Becca + Kyle | Mediterranean-Inspired Styled Shoot

We're pleased to share with you our first styled shoot today, courtesy of Spoken Bride Vendor Sinikka Rohrer of Soul Creations Photography.

We're also beyond excited to include in this piece something that's not always evident in picture-perfect shoots: the story of a love hard-won, refined by holy fire and filled with constant unveilings of the heart. Becca and Kyle, newlyweds and the models for this shoot, have learned firsthand that purification is painful. Yet like the Cross, there is a sweetness--and victory--in suffering for love's sake and in losing yourself to find yourself.

Becca and Kyle were engaged long-distance and planned most of their wedding over the phone. To stay connected, they'd pray together each night before the first of them went to sleep--whether the other was with friends, at the gym, or making dinner. Prayer was their stronghold. They also read Thomas G. Morrow's Christian Courtship in an Oversexed World, Dr. Gregory Popcak's Holy Sex, and Eric and Leslie Ludy's The First 90 Days of Marriage during their engagement.

Three weeks after the wedding, Becca went, as had been planned months ago, on mission to the Philippines with no wifi. Kyle worked back home in Indianapolis and prayed his wife was safe.

From the Photographer: When Becca got home from her mission, life really started. Kyle finally learned what life was like with “ever-present Becca,” and Becca faced working through every buried expectation she'd had about marriage prior to the wedding. Before marriage, she never realized she was so excited about the big picture of her vocation to be Kyle's wife that she'd overlooked about the small details of actually living as a wife. Details like making decisions for two, washing dishes, being intentional about healthy eating, and creating a harmonious environment to come home to.

Their first year of marriage brought challenges, but had Becca and Kyle both thinking constantly of how they can show Christ's love to each other. That passion and desire has brought them together while they grow in Christ, seeing his intangible love in each other. They walk to Mass every day from their shared office building.

This chic Mediterranean styled shoot was inspired by the Soul Creations Photography brand and made possible by the incredible vendors involved with the Indianapolis chapter of the Rising Tide Society.

Soul Creations Photography has just launched a new brand fully focused on serving the Christian bride, which sparked the desire for a styled shoot able to paint the picture of a holy wedding: full of spiritual decor, Middle Eastern dishes, Israeli florals, and a Christ-centered bride and groom.

With the help of local artists and wedding vendors in the Indianapolis Rising Tide group, this dream theme turned into an elegant Mediterranean reality at Emerald Acres Wedding Barn.

The bespoke wedding gown was chosen to evoke a goddess-like feel, with lace details at Becca's shoulders and expertly crafted embellishments gracing her hips. Her real life Maid of Honor, Tristin, was also adorned in a Bella Bridesmaid gown, whispering of Spring in all its glory.

Rebecca and Tristin’s hair and makeup were intended to reflect the essence of tame, yet powerfully beautiful women, with soft, windswept locks accompanied by natural makeup.

The handcrafted florals were full of greenery and flowers found in the Holy Land, including lavender, eucalyptus, olive branches, and heather. From these options, The Zionsville Florist Company created a table runner, bouquets, tabletop displays, boutonnieres and a decorative arch.

To take full advantage of the venue’s brick-lain floors, we collaborated with A Handcrafted Affair, owned by an incredible artist out of Fishers, Indiana. With owner Nakia’s help, each place setting, from gold-rimmed plates and red wine glasses to gold chargers and a hand-stitched tablecloth, exuded the rustic elegance of a Mediterranean dinner table.

Our buffet included lamb cutlets with mint, goat cheese on crostini, and figs stuffed with mascarpone,items that would all be found at a wedding in the Mediterranean. The ‘naked’ cake we chose was decorated with fresh heather and lavender to fit the theme.

As a photographer, my goal was to capture the truth: a relaxed, spiritual story reminiscent of Becca and Kyle's real wedding day. With the help of our incredible vendors and models, the truth of what it looks like to have a Christ-inspired wedding was captured in the most indescribable way.

When recounting a memory from their first year of marriage, Becca told me that Kyle once asked how she was doing as they put away laundry. She really was not okay. Immediately, Kyle threw down the clothes, held her and listened, affirming her along the way. From her own words, if it was normal life, he would never throw down his shirt… and he did it for her! She said, “If we can heroically love one another and God, then love won’t be work anymore.” 

I pray you make every moment with your beloved and those around you extraordinary, because Becca is right. We are called to heroic love. Becca and Kyle's relationship shows that overcoming challenges and trusting Christ with our life's steps is what we've been made for in our call to love.

Videography by Unique Heart Productions

Photography: Soul Creations Photography | Photography Assistant: Chloe Luka Photography | Venue: Emerald Acres Barn, Indianapolis, IN | Coordination: Sparkles & Lace Events | Videography: Unique Heart Productions | Models: Kyle and Rebecca Kovert, Tristin Martin, Rajan Sra | Paperie: Athena Street Creative | Hair + Makeup: Megan Logsdon Hair & Makeup Artistry | Catering: Jaquie's Gourmet Catering | Decor: A Handcrafted Affair | Bride's Dress: Sophia's Bridal | Groom's + Best Man's Tuxes: DC Tux | Maid of Honor Dress: Bella Bridesmaids | Cake: Classic Cakes, Carmel, IN | Florals: Zionsville Flower Company 

Andrea + David | Convalidation Ceremony

Today, it's our honor to share with you a different variety of wedding. Thirteen years ago, David was a sous chef at a P.F. Changs and Andrea was a server there, awaiting the results of her bar exam. They started dating that winter, and when David was promoted and relocated from Ohio to Iowa, Andrea--a non-practicing Catholic at the time--came with him and they moved in together. Four years later, they were husband and wife.

