A Beautiful Love Story of "In Sickness and In Health"
We love not only sharing our readers' special days, but the stories behind them. And this beautiful bride, Katie? She's a true hero. She said "I do" to her soulmate a bit earlier than expected while fighting Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. Katie and Kyle toasted to their love with not one, but two celebrations, and Julie Jordan and Colleen Lavalle captured every beautiful moment. It's with incredible sadness we share that Katie's courageous battle has come to an end, but her and Kyle's love will be a legacy always.
From the Bride's Best Friend... I'm sharing this beautiful wedding on behalf of my best friend, Katie. Katie has come to the end of her 16 month long battle with cancer and I KNOW that if she were able, she would write this submission herself. Katie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma in July 2014. Her diagnosis was an uphill battle if ever there was one, but, thanks to her huge network of family, friends and #TeamKate supporters, and her amazing attitude, Katie lived each day to the fullest. While her journey has been a long and truly heart-breaking one, it was also one filled with tons of laughter and support, and her wedding day was no exception.
Katie and Kyle met each other in high school in Scranton, Pennsylvania. They first started out as close friends and then became more with time. They bonded over their shared love of Penn State University and the Yankees, Bruce Springsteen, pugs and their passion for family and friends. I think Katie knew that Kyle was "the one" the first time he made her laugh. She always said that no one makes her smile more than he did, and I know that he says the same thing about her. He was the man of her dreams, and she was the woman of his.
When it came down to planning their wedding, Katie wanted it to feel warm, intimate and natural, with a touch of their humor.
Katie officially married Kyle on a beautiful, sun filled day in August. Her wedding was originally scheduled for September 19, 2015, but, due to health complications, she decided to bump up the date of their wedding to a time when she knew that she would be feeling healthy. After getting ready at her most favorite place in the world, her family's lake house - affectionately dubbed 'Acorn Point' - Katie made her way into the city in a classic car with her hero, her dad.
Katie officially married Kyle on a beautiful, sun filled day in August. Her wedding was originally scheduled for September 19, 2015, but, due to health complications, she decided to bump up the date of their wedding to a time when she knew that she would be feeling healthy. After getting ready at her most favorite place in the world, her family's lake house - affectionately dubbed 'Acorn Point' - Katie made her way into the city in a classic car with her hero, her dad.
Surrounded by her immediate family and closest friends, Katie and Kyle married at St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of Katie and Kyle's hometown, St. Peter's holds a special place in their hearts as it's been the site of many weddings of their closest friends and family members. Their intimate reception was held at The Radisson Lackawanna Station, a historic train station built in 1908. The bride wore a beautiful Reem Acra wedding dress, complete with a cathedral style veil. The groom matched her in elegance in a classic black tux. The day was everything they ever dreamed of and more. It started with sunshine and ended with sparklers. We refer to this as wedding Part 1 because Part 2 was just around the corner!
With the invites for the original wedding date mailed weeks before, Katie and Kyle decided to move forward with her scheduled treatments and keep September 19th on the books for the full reception. Katie was feeling good, and she wanted to celebrate! The couple chose Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, PA. The space was so them. Views of big open sky, greens as far as the eye can see and pure elegance.
Before heading to the reception, the bride and groom, complete with full bridal party, made a photo pit stop at PNC baseball field, home of the Yankees practice sessions and local Rail Riders team. The couple wore custom jerseys courtesy of the team, practiced pitching and swinging on the field, and watched the big screen for messages of congratulations from the players. It was a truly special moment that they will never forget.
Under a beautiful white tent overlooking the club's grounds, Katie and Kyle danced their cares away. When guests weren't dancing or posing at the photo booth with mustache and wig props, they enjoyed traditional American fare, a custom, three tiered ice cream cake from Manning Dairy Farm and a full candy bar complete with the couple's all-time favorites - local chocolates from Gertrude Hawk, Swedish Fish and Sour Watermelons, to name a few.
The decor was natural and romantic, complete with light wood barn tables, pops of dark green, white and pink, and light blue. Towards of the end of the night, Katie changed into a white jumpsuit and channeled her inner Beyonce. Katie said it best, 'They were the best days of my life.'
The decor was natural and romantic, complete with light wood barn tables, pops of dark green, white and pink, and light blue. Towards of the end of the night, Katie changed into a white jumpsuit and channeled her inner Beyonce. Katie said it best, 'They were the best days of my life.'
Weddings Part 1 and 2 couldn't have been more perfect for a most deserving couple. On behalf of her family, friends, and supporters far and wide, we thank you, Kate, for leaving an everlasting impression on all of us. #TeamKate forever.
