Sarah and Nick’s Catholic wedding ceremony and Sheraton Reston wedding reception was an absolute joy to photograph. It was especially meaningful because both of them are members of the Youth Apostles, a community devoted to sharing Christ’s message with young people. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing several Youth Apostle weddings. Sara and Matt’s rainy wedding day, and Rebekah and Dominic’s beautiful St. Veronica Catholic Church wedding were just the most recent. So when Sarah and Nick invited me to document their day, I couldn’t have been more excited. This Catholic wedding was filled with faith, love, and unforgettable moments.

We started the day with a first look in the gardens in front of the Sheraton Reston. The weather was beautiful – just the right amount of sunshine peeking through the trees. This garden setting provided the perfect spot for Sarah and Nick’s private first look, followed by some fun portraits with their wedding party. The florals were nothing short of stunning thanks to Annie from Floriography, who pulled together vibrant and eye-catching arrangements that brought so much life to each scene.

St. Joseph Catholic Church Wedding Ceremony

At the church, the day’s deeply spiritual tone continued. Sarah’s sisters from the Women Youth Apostles gathered around her for a heartfelt prayer before the Catholic wedding Mass. Seeing Sarah surrounded by the community that has meant so much to her was a truly beautiful moment. The Nuptial Mass itself was celebrated by several priests special to the couple, making the ceremony even more intimate and meaningful.

Afterward, Sarah and Nick took a moment to visit the statue of St. Joseph, where Nick had proposed. It was a sweet nod to their journey as a couple. We next stopped by the nearby Walker Nature Center for some more portraits. The peaceful natural setting was a needed escape from the wedding day hustle. After their engagement session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens a few months prior, I knew we were in some very sweet and romantic wedding day portraits.

Sheraton Reston Wedding Reception

The reception back at the Sheraton Reston wedding ballroom was nothing short of magical. The moment you walked into the ballroom, you were greeted by an incredible floral installation on the chandeliers that immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. It was complemented by beautiful florals on the surrounding tables. They continued the vibrant, romantic aesthetic from earlier in the day.

One of the standout moments was their grand entrance to “Enter Sandman.” As a wedding photographer, I can honestly say this was a first for me! The energy it brought into the room was contagious, and everyone was laughing and cheering as Sarah and Nick made their way in. The night continued with a beautiful mix of dancing, laughter, and heartfelt moments with friends and family.

As the reception wound down, one of the religious brothers in attendance took Sarah and Nick aside bless their new marriage. It was a touching way to reconnect with their faith amidst the celebration. After this moment, the couple rejoined their guests for a sparkler sendoff that lit up the night, ending their Sheraton Reston wedding in a truly memorable way.

I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of Sarah and Nick’s wedding day. Capturing their love story, grounded in faith and surrounded by a supportive community, was an honor. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for these two wonderful people!

Coordination and Florals: Floriography

HMUA: Sandra Makeup Artistry

Bridal Boutique: Say Yes For Less

Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Sheraton Reston

DJ: Mike Blaufeld

Cake: Edibles Incredible