FRIENDSVILLE — Katrina Denise Blank and Daniel Patrick Keane were united in marriage one year ago today on Aug. 2, 2008. The double ring ceremony, officiated by Patty Wells, took place that evening at the gazebo in front of the fountain pond on the beautiful grounds of the Chanteclaire Farm. Blue hy-drangea and ivy vines trimmed the fence posts and the heart-shaped archway entrance; fresh lavender rose petals lined the flagstone path.

Kate is the daughter of Dennis and Cathy Blank of Mount Savage. She is the granddaughter of Trennetta Winebrenner and the late Edward Winebrenner, and Raymond and Mary Elizabeth Blank, all of Mount Savage.

Dan is the son of Beverly Keane of Columbia, and Kenneth and Linda Keane of Denver, Pa. He is the grandson of the late Joseph and Virginia Keane, Beltsville, and the late Norman and Eileen Price, Colesville.

Given in marriage by her parents, and escorted by her father, the bride wore a simple but elegant silk chiffon A-line gown by Jaquelin. The V-neck bodice and low V back was covered with Irish “eyelash” lace and adorned with crystal beading through the scalloped dropped waist. A chiffon bow in the back tailed to the length of the modified train. She wore white flowers in the back of her hair. The bride's jewelry consisted of dangling pearl and crystal earrings, a gift from her father; a matching pearl bracelet; a single pearl drop necklace, borrowed from her close friend Kelly Rollison; and a blue topaz ring, belonging to her mother. She carried a bouquet of white African daisies and sea lavender.

The groom wore a sand colored tuxedo with white vest and tie. A single spray of white sweet peas and lavender made up his boutonniere.

Melody Loomis, served as maid of honor and Libby Norris was bridesmaid. Both are friends of the bride. Arianna Harr, niece of the bride, was junior bridesmaid. The attendants wore floor length periwinkle chiffon dresses with spaghetti straps and beaded empire waists. Each wore a matching necklace and earring set, a gift from the bride. They carried nosegays of white cosmos, keylime sunflowers, feverfew and veronica, all tied with a satin ribbon band. 

The best man was Christopher Keane, brother of the groom. Scott Rollison, friend of the groom, served as groomsman. Brady Harr was junior groomsman, and Ethan Harr was ring bearer. Both are nephews of the bride. Steve Banvard and Jason Maletto, friends of the groom, and Brady Wise, cousin of the groom, served as ushers. The men wore sand tuxedos with periwinkle vests and ties and boutonnieres made from a single sweet pea blossom and lavender.

The ceremony was unique with the bride and groom writing their personal vows. Special readings consisted of “On Marriage” read by Steven Banvard; “A Good Marriage” read by Libby Norris; and an “Irish Blessing” read by Brady Harr.  The couple recessed to the Beatles song “All You Need is Love” while guests blew bubbles. The gazebo was decorated with white impatiens and tulle and the isle chairs were decorated with white and periwinkle tulle bows, all provided by the bride’s mother. 

The reception immediately followed on both levels of the Chanteclaire restored historic barn. Following welcoming remarks by the fathers of the bride and groom and meaningful toasts by the best man and maid of honor, each of Kate's four brothers took the opportunity to tell stories and make special comments to welcome Dan into the family. The blessing was then sung by Ethan Harr. 

The appetizers, delicious dinner, and customized four-tiered wedding cake artistically topped with fresh flowers, were prepared with the culinary expertise of Christiane Bergheim, owner of the Chanteclaire, and served with the professional and attentive service of her husband Fred and their staff. The reception was beautifully decorated with fresh-cut field flowers supplied by The Putman Place, which also created the delicate bouquets and boutonnières for the wedding party. Table centerpieces enhanced the country setting and were coordinated by the bride, and arranged with the help of her mother, aunts, and friends. The music for the ceremony and reception was provided by Mike Whitehead, a friend of the family. Fred Newlan of Strawbridge Studios, friend and associate of the bride, photographed the event as a wedding gift to the couple.

Guests were entertained by a continuous-run slide show presentation with many childhood photos, which was organized, prepared and captioned by the groom’s mother Bev Keane. As an additional gift, she also made arrangements for the videographer.

The couple spent their wedding night in a cabin at nearby Deep Creek Lake. The next day they travelled to Ireland for their honeymoon.

A fun and relaxing rehearsal dinner, a gift from the groom’s father and Linda, was held at the Silver Tree Inn overlooking the lake. The couple was honored at several parties: A luau themed “stock their bar” gathering in Severna Park, hosted by Kelly and Scott Rollison and Steve Banvard; a traditional bridal shower given by Kate’s family at her home in Mount Savage; and an Irish-themed party given by the groom’s mother and Aunt Pat and family in Odenton.

The bride is a 2000 graduate of Mount Savage School and received her associate’s degree from Allegany College of Maryland. She then transferred to Towson University to receive her bachelor’s degree in fine art and photography in 2004. She has been employed since then as a photographer for Strawbridge Studios.

The groom graduated from Anne Arundel High School in l998. He attended Anne Arundel Community College before transferring to the University of Maryland at College Park, majoring in criminal justice and computer science. Dan is employed as a police officer for Anne Arundel County.

Not long after they were wed, the couple bought a home in Pasadena, Md., where they reside with their chocolate Labrador retriever, Brewster.

The couple would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to their parents, families, and friends—many of whom travelled a great distance for the event—for sharing in their happiness and making their wedding day so special.