It's A Small World After All
One of the most fun parts of my job is being able to connect with so many people. When Rachel and Sean asked me to photograph their wedding, none of us had any idea about all of the connections we already had. One of Rachel’s friends, whom I had the pleasure of photographing her wedding for (Michaela and Owen all the way in Illinois) is an old housemate of Rachel, and Rachel was an usher at Michaela’s wedding! Rachel and Sean found me through a referral from a different friend who will be getting married at the same church this May. Who knew that we would have so many connections already? I love being able to find those connections and grow my small world.
A Family Affair
Holy Cross Church in Covington, Kentucky is a beautiful church, and even more stunning with the Christmas season decorations. Two large Christmas trees stood on either side of the altar, both lit up with bright white lights. The high altar was decorated with countless poinsettias in red and white. Behind the altar, three stained glass windows created a dazzling display of lights, and the angels on either side completed the festive theme.
Before Mass began, Rachel was able to take time to pray by herself in the adoration chapel. It was a wonderful moment of quiet reflection before the craziness of the day. The couple opted not to have a first look, which is so fun because that means the first time they get to see each other is when she is walking down the aisle.
When Rachel and her dad came through those doors, Rachel lit up like the sun. The smile she and her dad share was so breathtaking, and I just love that I was able to capture that exact moment! Sean looked starstruck (rightfully so) as his future wife walked down the aisle towards him. The ceremony was beautiful, and I loved capturing everyone in a field of those poinsettias. When the newly wed couple came back down the aisle, I was able to shoot a tender moment before everyone else joined them.
It is always incredible when the couple’s family participates in the wedding ceremony. For Rachel and Sean, their family showed up in so many ways. Sean’s uncle was the priest who said mass for them. Rachel’s brother sang and played the Marian hymn when Sean and Rachel dedicated flowers to the Blessed Mother after communion. It was truly a show of the love shared not only by them, but by their families who came to support them and participate in the ceremony.
Things That Fly
Before the reception at Receptions Event Center was underway we swept away the party for some pics. We really wanted to get a cool picture of Rachel’s veil flung up behind her, which requires someone to throw the veil and make a mad dash out of frame. One of the bridesmaids took on the challenge and we were able to get the picture perfectly. We ALSO got a wonderful picture of her ATTEMPTING to get out of frame.
The groomsmen have a tradition of throwing the groom in the air for a picture. While you couldn’t pay me to be flung in the air by a bunch of people, they loved it. It’s a real testament to the amount of trust with those guys (they really threw Sean as high as possible!).
During the reception the dancing carried on the same high spirits. There were several moments where the leapfrogging jumps were so high, I thought maybe someone had figured out how to defy gravity. The line at the bar was almost exclusively the kids who were ordering non-stop Shirley Temples, a sure sign that the party is getting good!
The space itself was beautiful. Exposed wood beams with sheer fabric draping off? A massive chandelier and a giant dance floor underneath? Is that not the most romantic sounding space? Everything was so inviting and warm and it was obvious the guests felt the same.
There was just so much joy in that reception hall on that cold, cold January evening, but even the bitter winter chill couldn’t penetrate the incredible warmth from all of the love. At any given moment, I think there were at least five people laughing, ten people dancing, and several pairs of feet not on the ground.
The speeches were so silly and fun. Rachel’s sister and dad mentioned that Rachel just hadn’t been all that interested in dating, but when she started seeing Sean, they knew she was done for.
That's A Wrap
Rachel and Sean, I had an incredible time with you and your loved ones. I am so honored that you trusted me not only with your engagement photos, but also with your wedding as well. Being able to see your love bloom and grow, and see everyone that joined you to celebrate your wedding was so incredible. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for your new family.
