Megan + John

/

Megan and John became fast friends in college. John says he immediately knew Megan was the one for him, but was hesitant to risk their friendship. Once they started dating, it became evident the Lord was at work.

From the Videographer:

Absolute and utter joy. 

That’s the best way I could describe John and Megan’s wedding day.

Nothing says it better than when you see John’s face as his bride floats down the aisle toward him: laughter; tears; the sheer excitement and joy at the beauty of this moment.

Megan and John are a beautiful example of two people who are running together towards Christ, and their wedding film captures that story. I loved the words they wrote to each other beforehand--genuine, solid, and self-sacrificing. Their Catholic Nuptial Mass at the Newman Center in downtown Lincoln was an absolute blessing to capture, and I’m so thankful they asked me to witness and take part in their wedding day.

The entire was surrounded with prayer. I found John and his groomsmen sitting together and praying the Rosary before the ceremony. Megan and her bridesmaids shared a prayer together as well, followed by Megan and John’s own prayer time as a couple before the ceremony.. Seeing this couple and their friends take the time to pray in the middle of a hectic wedding day brought such joy and peace--this couple is supported by family and friends who are people of prayer.

One reception highlight was the mashup Megan’s dad, Dan, put together for their Father-Daughter dance, complete with the song “Dawn” from Pride and Prejudice (Megan’s favorite movie) and the theme from The Pink Panther.

One of my favorite moments was John’s reading a letter aloud that he wrote to Megan. Each and every part of both his and her letters was amazing, but the line I lose it at is this one. John said:

“As your husband, I promise to run with you towards Christ. And I know there will be times when that’s a challenge, but when those times come, I promise to put you on my shoulders and just keep running. We both know there will be times when I struggle, too, but I have no doubt in my mind that you’d carry me to heaven and back.”

And lastly, with the words, “It was through spending time with you that I learned so many things about myself,” I remember the exact reason I first fell in love with my husband! It’s a beautiful mark of a good relationship for so many couples, coming to better understand who they are and who God is.

I hope this film is a treasure for Megan and John in the years to come. To echo the words of John’s Best Man, “I can’t wait to see the love they’ve built be shared with the world!”

Nuptial Mass Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, Lincoln, Nebraska | Wedding Reception Venue : Starlite Ballroom, Wahoo, Nebraska | Videography: Victory Media | Photography: Mel Watson Photography | Florals: Abloom, Lincoln, Nebraska | Catering: ChefauChef, Lincoln, Nebraska | Rings: Nebraska Diamond | Bridal Gown: Beloved by Casablanca, via Blush Bridal | Bride’s Jewelry: JamJewels via Etsy | Hair & Makeup: College of Hair Design, Lincoln, Nebraska | Signage: Maggie Gillis, Love and Letters Company | Wedding Cake: Hannah McQuay, Tiers of Joy, Wausa, Nebraska | Cookies: Eileen’s Cookies | Cupcakes: Truly Scrumptious Bakery, Juniata, Nebraska | DJ: ARC Music and Entertainment, Lincoln, Nebraska

Spoken Bride Vendors | Spotlight, Vol. 13

/

Are you recently engaged and ready to book your wedding vendors? Newly married or attending a wedding, and in search of gifts that affirm the vocation to marriage?

We are proud to serve you through the Spoken Bride Vendor Guide, the first online resource for distinctively Catholic wedding vendors: hand-selected professionals from around the U.S. with not only an abundance of talent, but a reverence and passion for the sacrament of marriage that brings a uniquely personal, prayerful dimension to their client experiences.

From photographers and videographers who understand how to capture the most significant moments of your nuptial Mass, to coordinators who understand the needs of Catholic couples, artists whose jewelry, stationery, and prints become enduring keepsakes long after your wedding day, clinical and theological experts in the fields of fertility and relationships, and beyond, Spoken Bride Vendors view their work as a call and find deep joy in putting their talents at the service of the Lord.

What’s more, our vendors are truly engaging and fun. With a range of stories, hobbies, and devotions, it’s our privilege to share who they are and connect them with their ideal clients--you, faithful Catholic couples who are energized by working with like-minded, prayerful individuals. Each month, we’ll be introducing, or re-introducing, you to members of Spoken Bride’s vendor community, and we encourage you to learn more through their full vendor listings.