In all things grace abounds. This is the story of Andrea and David's journey to the Catholic faith and the day they had their marriage convalidated by the Church.

From the Bride: This isn’t going to be your traditional Catholic love story. Not even close.

The Lord sure is funny. The way our stories are intertwined into a one great tapestry; one we can only hope will be fully revealed to us on the glorious day we are reunited with Him. He certainly has a grand sense of humor.

In fact, that’s all I could think about when an early ultrasound one year ago revealed that there were 2 little bouncing beans hanging out in my womb. Again.

Twins happen twice. That’s my new favorite hashtag. After a pretty harrowing birth at 28 weeks, our newest babes are now approaching their first birthday. It was quite the journey to get to this place and to be at peace with all the blessings the Lord sees fit to give us.

Against all odds, David and I were married in a beautiful, intimate outdoor ceremony on September 22, 2007 that was officiated by my Uncle Tim, a Christian pastor.

We discovered we were pregnant in December 2007 and one month later, much to our complete and utter shock, learned we were expecting twins. With no family history of twins and no assistance through fertility treatments, this unexpected twin pregnancy was quite the surprise.

Our first set of beautiful twin boys were born on June 20, 2008 at 28 weeks gestation due to complications from HELLP Syndrome

Their birth day was extremely traumatic and I very nearly lost my life. Hayden and Logan were 2lbs 6oz and 2lbs 5oz at birth. After 71 days in the NICU, they finally joined us at home.

While my physical scars from their birth healed relatively fast, the emotional scars took much longer to mend. A deep fear of another HELLP-related pregnancy and fear of death led me to choose an IUD for contraception shortly before their discharge. For all intents and purposes, my husband and I were finished having children.

A series of events that can only be described as divinely inspired led us to Arizona in 2009.

In order to be closer to my parents, we decided it was the best place to be with our growing boys. David was able to secure a lateral transfer with PF Changs, we sold our home in less than 30 days, and we found a rental home five minutes from my parents.

As you are reading this, you may be curious as to why there is no mention of God throughout these experiences.  The answer is simple.

God didn’t matter to me, and he hadn’t mattered for nearly 13 years.

My family converted to Catholicism when I was 14 years old. And while I faithfully attended Mass each weekend until I left for college, I never really got it. I didn’t understand the beauty and the magnificence that is our Catholic faith. I had no passion for the Lord and certainly had no relationship with him.

So it should be no surprise, given my ambivalence, that when the Mormon missionaries came knocking on my door during an extraordinarily self-destructive period in my life, I let them in.

In August 1998, I abandoned my Catholic faith and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My conversion served its purpose and I fully believe the Lord used this to save my life. I was an active practicing Mormon for one year, and then I just wasn’t. There was no big break up, no dramatic exit; I just stopped going. I continued to identify as Mormon for a couple years and then began to label myself as a Christian.

Despite many attempts over the years to bring me back to him and His Church, it was the death of a young Catholic wife and mother whose online journal had me re-thinking everything I thought I knew about Catholicism, life, death and suffering.

On September 11, 2011, during a normal morning coffee and Facebook scroll, the world as I knew it ended when I saw these words:

RIP Robin Fugate Evernham.

A brief Google search revealed Robin's journal, where I learned she had passed away from a rare form of cancer. Only 32 years old, my former law school classmate, a faithful Catholic, a wife and a mom of two girls was gone from this world. Her journal shook me to the core.

After reading through it, I knew immediately that I had to return to the Catholic Church.

I scheduled my confession and began attending Mass. Because I wasn’t quite brave enough yet, each Sunday morning my husband worked and I'd drop my three-year-olds off at my parents' and go to Mass alone. I would gaze longingly at the families I saw and would always tear up when the kids were dismissed for Children’s Liturgy. Occasionally, David would join us. I felt very blessed the Sundays we were together at church as a family, even though I never thought he would become Catholic.

My physical return to the Church was relatively easy, but my acceptance of her teachings was not.

I struggled deeply on many issues, specifically artificial contraception. It took a lot of prayer, and what I can only describe as a lightbulb moment of clarity, for me to comprehend the teachings, and to ultimately become open to life again. Despite this clarity and certainty, it still took well over a year and a half for me to overcome my fear of death and pregnancy and to finally have my IUD removed.

My husband, well, wasn’t exactly on board with the decision to stop using artificial contraception. As a matter of fact, he was adamant that if I chose to remove the IUD then a vasectomy was his next move. He was fine with my return to the Church and attended with us whenever his work schedule permitted. But he was not okay with more kids, simply because he feared I would not survive another pregnancy, leaving him behind to raise our children without a mother.

