A Traditional Cathedral Wedding

Kasia and Jimmy are married! It seems like just yesterday that Kasia called me about her wedding, followed by our last minute pandemic planning engagement session. Now she’s Mrs. McHugh! I have known Kasia and her sisters for almost a decade now – we met when these three creative, athletic, sisters started their own activewear company. It’s hard to believe that she was still in high school at the time!

Kasia met Jimmy at college and it was almost love at first sight, and basically an immediate relationship. Their first date was Christmas with Jimmy’s family. So I think that makes Jimmy pretty confident that things were going to work out. Kasia knew within a few days that Jimmy was the one. From anyone observing them, it is very obvious that these two are not only perfect together, but that they are absolutely in love.

Kasia opened a letter from Jimmy on the morning of her wedding and told us she had no problem reading it out loud. “I’m not an emotional person” she told us. Within the first few lines, she started to tear up and laugh. There are just some moments you cannot stage! This is something I absolutely love about weddings. Jimmy had tears streaming down his face when he saw Kasia walking down the world’s longest aisle at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

Now I have heard my fair share of marriage sermons over the past 15 years of photographing weddings, but this marriage sermon was powerful and beautiful. He said that marriage was created by God and belongs to God. It is defined by God, and cannot be redefined by man. Kasia and Jimmy – I don’t know if you remember the sermon (there’s a lot on your mind when you’re in the spotlight!) but those words are worth remembering.

After a beautiful ceremony, we walked across the street to Branch Brook Park for portraits. Kasia and Jimmy are basically models, so we took every opportunity to photograph every angle and ended our session with Jimmy’s jacket button breaking off and Kasia stepping on a bee. It’s not easy being a bride and groom! They handled the challenges with such grace and bravery (Kasia slipped on her heels and carried on.)

Once we got to the Westmount Country Club there was a break for Kasia to get into sweats and relax, and her Mom and sister got to work! Kasia’s sister, Michelle, is super creative and her talents can only be described as a Pinterest inspiration guru. She decorated the reception (all while expertly balancing her Maid of Honor duties), and it was stunning! You have to scroll to see how this classic white and green wedding transformed into color and vibrancy for the reception!

We ended the night with some fun colorful portraits outside and Kasia and Jimmy cutting their cake with a sword!

Kasia and Jimmy – we are so happy for you! Being part of your day was amazing and we loved celebrating with you! Congratulations!

Church: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Hair: Senada

Makeup: Michele Eva

Dress: Bridal Reflections

Portrait Location: Branch Brook Park

Reception Venue: Westmount Country Club, Woodland Park, NJ

Decor: MRC Events

Videographer: Orange Films

Entertainment: Craig Scott Entertainment