on everyone present with shrieks of  disapproval. As Dad walked all the way around the church to take him outside, he screamed “No! No Daddy! Nooooooo!!” Dad calmly took him to the room labeled “For God’s little, lively Angels.” John Wayne sat with Dad and read a book for about 3 minutes before he completely passed out. I am so in love with this picture of him cuddled up in his Dad’s arms!

For our finale, Pastor Maurice announced that “we rate” the kiss. He declared that no one will ever take the place of number one, I’m not really sure why, but I wish I was present for it! Jake had a chance to make it to number two. There was no formal declaration of how they did, but after two tries, I think Hilary and Jake deserve second place for sure!

We toured downtown Clinton with the new Mr. and Mrs. and they’re super fun wedding party before heading out to the Farmhouse at the Grand Colonial for their reception! Before they’re sparkler exit, Hilary and Jake cut their cake and had the biggest surprised look on their faces! I love it! I just have no idea what the surprise was!

Thank you Hilary and Jake for having us at your wedding to share in such wonderful memories! I need to know the story about the cake when you get back from St. Lucia! Thanks to Barb and Sami for awesome assistance!

Photographers and Assistant: Lauren Kearns, Barbara Wentzel & Samantha Ferrante

Hair/Makeup: “I Do” Your Hair and Makeup

Wedding Dress: Kittychen Couture from Three Graces Bridal

Rings: Roman Jewelers

Bridesmaids Dresses: Sara’s Boutique, Branchburg NJ

Groom & Groomsmen Tux: Dante Zeller Tuxedo by Sarno

Florist: Greans and Beans, Clinton NJ

Invitations: Minted

Transportation: First Class Limosine

Videographer: Color Room Films

Band: Bachelor Boys Band