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Janet & Sean: A Fall Wedding in Hackensack, NJ

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. When Sean Peppard's father passed away, Janet Borrello sent a condolence card to her high-school

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. When Sean Peppard's father passed away, Janet Borrello sent a condolence card to her high-school pal whom she hadn't seen in two years. Sean returned the favor and invited Janet to coffee. THE BRIDE Janet Borrello, 26, emergency room nurse THE GROOM Sean Peppard, 26, police officer THE DATE November 8 Neither expected any java sparks -- especially because Janet was leaving for a year to study in Italy. But four years later, after visiting Janet in Italy twice, Sean found himself preparing a home-cooked feast (Since I always complain that he never cooks for me! Janet says), concluding with a sweet surprise -- a ring on a dessert plate.

The Escort Cards
A small stone church in Fort Lee played perfect host to Janet & Sean's autumn nuptials.
At each place setting, guests found a mini pumpkin with a scroll attached to it explaining that a donation had been made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sean's father.
Though Janet and Sean had a small bridal party, five ring bearers (aged two to eight) participated in the celebration. They made it through half the ceremony before their bow ties were all crooked and their shirt tails were hanging out! Janet says.
The Bride
Picking petals proved to be the toughest decision Janet faced. I changed my mind a million times, she says, sighing. But when the florist showed Janet the leonidas rose with its terra-cotta color, she fell in love all over again. The chosen bloom became the base of her bouquet (which also featured vendella roses and hypericum berries tied together with an ivory bow) and dressed the pews at Church of the Madonna on the Hill in Fort Lee where the Irish and Italian pair grew up.