Katie + Jake

Even after planning hundreds of weddings, sometimes we still cry on the wedding day. No, not because of something going wrong, but for sentimental reasons. This wedding planner got teary eyed twice during the beautiful wedding ceremony and reception for Katie and Jake on Saturday.

Their wedding ceremony was in the newly restored and very beautiful Corpus Christi Church in Baltimore City were almost 200 guests gathered on a crisp October evening for the Nuptial Mass. There was a moment just after the lighting of the Unity Candle where Katie and Jake looked at each other so lovingly (while holding hands and a hymn was being sung) that reminded this wedding planner of why she is a wedding planner. The talented photographer Arthur Remanjon also recognizing a special moment when he sees one, raced up the aisle to capture the image. On his way back to the rear of the church he whispered "I love this job" as I nodded through teary eyes. Experience has taught us about genuine moments between bride and groom and we are grateful for those.

Four motor coaches then shuttled the (mostly out-of-town) guests to The Belvedere where guests were wowed by the decor on the 12th floor for the reception. The Platinum Room was the scene of the very fun and lively cocktail hour and then guests were invited to the Grand Ballroom which filled with deep red and purple flowers against a cream embroidered sheer table linen.

To start off the reception, the bride's mom gave a very moving "welcome" (the second time we got teary eyed) and tenderly acknowledged the bride's dad and the groom's dad who have passed away. The mom is a wonderful lady and we are so glad to have gotten to know her during the planning process. The best man then followed with a hilarious toast that had everyone in good spirits by the time dinner began.

The dinner started with a served Caesar salad followed by a delicious buffet. The wedding cake was served an hour after dinner to each guests and a special treat of chocolate covered strawberries were displayed on the coffee station.

This was a fun group for sure! Katie and Jake are among the first of their young friends to marry and there were dozens and dozens of twenty-somethings there with them to celebrate. Thankfully our deejay Evan Reitmeyer of MyDeejay.com knew just what to play to keep the crowd very, very happy. From what we heard through the grapevine, the party continued after the reception up on the 13th floor bar at The Belvedere into the wee hours of the morning.

Our other fabulous vendors: Jeanne Graham from Blue Sage was the floral decorator, Bobby Dill from Event Dynamics provided the lighting, the linens were from Table Toppers and the rental chair cushions and napkins were from Party Rental. The videographer was Jim Skipper of Black Tie Video and we are grateful to the wonderful staff at The Belvedere for their terrific service as always.

Congratulations Katie and Jake. We loved working with you and are so happy that you had a perfect wedding day.