It was during these discussions with my husband that convalidating our marriage began to weigh heavily on my mind. About eight months after my return to the Church, our family’s sacramental journey began with the baptism of our twin boys. I knew we should have our marriage convalidated, but I had been putting off the discussion. One day, I just took a deep breath and asked. I explained what it was and why it was important to me. Much to my surprise, David said yes and the process began.

On May 18th, 2013, our convalidation ceremony took place. It was a beautiful, holy day full of blessings and graces. My husband, though not fully understanding the importance of it, said Yes to me again, and I to him.

Only one week prior I'd had the appointment to remove my IUD. Just that day, David again reminded me that if I did this, he would be getting a vasectomy. I went to the appointment filled with anxiety and fear. Because I had specifically chosen a Catholic OB/GYN, peace overcame me and when the PA offered to pray with me, I begged the Blessed Mother to cover me with the peace of Christ and offered at least 30 Hail Marys during the appointment.

After our ceremony, we began our Natural Family Planning journey, which I only half-heartedly embraced. I kept waiting for David to tell me that he had scheduled his vasectomy. I was waiting all the way until October 2013, when I saw that little plus sign on the stick signaling new life.

Our daughter Olivia Grace was born on my birthday, May 27. When we discovered we were pregnant, I shared with David my concerns about going to Mass alone with two six-year-olds and a baby and asked him to arrange his work schedule so that he'd be able to attend with us each week.

So after Olivia's birth and 2.5 years after my return to the Church, one of my deepest hopes had come true: my entire family was together during Mass each Sunday.

Only three months after Olivia's birth and one month after her baptism, they announced the upcoming RCIA program at our parish. My husband looked at me and said, “I think I might do that.” He left me completely and utterly speechless for the first time in my life.

On Saturday, April 4, 2015, my husband was welcomed into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Since David hadn't been baptized at the time of our convalidation, our marriage wasn't yet a sacrament--although it became one, praise God--at the moment of his baptism. And while we didn't receive any sanctifying grace that day, the actual grace was abundant. I have no doubt the Holy Spirit began working on my husband’s heart. He may not have understood the reasoning behind the ceremony, but he surrendered out of his love for me and for our family, thereby allowing the seeds of his conversion to be planted. This grace also stopped the quest for a vasectomy in its tracks and began softening David’s heart to the possibility of more children.

And although my second deepest fear was realized with the premature birth of our second set of twins and their 53-day NICU stay, the journey was far more peaceful and grace-filled than our first journey. The Lord was with us every step of the way and I relied on my husband’s strength and faith when my own was lagging. A faith that began on May 18, 2013.

Church: All Saints Roman Catholic Parish, Mesa, AZ | Pastor and Officiant: Father Robert Caruso | Photographer: Annelise Jensen Photography

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Andrea Boring is a happy Catholic wife and mama to five little people, including two sets of twin boys and a two-year-old in the middle. Designing pretty websites for fabulous women is her professional jam. You can also find her blogging about her faith and family, launching a new podcast or speaking nationwide. WEBSITE | PODCAST | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Emily + Daniël | Christmas Season Wedding

From us to you, happy Feast of the Epiphany! At the close of this Christmas season, our prayer for you is grace and fortitude as you journey closer each day to your own Bethlehem: to the deep joy, the silent, indescribable riches of the heart, and the pure wonder that flow forth from married life. To celebrate the last day of this sacred time, we're thrilled to share an additional post this week, featuring Emily and Daniël's amazing love story, Praise and Worship-filled wedding Mass, and holiday-inspired details!

Emily is a full-time speaker. On her first-ever European trip--to the Netherlands for a youth and music ministry conference--one of the conference presenters, named Daniël, picked up Emily and her colleagues from the airport. What followed was the start of an international romance that would almost seem improbable, were it not for the Father's infinite wisdom, mercy, and providence.

From the Bride: There’s one truth that stands from the beginning of my love story: if God designed it to happen, he will make a way. God always makes a way.

On the first day of my trip, where I'd be singing and speaking at the conference, the others in the group had meetings to attend. I had the time free, and Daniël was given the job of taking me to sightsee around Holland. The first place he wanted to show me was his favorite basilica in a nearby city. If you have not been to Europe, you must know…the churches will take your breath away every single time. We walked into Mary, Star of the Sea Basilica and I was totally floored by its beauty. We walked in and Daniël asked me if I wanted to pray in their chapel. We prayed together for the first time that day. Unbeknownst to me in that moment, we would end up praying together every single day after that.

Daniël and I spent time getting to know one another throughout the weekend of the conference, and I was incredibly moved by what a strong, generous, faithful, giving, and kind man he was. When I returned home to America, I knew God was doing something big. But I was clueless as to the extent of the adventure that was beginning.

Daniël sent me a letter expressing the same things I was feeling – that somehow, He knew that God was calling him to pursue me rightly, even from 6,000 miles away. A man in the Netherlands pursuing a woman in California…a scenario only possible for God. He always makes a way.

