JLM COUTURE LOVE STORY #2

We had been dating for nearly four years at the time. We met in college and fell in love when we were both in law school. It was the year after we graduated law school.  We were working full time, busy as ever, and summer was just coming to a close. Pat had vacation time saved up and took the day off. It was a Thursday.

He suggested I meet him at our favorite park (the Frelinghuysen Arboretum) after I finished with work, to enjoy the cooling weather.  Knowing how much I missed them since starting my job, he called my sister and invited my two adorable nephews, Jakob (2) and Aaron (5), to come along for the fun.

We met at the park, with plenty of sun still left. We walked around the park, showing the boys all of the best spots: the Koi pond, the rose garden, and the beautiful butterfly bushes. As I was losing track of time, my oldest nephew, Jakob, suggested we find a spot for our picnic blanket. We settled down under a massive tree and snacked on the grapes (and wine!) that Pat had thoughtfully packed. But it wasn't long before the boys were up and racing around again.  As I chased after Aaron, Pat and Jakob ducked behind one of the large trees nearby. Curious about what they were up to, I made my way over with Aaron in tow.  It was then that I caught a glimpse of Jakob's face - flushed with a surprising shade of pink. Normally a verbose little fellow, he couldn't find words. I asked him what was wrong and, again, he stammered.  Finally, he stood up, just as Pat began to lower himself to the ground.

"Auntie, with you marry Uncle Pat-Pat?"

And there they were: Jakob with the most precious - and hopeful - look on his face; and Pat, down on one knee holding a sparkly, beautiful ring. I scooped up my nephews, ran over to Pat, and gave him the best group-hug ever. The moment could not have been sweeter.

As soon as I could collect myself, we jumped in the car and drove to my sister's house.  The whole way there, Jakob's little voice filled the car, peppering us with questions.  Would he be the ring bearer? Would he get to wear a tuxedo? Would I wear a white dress? He couldn't wait to see it...

My husband, Patrick, and I married on September 15, 2013 at the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey.  I was lucky to find my dream dress after very little shopping: Tara Keely 2206 from Jahee Bridal Atelier in Englewood, New Jersey.  Our wedding was everything I dreamed it would be.