Emily + Luke | Vintage Lavender Chapel Wedding

A vintage-inspired evening, from the heirloom pearls around the bride’s neck to the 150-year-old chapel. This couple’s lavender-bestrewn Indiana wedding held at their alma mater was the fruit of their friendship and strong foundation of faith.

Emily and Luke credit their relationship to their parents, who raised them both to know and love the Lord. Emily explains that making their faith a priority set the stage to help them live their lives to be the hands and feet of Christ, both before and after the wedding.

From the Bride

Wise people expressed to me that a couple's friendship before a romantic relationship is the secret to a lifelong marriage. For Luke and I, this has been true. We shared a few college classes together and were in the same bible study. At first, we talked about our childhood. Luke and I were both raised in Christ-centered homes, and we both attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. Then we both chose to attend a Catholic university. My faith is an integral piece of my life, and I was hopeful that my future husband would embody the same quality.

Eventually, Luke and I began attending Mass together and would go on a date afterwards. These were special, intimate times for us that inspired growth, learning, and trust. We also loved road trips. I believe that being stuck in a car with someone helps you learn a great deal about them. These were moments when we were able to reflect, relax, laugh, and be spontaneous. And those important conversations allowed us to open up to one another about our life and beliefs.

From chatting in a car, our relationship eventually progressed and grew stronger. During one of our road trips, Luke proposed to me!

It was almost unspoken that we would get married in the Church. This was a true testament to the dedication our parents exhibited to instill the faith in us as children, and they grinned ear-to-ear with gratitude.

Many moving parts must be planned to help the wedding day reflect what the couple desires. Luke and I talked about what we wanted our day to look like, and I believe we achieved it! We met at Marian University, so our nuptial Mass was celebrated in the campus chapel where we began our relationship. Luke and I did not have a “first look,” so walking down the aisle with my father on my arm was a breathtaking moment. We were beginning our life together as husband and wife in the very space we met for the first time. My eyes were flowing with tears of joy.

Luke and I love antique and vintage style. From the baby’s breath flowers to the chapel that was over 150 years old, the “old-fashioned” look was well represented. When I looked at veils to choose from, I couldn’t make up my mind. So my cousin reached out and asked if I would like to borrow hers. After I agreed, she explained that my grandmother made her veil for her wedding ten years ago. It was sentimental to wear something handmade from my grandmother.

My grandfather passed away three months before our wedding. My grandmother (who made my veil) and grandfather were married fifty-six wonderful years. They were a true example of committed marriage. Upon his passing, my grandmother asked if I would like to wear her pearl necklace with my dress. I learned that my grandfather had given her this pearl necklace at their wedding more than fifty years ago. I felt as though a little part of my grandfather was with me each step of my special day, since my necklace had been a part of his wedding.

Oh the dress! As a young girl, I dreamed about my future prince charming, the flowers, and the dress.

The gown I chose fit my personality perfectly: it had lace, pearls, and a sash which gave the dress a vintage charm. There were a couple special women who joined me in the search. And after the dress reveal, all of us shared a laugh and mimosas.

I am a nurse. This has been my calling since high school. I was inspired by my grandmother who was a nurse for many years, and I feel God placed me in this profession to help the less fortunate and to be a light for others. My husband coached high school football. He was inspired by his father who coached high school football for over thirty years. He says he doesn’t coach for money or fame, but to inspire the kids to become real men of Christ. Through the work we do at our jobs, Luke and I continue to walk on our spiritual journeys with Christ and strive to become a stronger couple that serves God.

Many of the teachings and religious practices of our faith are based on traditions from long ago. For Luke and I, our parents paved the way for us. Standing hand-in-hand with Luke before the altar was an incredible experience, and the Church, our family, and friends witnessed us profess our vows to one another with God as our witness. As the two of us become one, we are guided to live a life pleasing to God.

They say the wedding is just for a day, but marriage is for a lifetime.

I learned that during tough times, we must remain in love. Love never fails. In each moment, one thing remains constant: Christ is at the center, first in our friendship, and now in our marriage.

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Emily + Luke | Vintage Lavender Chapel Wedding

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