We began calling one another on Skype, getting to know each other, and praying about what God was calling us to. We later discerned that it was best for me to make a return trip to Europe to explore what God was doing. I returned two months after we first met, and after Daniël took me on a few dates--even though the prospect of dating across an ocean was overwhelming--we decided to begin formally dating.

Daniël pursued me from half a world away, on a 9-hour time difference, for 2 years. Our relationship was beautifully blessed, but a very challenging road. We had to learn to show the other love with only words and prayer. Date “nights” on weekends meant spending time on Skype on my Saturday morning and his Saturday night, always finding new things to talk about. God’s hand made way for every visit (about every 2 months), and our dedication to keeping Christ at the center of everything was what carried us on with hope and deep purpose in our relationship. We committed to walking the road together daily.

God continued to make a way.

Daniël secured a graduate school internship in Laguna Beach, California, so that we could discern marriage in the same city together. We continued to fall in love, and Daniël continued to show me his heart of deep goodness and his firm foundation of faith and virtue. He never ceased to impress me by the core of who he was and the way he honored me. Daniël proposed in February 2015, and were married on December 30th of that year.

I now look at my sweet husband across the dinner table from me, and reflect on how we are a living, breathing sacrament together. We are living in the center of God’s promise that nothing is impossible for him. We are living the fulfillment that comes with dedicating our life and love to God--living the fulfillment that comes with our waiting for one another--the fulfillment that comes from professing a vow and trusting Christ to give you the strength to abide by it.

God made a way for us, and he makes everything beautiful in his perfect timing and perfect power. True love is possible, and it is alive and well in this world. May we celebrate, believing in the goodness of true love and the power that it has to change this world."

From the Photographer: It has been a gift working with so many faith-filled couples, documenting the beauty of the sacrament of marriage. This is a day I will always remember. As Emily and Daniël's wedding day unfolded, I was in awe of their total, self-giving love. A love that is playful, childlike. A love that gently whispers truth. A love that patiently waits on God’s timing. A love that we are all called to.

These two have spent their lives running toward Christ and leading so many young souls to his Heart. Their courage to enter into marriage as a shining light in the darkness is truly inspiring. After journeying through the daily sacrifice of a relationship continents apart, the whole day was spent in joyful disbelief that this day had finally arrived. As Emily and Daniël were each covered in prayer by their closest loved ones, the Father’s grace was just overwhelming.

One of my favorite aspects of their wedding Mass took place after Communion. The whole church was worshipping the God of the Universe at the top of their lungs with thankful hearts, to the song "How He Loves." There was no rush, just basking in that moment, praising him together. This is a marriage that is focused on the treasures of heaven.

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Photography: Elissa Voss Photography | Videography: NOK Productions | Church: Our Lady of Grace, Encino, CA | Reception Venue: Verandas Beach House, Manhattan Beach, CA | Ceremony Music: Ike Ndolo | DJ: VOX DJs | Catering: Stonefire Grill, Los Angeles, CA | Bride's Lace Bolero: Polina Ivanova 

Rosanna + Matthew | Marian-Inspired Wedding

He was from Texas and she was from California, preparing to attend the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid. The first few times Rosanna and Matt talked over Catholic Match and Skype--starting on Divine Mercy Sunday--Rosanna noticed how full of life Matt seemed, filled with joy for the Catholic faith. Yet she'd been praying for guidance about her vocation. They continued having dates over Skype and in person, and in Spain that summer, Rosanna experienced peace that God was calling her to marriage--quite possibly with Matt.

Shortly after Rosanna returned home, Matt asked her to be his girlfriend at a church in San Diego, feet away from statues of Our Lady. Over the next two years, they dated according to a traditional courtship approach they felt called to and flew out to visit each other as often as they could. But monthly flights started feeling old. After a Tridentine Mass, in a candlelit chapel devoted to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Matt read Rosanna a poem he'd written and got down on one knee.

From the Bride: We got married on the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel at my home parish in Southern California, which is run by Norbertine monks. We had picked the date somewhat haphazardly. We smiled, though, when we realized that not only was it a Marian feast day, but a feast deeply loved by my great-grandmother, Dolores, a third-order Carmelite who loved Our Lady of Good Counsel so much that she named one of her daughters "Buen Consejo." I also realized the Marian image in my room growing up was one of this particular devotion to Our Lady. And lastly, I am a marriage and family counselor by profession; what better honor and title of the Blessed Mother to celebrate our marriage? When we went to Rome for our honeymoon, we attended Pope Francis's weekly audience and were blown away to find the topic he addressed was none other than the gift of "good counsel."

Matt and I decided to have a our nuptial Mass as a hybrid of an English and Latin novus ordo Mass. We chose to have a few parts, such as the Creed, sung, as we both love sung liturgy. The Norbertines utilize many traditional “smells and bells” in their Masses, and we were so happy to include those traditions in our liturgy.

Receiving the Lord together in the Holy Eucharist, kneeling side by side, for the very first time as husband and wife was even more exciting than the nuptial vows that we exchanged. Two traditions we incorporated were the Spanish lasso from my Filipino roots and a Croatian tradition where the bride and groom hold a crucifix while saying their vows. After the wedding, by a statue of Our Lady of La Vang, Matt and I shared our first kiss on the lips. It was something we'd felt called to abstain from during our courtship, and was a delightful, fun milestone moment.

