Mixing tradition with causal – that’s what Mary Kate and Patrick’s Irish wedding was all about! These sweet newlyweds paid tribute to their Irish heritage in their green and gold wedding, donning beautiful green and blue plaid wraps for the girls and accessories for the guys. They celebrated among family and friend in the setting they both always dreamed about, and created a warm and upbeat atmosphere for their loved ones. It was a perfect day full of love and laughter, and I loved capturing this chapter in Mary Kate and Patrick’s love story!

From Work Buddies to Life Partners

Mary Kate and Patrick met when they both worked for the Illinois State football team in March 2011. Their first one-on-one conversation was when Patrick walked Mary Kate through the job duties on the golf cart. They connected instantly! Patrick’s first thought of Mary Kate when he met her was that she was really nice with an outgoing personality. He thought that she was someone he would be really good friends with. Mary Kate could also tell that her future hubby was someone with a similar background as her own, and she wanted to be friends with him. Who knew it would be more than friends all these years later?

A Deep and Personal Connection

These sweet lovebirds share an incredible and personal connection, as their relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs that they have overcome. When they had been dating for five months, Mary Kate was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and three months later, Patrick’s grandpa passed away. They connected on a deep level that many couples don’t experience so soon in their relationship, or sometimes ever. Mary Kate and Patrick quickly realized how real their feelings were for each other, and from there, they knew they were meant to be.

As a couple, Mary Kate and Patrick like watching movies, going to sports events and concerts, eating pizza, and traveling together. They have been all over the US together, including Portland, OR where they got engaged. Throughout it all, Patrick continues to fall in love with his honey’s good heart, relationship with her family, caring personality, good sense of humor, love of movies and sports, and the way she cared for her friends and family more than herself. Mary Kate loves Patrick’s sense of humor – from day one he has always made her laugh. She loves his passion towards life, his sports teams, and his job. He has a way of making her feel special, especially when he buys her coffee in the morning and when he started to listen to country music because he knew Mary Kate liked it.

An Irish Green and Gold Wedding

Mary Kate and Patrick sealed their love in a green and gold wedding on October 7, 2017. The day featured a traditional theme with a casual edge and nods to their Irish heritage. Mary Kate stunned her hubby and guests in a lace cap sleeve dress with a sweetheart neckline and open back, paired with a long veil and lace trim. Her leading ladies wore emerald-green floor-length chiffon dresses in different styles, while the guys donned black tuxes and plaid pocket squares. The ceremony took place at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, and they were happy that their officiant was an important person in both of their lives – he was chaplain at CCHS when Mary Kate was there, and is currently the priest at St. Jude’s Parish in Peoria where Patrick’s grandparents used to attend.

The green and gold wedding incorporated a variety of special touches that made the fun-loving couple’s day uniquely their own. Mary Kate had her new name embroidered inside her wristlet, and presented her bridesmaids, mom, and mother-of-the-groom personal gifts and cards. Mary Kate’s uncle and godfather read an Irish blessing after communion. This was incredibly special because it was also read at her parent’s wedding in 1985. Her cousin played the bagpipes when they entered the church, which added to the Irish feel. Their reception at the Metamora Fields Golf Club in Metamora, IL was just as beautiful. The bride and groom featured a welcome table with family photographs. They also had a stunning wedding cake, with several large tiers and a classic monogram. Throughout it all, the couple’s love shone brightest of all. The intimate, un-staged photos captured the love and care they share for one another.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien!

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: St Bernard’s Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Metamora Fields

Videographer: Imagemaker

Cake: Trefzgers Bakery

Florist: Create-A-Scene

Makeup and Hair Artist: Corpo Bello Salon Day Spa & Boutique

Band/DJ: DJ4U

Bride’s Gown: Bridal Extraordinaire

Groom’s Tux: Calvin Klein

To see similar weddings click here and here!