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These Irish-Dance Teachers Had Bagpipers and Did a Group Performance on Their Wedding Day
Posted on May 01, 2025 by New Jersey Bride
Caitlin and Rory wed at Nanina’s in the Park on December 21, 2024.
Their Story
Rory and Caitlin met when they were 16-years-old at an Irish dance competition in Philadelphia.
But they were not friends until they became Irish dance teachers when they were 25.
“After spending time together at a regional competition, Rory thought we got along well and asked me to dinner,” says Caitlin.
They started dating in December 2021, and travelled between New York and New Jersey every weekend until they moved in together.
The Proposal
Rory proposed at the Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx.
“He had said we were going for a private tour for my birthday,” says Caitlin. “After he proposed, Rory surprised me with our closest family and friends waiting at my parent’s house.”
[RELATED: Looking for a photographer? Start your search here!]
Details of The Day
Since they got married at Christmastime, the couple really leaned into the holiday spirit.
Their color scheme was reds, white and greens. Theor card box was a Santa mailbox. The bridesmaids wore a cranberry color. The flowers were done by the bride’s uncle at Brennan’s Florist.
“We kept the reception decor simple with roses, winter greens and candles,” says Caitlin. “The bouquets were red and white roses with cranberries and winter greens.”
[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]
Choosing the Venue
They had a church wedding at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City.
“I have a strong family tie to the church as my parents and grandparents were married there,” says Caitlin.
For the reception, they fell in love with Nanina’s in the Park as soon as they walked in for the first tour.
“The venue itself is gorgeous and the staff were all so welcoming,” says Caitlin.
Favorite Moment
“Rory said his favorite moment was seeing me come down the aisle for the first time,” says Caitlin (the couple did not do a first look).
“My favorite moment was coming into the reception being introduced for the first time,” says Caitlin.
Detail They Couldn’t Live Without
“I think I could not have lived without doing the mother-daughter dance,” says Caitlin. “After spending so much time with my mom at dance competitions it was nice to have that moment with her and then bring my sister into it as well as the other mother-daughters there.”
Wedding day attire
Caitlin wore an Allure Couture dress bought at Kleinfelds. Rory bought his tuxedo at Suit Supply. The bridesmaids dresses were a cranberry color from Azazie. The groomsmen tuxedos were from The Black Tux.
Advice For Other Couples
“On the day, don’t forget to take a deep breath,” says Caitlin. “Everything is going to work out. You’ll remember the feelings more than the details.”
Honeymoon
They went to Hawaii for seven days in April during Caitlin’s spring break from school. They spent three days on Oahu in Waikiki Beach and four days in Maui. They saw Pearl Harbor, went to a luau and drove the Road to Hana.
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the details
Reception Location
Photographer
Bride’s Gown
Allure Couture (Kleinfeld)
Bridesmaid Dresses
Azazie
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