I’m beyond excited to share with you the heartwarming and beautiful wedding of Sara and Matthew, which I had the absolute privilege of photographing. This one was extra special for me as Sara is a close friend – she was my Bible study leader in college almost 10 years ago, and she’s now the godmother of my son! She and Matthew met on Catholic Match – the same way I met my husband! – in 2020, and when she told me they were engaged I immediately told her I’d be her wedding photographer because she’s always been a huge supporter of my business!

My day started bright and early at the hotel where Sara and Matthew were getting ready in separate rooms across the hall from each other. I got there ahead of time to capture all those fantastic little details that add so much to the story of a wedding day. To help set the tone for the day through the detail photos, Sara had her and Matthew’s rosaries as well as a crucifix that would be blessed by the priest during their ceremony, and I brought along a ring dish that I got from an event held by the Women Youth Apostles – a community Sara is a proud member of – the year she and Matthew began dating. I love when we can create beautiful detail photos that are still so personal to the couple + their unique wedding day!

After Sara got dressed, one of my favorite moments unfolded. Her bridesmaids gathered around her to pray, and it was a sweet, emotional moment that I was honored to capture. Then, Sara had a father-daughter first look, and seeing her dad’s reaction to his only daughter ready for her wedding day was just priceless.

Once the pre-ceremony preparations were complete, everyone headed over to St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. This church is one of the most traditional in the diocese and boasts stunning stained glass windows that provided an amazing backdrop for the ceremony. I’d photographed here before for Olivia and Victor’s wedding and I knew that despite how dark the church is, it’s a stunningly reverent space for a wedding. Before the ceremony, Sara and Matt shared a touching “first touch” moment, praying together beside the Mary statue in the church garden without actually seeing each other. This kept the anticipation of that first look down the aisle alive!

Sara’s sisters from the Women Youth Apostles arrived next to offer their prayers over her, another beautiful moment that added so much depth to the day. Then, the big moment arrived, and Sara walked down the aisle towards Matt. Their ceremony was concelebrated by three priests – including the priest who celebrated my own wedding mass! – and was just beautiful.

Post-ceremony, Sara and Matt braved a bit of rain to take some portraits in the church garden. The photos of them under a clear umbrella turned out so romantic – it was like something out of a movie!

The reception was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchellville, MD, where Sara’s mom works. Just as the reception was about to start, the rain stopped, and we managed to take some outdoor photos of the wedding party in front of a gazebo adorned with florals. We also grabbed a few more photos of just Sara and Matthew and you could see their joy radiating – both at having just been married, and at the fact that they were able to get portraits out of the rain!

The reception was filled with joy, laughter, and more than a few happy tears. I actually got to put down my camera and celebrate with them for the reception as an associate photographer took over from there, and it was such a treat to enjoy a wedding with my family. Sara and Matthew added a special touch to the festivities with a foot washing ceremony, symbolizing Matthew’s commitment to loving Sara as Christ loves the Church. The rest of the evening was all about celebrating their love with their friends and family. It was a day filled with love, faith, and lots of beautiful moments – a day I was honored to be a part of. Here’s to Sara and Matthew, and a lifetime of happiness together!

Ceremony Venue: St. Rita Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church

Rings: Blue Nile

Bridal Boutique: St. Anthony’s Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House

Groom/Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Zola

Florist: Sweetie’s Petals

Catering: Mission BBQ

Bakery: Hollin Hall Pastry Shop