Cathleen Toomey & Chris Donovan

sparkly wedding day footwear
first dance in the barn
wedding cake with icing flowers
painted rocks as wedding party favors
The newlyweds depart their wedding ceremony in style in a vintage classic car
Cathleen walking down the aisle about to be given away by her father
Cathleen Toomey and her mother share a candid moment on camera
Cathleen Toomey and Chris Donovan share a moment during their wedding day on the train tracks
Wedding ring close up on white bouquet

September 19, 2015
Exeter, NH

Chris and Cathleen dated for three years before Chris proposed during a Maine getaway. Although she knew Chris was “the one,” Cathleen wanted time to plan and save for the wedding, as well as merge their households. Five years later, on a trip to Block Island, Cathleen let Chris know she was ready by giving him a watch with a note stating “It’s time.”

Wedding planning was a family affair. Both Cathleen and Chris have large extended families. Cathleen’s brother John and his wife, Theresa, offered their home, Fort Rock Farm, and its 18th century barn as a reception site (the family spent many hours making the barn wedding-ready). Chris’ daughter, Chloe, was maid of honor and Cathleen’s youngest nieces were bridesmaids. The wedding featured many DIY touches as well: Cathleen and Theresa decorated the barn and created the reception table settings. Cathleen made the favors herself – Mason jars labeled with the guests’ table numbers.

Cathleen and Chris’ families met for the first time at the wedding. Chris’ parents, both in their 80’s, traveled from the Midwest for the occasion; Cathleen’s parents, also in their 80’s, attended as well. “It was instant chemistry and total joy,” Cathleen says. The excitement carried over to the reception, when everyone hit the dance floor. A joyous evening, indeed.

{the wedding recipe}

Ceremony
St. Michael Parish
Exeter, NH

Reception
Exeter, NH

Caterer
Billingsgate Catering
Exeter, NH

Flowers
Cymbidium
Exeter, NH

Photography
Geneve Hoffman Photography
York, ME

Gown
Demetriosbride.com