When Irish eyes are smiling...
On Friday, October 4th in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Katie & Drew became one! This special day was a perfect reflection of the couple's shared Irish heritage, their joy, & special traditions. The day began with a beautiful Nuptial Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Havre de Grace. The couple was married on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, adding a spiritual significance to their day.
What made the ceremony even more special was that it was celebrated by not just one, but two priests - both with deeply personal connections to the couple. A college friend of Drew’s celebrated alongside a priest who had grown up in Ireland with Katie’s father. As a surprise to everyone, the two priests both serve in the same diocese in New Orleans! The Mass was also streamed live to family members in Dublin, ensuring that those who couldn’t make the journey were still part of the day.
After the Mass, friends & family made their way to the stunning Waters Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland, where the reception took place. During the cocktail hour, a traditional Irish band played lively tunes, transporting guests to the hills of Ireland. This nod to their heritage continued into the evening, with a captivating Irish dance performance by Katie's nieces, cousins, & sister that left everyone in awe! The combination of live music & dance was a wonderful way to honor their Irish roots & bring a unique touch to the celebration! Both families' Irish heritage was a central theme throughout the day, & many of their loved ones traveled from Ireland to witness and celebrate this beautiful union. It was a day filled with joy, family, & tradition, making it a wedding to remember.
The couple also included some Polish-Pittsburg traditions - including a cookie table & a "Bridal Polka Dance!" The bride's aunt baked over SIX HUNDRED cookies for the cookie table (yep, you read that number right!). The cookie table is a tradition that became popular during the Great Depression when couples were unable to afford a wedding cake. Instead of having a cake, close friends & family would bake cookies using favorite family recipes! The tradition has been passed down through generations of Italian, Irish, Greek, & Eastern European settlers. Today the Pittsburgh Cookie Table is such a strong tradition the wedding day just wouldn't be complete without it! The cookie table is set with to-go boxes for guests to enjoy the homemade cookies as a wedding favor.
The Bridal Polka Dance is also known as the "Money Dance." Guest pays $1 for a dance with the bride, while their friends & family dance in a circle around the bride. The idea is that the money from this dance is given to the couple to spend on their honeymoon. After everyone has danced with the bride, the guests create a barrier around the bride while the groom tries to break through. Drew is a Philadelphia Eagles, so naturally, the Eagles Fight song was played as he reached his bride!
Many congratulations to Katie and Drew! May your marriage be filled with the same peace & joy that radiated throughout your beautiful wedding day!
Photography: Merciful Love Photo
Church: Saint Patrick's Catholic Church
Venue: Water's Edge Events Center
DJ: Independence Events, Joe Gionfriddo
Florist: Floral Expressions by Jennifer
Hair & Makeup: Swept LLC, Jamie Lee Strohman
