Sarah + Jacob | Flawless Fall Wedding Amidst Pandemic
/A marriage celebration among the rolling hills of a country farm, awash with golden autumn sunshine and a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms.
After attending the wedding of a close friend, Sarah began praying for, and writing to, her future spouse. However, she never expected to meet her husband, Jacob, due to a home improvement project gone wrong.
While an Ohio wedding was not what the couple originally had in mind, their chapel ceremony and outdoor reception provided the perfect beginning to their new life together.
The dusty blue hues of the bridal party’s attire supplied a stunning backdrop for the brightly colored florals to truly shine—and not even a pandemic could darken their joyful rays.
From the Bride:
It was a brisk summer day in a small Oregon mountain town. My best friends were getting married there that weekend.
As we began the rehearsal, the bridal party lined up to practice their walk down the aisle; however, my groomsman counterpart had yet to arrive.
I would need to make the 100-yard trek alone. At the end of the aisle stood my spiritual father, Fr. Nathan, smiling as I made my way.
As the rehearsal progressed, and the bridal party began to exit our rows, I was still partnerless. Fr. Nathan looked at me, took my arm and started walking with me down the aisle.
He whispered, “You will find your St. Joseph one day.” Thus, I began praying to find my St. Joseph.
Three short months later, I sat frustrated in my room journaling to my “future St. Joseph” about my failed attempt at hanging new shelving.
My unsuccessful efforts had left numerous holes in the wall. I dreamed of the day I would have the man I wrote to there, helping me to hang those shelves just as St. Joseph the carpenter would have done.
Defeated, my roommate kindly asked her brother to help.
Little did I know that as I watched this man help hang those shelves and patch the holes, my St. Joseph was standing before me.
Jacob and I were married on September 26th in Christ the King Chapel with a smiling Fr. Nathan standing at the altar.
Now, Jake and I are currently remodeling our 120-year-old home. Some joke that he is the “Chip” to my “Joanna”.
I do not see it this way. Because each day I am reminded more and more of the words whispered to me in a small church in Oregon: “You will find your St. Joseph one day.”
From the Photographer:
Imagine the most perfect early fall day, the warm sun shining, some passing clouds and ending the day with a cool breeze. Now, picture a beautiful farm in the country, a large white tent lit with string lights, filled with your dearest friends and family.
The sounds of laughter, music, and dancing filling the air as the sun sets over the rolling hills. That is just a taste of the beauty of Sarah and Jacob’s wedding day in Steubenville, Ohio.
Though they were originally planning on a west-coast wedding, their plans changed due to the COVID restrictions in California. They decided to keep their wedding date, but move the location.
They were married in Christ the King Chapel on the campus of Franciscan University. Sarah and Jacob originally met in Steubenville and plan to continue living there, so it was fitting that they were married in the place it all began.
Everything about their day was picture perfect, from the gorgeous details at the beginning of the day, to the stunning BHLDN gown and veil. But the detail that stole the show were the florals; everyone was talking about them!
Flowers have the ability to elevate a wedding in a way that no other detail can. The bright pinks, lush greens, and happy oranges provided stunning pops of color throughout the bouquets, centerpieces, and even the cake!
Even though Sarah and Jacob’s plans for their wedding day had to change drastically and many beloved family members watched via livestream, God blessed them with a joyful and beautiful wedding. Their focus was on the Lord, the sacrament, and the beginning of a lifelong marriage together.
Photography: Laura and Matthew | Nuptial Mass Location: Christ the King Chapel, Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH | Wedding Reception Venue: The Sunnyside Country Retreat, Amsterdam, OH | Bride’s Dress: BHLDN | Wedding Planner: Jeannene Lillie Events | DJ: Brandon Michael | Videography: Meredith Munro | Floral Design: Rachel Lash | Cookie Table and Cake: Family and friends of the couple | Hair and Makeup: Legal Hair | Catering: Cooked Goose Catering | Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulu’s + Called To Surf | Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s + The Tie Bar | Stationery: Minted | Rentals: All Events Rental