The reception venue was the clubhouse at UCI, where my grandfather was a doctor and professor, and where my parents met. We wanted the theme of our wedding to be "Culture of Life." Our cake was inscribed with life abundantly, and John 10:10, with the full verse, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly," on a chalkboard poster behind it. We also designed our own monogram, an R and an M entwined with a cross, in the style of monograms that frequently adorn Marian altars. We peppered the banquet tables, laid so beautifully with coral and pink flowers by our florist, with frames featuring pictures of saints and some of their most inspiring quotes. As Matt and me come from a few different ethnic backgrounds, we chose saints from Italy, Japan, and the Philippines to reflect our heritage. In these simple centerpieces, we wanted to reflect the universality of the church, full of all kinds of people but with one powerful, singular focus: the call to holiness and the worship of Jesus, the Bread of Life. To celebrate our first kiss, we also had a sign inspired by the Song of Songs: "Kiss me, my love, that your name be on my lips. You intoxicate my being with the fragrance of your presence."

Matt washed my feet during the reception in order to symbolize how Christ, the groom, humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples: his body, the Church. I remember choosing the song "The Spirit and the Bride" by Matt Maher, days before the wedding, to be played during the washing. When I discovered the song, I broke down in tears, realizing the goodness of the Lord, and his love for me in all of my brokenness. To think that I would be marrying Matt in just a few days, my broken self and all, that God had brought so much healing into my life through Matt, and that he would continue to heal and grow both of us through our marriage, just humbled me to my knees.

I think those few minutes that Matt washed my feet etched a deep meaning into both of our hearts that day. We were saying, in a symbolic way, that we were both laying down our lives for one another; that there was no turning back, that we were "one flesh" in the eyes of God now. It's something I still flash back to when we hit rough spots. Our marriage crucifix, the one Matt and I held as we took our vows, hangs above our bed. Every day, we are reminded of the great sacrament we partake in, and the heights of holiness to which we are called.

Photography: FS Photo Studio  | Church: St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Costa Mesa, CA | Wedding Reception Venue : University Club at University of California, Irvine | Flowers: Blooming Branch | Cake: KH Bakery  | Hair & Make-Up: Make Me Up  | DJ: Ultimate Events

Maggie + Eric | Rustic Denver Wedding

Maggie and Eric met in college at Ave Maria University, where they had many mutual friends and went on a single date before graduation, yet Maggie was hesitant to enter into a new relationship right as her post-college life was unfolding. Eric persisted through her discernment, eventually sitting Maggie down and saying, "You don't have any more cards to play." That night, two weeks before they were handed their diplomas, Maggie and Eric started their relationship and began dating long-distance after school ended.

Eric is a Wyoming native and Maggie is from Colorado--two states whose wild, natural beauty is a big part of their identities. Their shared love of the outdoors led to a devotion to Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Eric chose Frassati's feast day, July 4, to propose. There were fireworks. Literally. 

On the night of July 4th, Maggie and Eric spent the evening watching the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Estes in Colorado. At the end of the show, Eric pulled out a big, wrapped box and said it was a belated birthday present Inside was a beautiful music box handcrafted by Eric, that played "Ave Maria" The music box was empty, but once the song started playing, he knelt and pulled a ring from his pocket.

From the Bride: Eric and I deeply desired that our day focus wholly on the sacramental foundation of marriage, which is so intimately captured in the Mass and has really set the tone for our life together.

The Church where our Mass was held was a call to the beautiful and beyond: the stone, the stained glass, and the sprawling aisle elevated the spirit towards a higher calling. We were also fortunate enough to employ a beautiful choir that truly captured the essence of the liturgy and music. Eric and I really wanted the cello to anchor the music, and it was accompanied by the incredible pipe organ, along with violins and 10+ angelic voices. It felt like a part of heaven came down to earth during that hour in the Church.

We feel so indebted to our photographer, because we are able to remember that day so vividly and through such beautiful lenses. It felt huge that she was Catholic, because she was really able to hone in on the sacrament, the beauty of the church, and the details of the nuptials that might otherwise be missed.

An extraordinary moment for us was when our bridal party surprised us with a commissioned icon of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, written by Vivian Imbruglia of Sacred Image Icons. We were able to place the icon on the altar during the nuptial Mass and have it blessed by our priest after the ceremony.

My dress was very simple, and I really didn't spend a lot of time searching for the "perfect" one. I just found one I loved. My mom had remembered a little lace boutique she'd found when she was engaged over 30 years ago. It happened to still be in business, so we decided that my mom would make my veil and add some additional details to the dress. We found some vintage Venetian lace there that we added to the waist of the dress and used for the veil. That is what made my dress so precious to me: my mom spent countless hours (and rosaries) creating my veil and matching it to the dress, making it one of a kind. 

Our reception venue used to be the old steel and ironwork's factory for the city of Denver, dating back to 1897, which added a lot of character and unique detail. One of my favorite parts of the venue was walking into the building as we were announced for the first time as "Mr. and Mrs. Maslak," because all of our guests were looking down on us from the floor above. We started our first dance right away with a little-known Lumineers song called "Falling," and it really set the tone for a fun evening ahead.

