It Runs in the Family

This past Friday, I headed home to the great state of New Jersey to see my cousin Allison get married! Allison & her husband Rob have known each other since high school- they even went to the prom together- but didn't start dating until a couple years ago. So when Rob popped the question in August 2011, our family couldn't have been happier for them!

If there's someone who knows a thing or two about organization, it's Allison. She far outweighs me in the OCD department, although I try to give her a run for her money. Neither of our mothers can understand how the two of us turned out like this. We like to joke that it must have been a gene that skipped a generation. Just to give you hint at how severe the situation is: Al uses color coded highlighters for her planner (alright, who doesn't?), vacuums herself out of rooms to avoid any carpet-footprints, and scrubs the grout in her bathroom with a Clorox-wipe-covered toothbrush. Organized? Yes. Obsessive? Absolutely. Crazy? You betcha.

I know you must be thinking this sounds like the foundation for the ultimate Bridezilla, but if there's one thing Allison's not, it's uptight. Which is probably why the entire day went off without a hitch- and was gorgeous to boot. Another testament to Allison's uncanny organization skills: she planned her entire wedding in a matter of weeks. Dress, venue, photographer, honeymoon, EVERYTHING. No doubt she checked them off her well managed list faster than you can say 'Alphabetical Order'. All she and Rob had left to do was kick their feet up and wait for the big day to arrive.

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral Basilica (that's Catholic for 'BIG church') of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. You couldn't ask for a more magnificent setting for the ceremony. I mean, look at this place-

After the mass, we snapped a couple photos outside the church before heading back to The Madison Hotel in Morristown for the reception. Even Allison & Rob's beloved bulldog Newton made an appearance in his doggie tuxedo:

Some sass from bride & bridesmaids outside the reception hall:

Now, if you thought the church was beautiful, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Because everything about The Madison Hotel's Conservatory, where the party was held, was equally as stunning. My photos just won't do it justice, but I hope you can make out the high glass walls & ceiling, ornate chandeliers, and elegant hanging plants. Here's the bride & groom making their big entrance:

Everything about their big day & night was so special, it's definitely an occasion we'll all remember for a long time to come. Wishing Allison & Rob all the best on their new life together! xoxo