I always have a soft spot for December weddings! The light is gorgeous all day long because of the shortened days, and the winter colors my couples typically pick are always so rich. Thomas and Kaitlyn knocked this one out of the park with their thoughtful choices, and I absolutely loved Kaitlyn’s bridal crown. Both her mother and grandmother had worn the crown at their own weddings, and Kaitlyn had the crown restored for her own. It was literally the perfect touch for her look and so special.

The Madison Hotel has a gorgeous greenhouse space where Kaitlyn and Thomas had their ceremony – it has so much natural light, and is the perfect winter location. We were even able to do quite a lot of their photos outside as it was chilly but completely doable! The front of the hotel was all decked out, and it was just the perfect touch!

I love these two, and how involved both of them were with the planning of this wedding – as well as their care and attention to detail. I had done Thomas’s sister’s wedding a couple of years ago, and it was such a joy to be back with this family! Their joy was absolutely infectious.

How did you meet?

We met through Hinge but found out on our first date at the Inkwell Coffee House in Long Branch, NJ (RIP) that we had a lot of mutual connections through Thomas’ friends at his all-boys high school (Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, NJ). Kaitlyn had performed in several of the school’s theater productions, where she befriended many of the guys in the shows that Thomas knew a handful of. It turns out we were both in the school building at the same time all those years ago without even realizing it. Funny enough, there are actually more pictures of Kaitlyn than Thomas in his own, all-boys high school yearbook.

What was the proposal like?

Thomas proposed to Kaitlyn at Van Vorst Park in Jersey City near their apartment where they first moved in together in 2021. The proposal was on the 6th anniversary of their first date at the Inkwell Coffee House.

Creative Team:

Photography: Kelly Sea Images | Venue: The Madison Hotel | Hair: Aimee Beam | Make-Up: Glam with Sam | Entertainment: SCE Event Group/Jeff Scott Gould