We look back with such gratitude on our wedding day, because what stands out to us isn't the details we had spent the majority of our time planning--it was that we gave each other a sacrament in marriage, which has been a comfort and a stronghold for us during our first year as newlyweds. 

Photography: Britt Fisk Photography | Videography: OC Media | Church: Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Denver, CO | Reception Venue: Mile High Station, Denver, CO | Flowers for the bride: Plum Sage Flowers | Bridal Party Florals: Trader Joes | Stationary: Designed by the Bride & her sister | Caterer: Three Tomatoes Catering | Bride’s Dress: J. Crew Bridal | Bride's Veil: Handmade by the mother of the bride | Bride's Shoes: J. Crew | Jewelry/Accessories: Francesca's | Rings: Ritani | Bridesmaids' Attire: J. Crew Bridal | Groom's Suit/Tux, Groomsmens' Attire: Jos. A. Banks | Cake Baker: A local friend-of-a-friend | Hairstylist: Julia Sadusky, Pins&Curls | Makeup Artist: Danielle Trujillo (a friend) | DJ: Trevor Karas (a friend)

Rosie + Tyler | Fall Yacht Club Wedding

Rosie and Tyler grew up in the same Florida suburb and were classmates all the way up through their high school graduation, but they didn't get to know each other--or begin dating--until college at the University of Florida. Tyler knew early on that Rosie was the one. After finishing his Masters at the university, Tyler moved back home to work, while Rosie worked on her doctorate. She'd wonder now and then whether Tyler would propose sometime during the final year of her program.

Much to Rosie's surprise, it was during her penultimate year in school that she came to visit Tyler one late summer weekend. He'd decided shortly before her arrival that it was the perfect time to ask Rosie to be his wife, yet hadn't decided exactly how he'd ask. In his nervousness, Tyler accidentally spilled a bottle of blue curacao all over his carpet.

One freshly steamed carpet later and off on their planned weekend trip to a concert, Tyler covered Rosie's eyes around sunset and told her he had a gift for her. When she took off her blindfold, there he was, one one knee, asking her hand in marriage.

From the Photographer: They met in elementary school, attended the same high school, and are now alumni from the same college. When love is meant to be, it will be. 

Rosie and Tyler dreamed of a small, intimate, and elegant wedding day. Rosie has always loved the fall and used the rich colors of the season as her inspiration. The floral arrangements included the most beautiful calla lilies, roses, dahlias, wax flowers, scabiosas, and sunflowers in shades of burgundy, terra cotta, burnt orange, and yellow. Warm, inviting and captivating--the perfect setting for God's love to be shared with family and friends.

Their wedding mass was beyond beautiful. The splendor of God's glory was reflected not only in the brilliant fall foliage and florals adorning the church, but in the sense that the Holy Spirit was truly present.

Both families were so filled with love, radiating what it meant to be united in Christ. But one family member in particular stood out: Rosie's father, whom she obviously takes after. You could just see that his heart was so filled with love, peace, grace and joy on his daughter and new son-in-law's wedding day. As we captured moments of Rosie and her dad interacting, their bond gleamed so brightly. During their Father-Daughter dance, I could feel God saying, "I love you all that much. And more." What a beautiful representation of fatherly love.

Photography: Horn Photography & Design | Church: Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor, FL | Reception Venue: St. Petersburg Yacht Club, St. Petersburg, FL | Flowers: 2Birds Events Floral Studio | Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Rings: David Yurman | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Groom's Tux: Men's Wearhouse | Groomsmens' Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse | Cake Baker: Bella e Dolce | Hairstylist/Makeup Artist: Lili's Weddings | DJ: Grant Hemond of Grant Hemond & Associates

Maria + CJ | Romantic College-Town Wedding

Maria and Christopher (CJ) were members of brother and sister households at Franciscan University when they met their sophomore year. At the encouragement of their many mutual friends, they started dating a year later...just in time for CJ to spend a semester abroad. During their months apart, they wrote hundreds of letters, spent hours on Skype, and even more hours in prayer for their relationship. CJ proposed the following year.

From the Photographer: Maria and CJ's nuptial Mass was without a doubt the high point of their wedding day, and it was absolutely beautiful to witness. The Church was filled with their family and friends. The Mass was celebrated with obvious joy by their Bishop and six priests, including three Franciscan friars from Franciscan University.

Both Maria and CJ were active members in their respective households at Franciscan and since they were married in Steubenville, where the university is, most of their household brothers and sisters were able to attend the wedding. It was wonderful to see pews filled with their college friends actively participating in the Mass and tearing up during the most poignant moments of the day--even the men! The bride and groom both received T-shirts from each other's households as gifts. Their reception was elegant yet simple, filled with good food, energetic dancing, and abundant joy.

Maria and CJ left a large amount of time between the end of their nuptial Mass and the beginning of their reception. This allowed us to take all of the family photos in the Church without feeling rushed, and as the photographer, I had significant time to capture beautiful and intimate photos of just the bride and groom. When it comes time to create your wedding day timeline, I highly suggest consulting your photographer. Ask how much time they advise setting aside for portraits, and listen to their guidance. Allowing ample time for portraits is a sometimes overlooked, yet it's such an important part of your timeline!