Our Vendors for This Month:

Claire Watson Photography

Martinsburg, West Virginia; Serving West Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia

Claire Watson strives to make a personal connection with the brides and grooms whom she works with. In fact, building a relationships with her couples is a source of inspiration “to create images that will help transport a husband and wife back to a moment when they felt incredibly lucky to be marrying this person, when they felt completely elated to be entering into this vocation with their best friend.”

Claire has a professional background as a licensed attorney with a specialization in business litigation; however, she has since committed her full-time career to emotion-driven, joy-inducing wedding photography.

Favorite part of weddings: Weddings give people permission to feel deeply. Not just between the couple, but how loved they are by their family. A sister reminiscing about their childhoods during a toast, a mom soaking in the dance with her son, a father encouraging his daughter in the nervous moments just before the procession.

Favorite hot beverage: I'm a tea drinker. Honey and whole milk please! Chai if you've got it.

Favorite saints: Saints Perpetua and Felicity, and of course Mother Mary, are my go-to girls. I call them my triple-threat and sometimes will start a prayer, with "Ladies, I need you in on this one!" When I went through challenges as a new mom, I really think Sts. Perpetua and Felicity interceded for me. When I later lost two babies in miscarriage, I asked Perpetua and Felicity to take special care of my children in heaven. I also greatly admire the tenacity and feminine power of Sts Claire and Catherine of Siena, whom my eldest is named after. My son is named after St. Kolbe and St. Joseph . My youngest, born during the pandemic, is named after Gianna Molla, in a nod to our brave health care workers putting their own lives and family stability on the line for others.

Learn more about Claire Watson Photography.

 

Emma Dallman Photography

Long Island City, New York; Serving New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and available for travel

Emma Dallman has had a camera in her hand since she was a young child. Over the years, she has invested in herself, made mistakes, and established a business knowledge to compliment her love for photography. 

Throughout a wedding day, she strives to capture the tiny details and moments which make each couple unique, while maintaining a comfortable and natural setting for the couple in front of the camera. “I love serving Catholic brides! Photographing a couple entering into the sacrament of marriage always reminds me of the blessing of my own Catholic marriage, and encourages me to go home and love my husband a little better.” 

Ministries I am involved in: I’ve been involved in Young Adult ministry and Theology of the Body education for years! Rachel’s Vineyard is also an incredibly important ministry that’s close to my heart.

Favorite place I’ve traveled: It’s not the most exotic place I’ve visited, but Yosemite Valley in California is my favorite place in the world. My family and I camped there every summer while I was growing up, so in my mind it’s equal parts nostalgic AND majestic.

Love means: Married love means thinking of yourself second. It's always asking yourself - "how can I help my spouse?" It's evaluating whether aspects of your life are good for them or not. Ultimately, it’s helping the other person get to heaven. 

Learn more about Emma Dallman Photography.

 

Organic Conceptions

Serving clients nation- and world-wide

Organic Conceptions began with founders Erin and Marc Sherman’s personal struggle in trying to conceive for close to a decade. Using both qualitative and quantitative research practices, they dug deep into stories from couples like them who unexpectedly overcame infertility. Every story individually holds a massive amount of insight, which, when woven together, provides a road map that can guide others on a journey to parenthood and beyond.

Favorite saint: St Anthony! My wife and I have a funny story when we were just married. After putting our boat into the water at a boat ramp we then dropped our keys into the ocean.  No keys, no car, no way to get the boat out. Long story short, St Anthony saved the day.

Favorite memory of my wedding day: The extreme heat that we dealt with which led to the entire wedding party jumping into a pool. Definitely not part of the plan but made for great memories! 

Love means: Doing something that matters. Giving to others. Finding the good. Promoting love. Trusting and being open in times of uncertainty.

Learn more about Organic Conceptions.

 

Mel Watson Photography

Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska and available for travel

Mel O’Keeffe is a passionate wife, mother, and photographer. She pours herself into these vocations where she has been called, and is inspired by the belief that beauty will change the world. Capturing beauty through the lens as a wedding photographer is not only Mel’s profession, but also her ministry. “I put my heart and soul into each wedding I photograph, and as each moment of the day unfolds, with the tears, laughter, and prayers, I'm most likely tearing up from behind the camera, too.“

Favorite place traveled: Hawaii. Hands down. My husband and I honeymooned there and it's our goal to return!

Favorite sports teams: Kansas City Chiefs, University of Nebraska football (I married into it!), and Seton Hall University Pirates Basketball—my alma mater

Languages spoken: English and French (although, I'm extremely rusty!)

Learn more about Mel Watson Photography.