Photography: Mary Kay Anthony | Dress: David's Bridal | Flowers: Kroger (assembled by the Bride) | Church: Holy Family Catholic Church, Steubenville, OH | Reception: Williams Country Club, Weirton, WV | Videographer: Kelly Butler | Cake: Gus's Goodies | Invitations: Natacha Scherf 

Joan + Matt | Summer Brights Wedding

Joan and Matt had met a few times before, yet it wasn't until Joan's best friend's wedding (the bride was Matt's cousin) that they developed a true connection. The night of the rehearsal dinner, Joan spoke again with the sweet, funny, smart, considerate man who was driving her and the bridesmaids to the dinner. She realized she was in the presence of someone extraordinary, and they spent a good deal of that night talking, dancing, and getting to know each other. They said goodbye that evening without exchanging any contact information, but became friends on Facebook three days later.

A few weeks after becoming a couple, Joan quit her job in North Dakota, found two roommates in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and moved there to pursue a new job and live closer to Matt. Three and a half months after they'd started dating, Joan was back home in North Dakota, getting a manicure with a friend. Matt was supposedly in Minnesota with family for Thanksgiving, yet by the time Joan's nails were done, her phone rang and there was Matt, holding a flower, a ring box, and some tissues. As he walked toward his future bride, Joan shouted a joyful "Yes!"

From the Bride: Matt and I decided to get married in the parish that had become "ours" in the Twin Cities, where we'd made such a strong connection with our community and priest, instead of my home parish back home in North Dakota. We'd hoped for a summer wedding, and chose a day in July. I purchased my dress with my best friend, and I honestly didn't care for it on the rack, but once I put it on and learned that the style shared a name with one of my closest cousins, I said loved it immediately.

One of our favorite parts of wedding planning was choosing the readings and songs for the liturgy. We spent a lot of time listening to favorite songs and reading Scripture until we finally decided on the readings we wanted shared on our day. I also have always dreamed of writing a song for my wedding someday, so I was honored and excited to compose the psalm sung during the Mass, to the verse of psalm 37's "Find your delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desire." When I heard the song being rehearsed before the Mass, I broke down crying because it was just so moving hearing the words I'd prayed so many times come true for me that day. 

Matt and I had gone back and forth on doing a first look, and I'm so happy we did; it gave us the opportunity to spend more time with each other that day. It also allowed us to take pictures with our wedding party and family before the Mass, so we could arrive at our reception shortly after our guests did. We wanted to spend as much time with our family and friends as possible since many of them traveled so far to be with us!

Psalm 37 (Lyrics) - Written by the Bride, Sung at the Nuptial Mass

Refrain: Find your delight in the Lord, He will give you your heart's desire.
Verse 1: Trust in the Lord and do good that you may dwell in the land and live. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will act. 
Verse 2: Wait eagerly for the Lord and keep His way. He will raise you up, and you will inherit the land. 
Verse 3: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord. The Lord helps them because they take refuge in Him. 

Photography by: Bella Galla 

Sarah + Christopher | Kate Spade-Inspired Wedding

Sarah and Christopher first encountered each other on a charismatic retreat at Franciscan University, where they both were students at the time. For two years after that, they were best friends, spending hours watching movies, going to Mass and praise concerts together, and having breakfasts with friends.

From the Bride: Fast forward to the spring of 2012, after a couple starts and stops of not wanting to ‘ruin’ our friendship, Chris asked me to be his girlfriend after the 7:00 AM daily Mass at one of our favorite spots. We should pause our story here to note that this Mass was the end of a 12+ hour third date that included a trip to the ER. We knew from then on that we were in this for the duration. We each moved back to our respective hometowns after graduation a month later. After two years of dating long distance, traversing between Dallas and Dunedin for weekend visits, Chris moved to Florida. Ten months passed, we added Bosco the husky to the mix, and Chris proposed.

Back on that retreat where they first met, Chris had given Sarah her first brown scapular, a sacramental given to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite priest, by Our Lady. He proposed on the Feast of Mount Carmel.

From the Photographer: For Chris and Sarah, the Mass was the most important part of their day. Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin, FL, where the ceremony was held, is Sarah's home parish where she currently serves as the Director of Faith Formation. It is a more modern church with a lot of natural light, which added to the airy feel of the entire day. The two priests who presided at the wedding are close with both the bride and groom. Sarah and Fr. Chuck became friends on a retreat a few years back, and he actually made the kneeler that Christopher and Sarah used during the Mass as a wedding gift. Fr. Chuck also delivered a touching and personal homily and presided over the vows. Fr. Gary, who serves as the pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes has a tradition of taking a selfie with his couples...and Sarah and Chris were no exception! 

Sarah and Christopher are both from close-knit families with five children each. All of their siblings were included in the wedding party. Sarah and her sisters are particularly close, sharing matching tattoos even! Both of her sisters were honored as the Maid and Matron of Honor. Sarah also wore her older sister Mandy's pearl earrings.

Sarah has a love for bright colors and the Kate Spade brand. Her natural choice for a wedding day scent was Kate Spade's Live Colorfully, and she also wore sequined Kate Spade Keds that Chris gave her as a gift. She donned her signature bright red lipstick, which made her beautiful blue eyes pop against her fair skin. This couple has style for miles! Chris wore a slim fit gray tux from J. Crew to compliment Sarah's timeless dress from Athena's Bridal. 

In between the mass and the reception, the wedding party explored downtown Dunedin for photos. We stopped at Rosie's Tavern, a favorite watering hole for Chris and Sarah, as well as the marina and park off of Main street. 

At the reception, Sarah and Chris incorporated a wealth of personal details, including their own wedding coloring book and custom caricature cookies of themselves! For place cards, they alphabetized guests' names on post cards with some of their favorite destinations, including various towns in Florida, places in Chris' home state of Texas, and Franciscan University, where they met.

Photography: Elizabeth Mahon | Church: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin FL | Reception: The Conmy Center | Florist: Carrollwood Florist | Stationary: Minted | Catering: Delectables Catering | Bride’s Dress/Veil - Athena's Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Keds x Kate Spade New York | Jewelry/Accessories - Something Borrowed-Sister's pearl earrings, Tiffany's pearl bracelet (gift from Chris), Something Blue - Godmother's Ring | Rings: International Diamond Center | Bridesmaids' Attire: David's Bridal | Groom's Suit: J. Crew | Groomsmen Attire - Combatant Gentleman | Cake Baker- Publix Bakery | Hairstylist: Jenna Donovan | Makeup Artist - Jessica Montalvo, Makeup by Jess | DJ: Grant Hemmond Disc Jockeys

Emma + Mark | Edwardian-Inspired Wedding

Emma was living in Philadelphia, waiting out the final week of a six-month online dating subscription on CatholicMatch, when she received a message from a handsome man from New York City. Their first in-person meeting began shortly after, the day Mark stepped off a train into Philly's 30th Street Station. They soon began dating long-distance, and ten months later, Mark got down on one knee in the middle of the station.

From the Bride:

Deciding where to tie the knot was tricky. We’re adopted East Coasters with friends scattered from Pacific to Atlantic. We ultimately chose rural, quirky and historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas--an hour away from my parents--for our semi-destination wedding.

Mark is a convert who was drawn to Catholicism through the beauty of the traditional Latin Mass. Our wedding mass was in English, but we were able to find a schola choir nearby to chant parts of the liturgy in Latin.

The Crescent 1886 Hotel, where we held our reception, claims to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. This was not a deal breaker for us! It happened to be situated within walking distance of a quaint, historic Catholic Church, itself a rarity in the South. We wanted a moody, vintage and romantic feel for our wedding, and the entire area made me think of an Edwardian ghost story come to life. 

I was initially afraid planning a wedding out of state would make including personal touches impossible. However, we ended up with more DIY projects than anticipated, and found many ways to reflect our style and talents. Mark and I are both graphic design savvy, for instance, so we created & printed our Save-The-Dates, invitations, programs, place cards and all other wedding signage ourselves. 

Antiquing is a passion in my family. Every time I come home to Arkansas, my mother and I scour area junk shops for oil lanterns with hurricanes, antique medicine bottles, and authentic vintage mercury glass. I showcased some of our finds for the reception, and ended up following some online tutorials and creating additional mercury glass votives and vases. 

Our wedding favor was a small jar of home-infused mint & blueberry tequila (Combine 4 cups tequila, preferably 100% agave, 2 cups blueberries, and 1/4 cup mint in a sealed container for 4-7 days, then strain). I made something similar as a gift for Mark on our first Valentine’s Day, and home-infusing has since become a bit of a shared passion. We infused & bottled it over the space of a few weeks, assembly line-style, in my kitchen. A caravan of friends driving to the wedding transported the bottles from Philadelphia to Arkansas for us.

Choosing vendors off the internet was a bit challenging, but easier than it could’ve been in the age of video chat and peer-reviews. We went with less traditional retailers for our wedding party’s attire and were pleased with the overall ease and quality. And we hit the jackpot with our photographer, Kinsey Mhire, whom we met in person for the first time on the morning of our wedding!

I found all the tropes and hackneyed sayings people spout about your wedding day to be maddeningly true. It does go fast, you won’t get to spend the quality time with each guest that you might like to, and definitely don’t forget to eat. I woke up early, made some coffee and spent some quiet time on the porch by myself, praying and reflecting about the solemnity of our vows and what lay ahead. I’ll repeat some more tropes and say that the day winds up being special not because of the details you have planned, but because it seals you & your beloved in a covenant.

Photographer's Website : Kinsey Mhire  | Nupital Mass or Engagement Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church | Wedding Reception Venue : The Crescent 1886 Hotel | Rings: Marisa Perry Atelier  | Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie  | Groomsmen’s Suits: The Black Tux | Music: Twin Lakes Radio  | Ceremony Music: The Gregorian Schola of St. Joseph Parish | Donuts / Cake: Rick’s Bakery | Day-Of-Coordinator: The Vintage Soul | Invitations & Stationary: Created by the Bride www.emmadallman.com