Maria + Patrick | Rustic Christmastide Georgia Wedding

This December wedding encompassed accents of lilac and roses, and the Georgia weather gifted the joyful morning with a mild winter climate. A rustic farmhouse estate housed the reception.

The church was still decorated for the octave of Christmas when Maria and Patrick exchanged their vows. Their photographers describe what it was like to document the day, from the intimate moments of prayer that morning to the nuptial Mass and celebration that followed.

From the Photographer

Maria and Patrick met at the Catholic Center at Kennesaw State University during an Awakening retreat. For two months they remained friends, and then they went on their first date--a pizza lunch! They were also completing a Marian Consecration during this time, and realized both of their consecrations ended on the same day.

On their wedding day, they exchanged vows at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, and family and friends gathered to witness the beauty of the sacrament.

The December day was perfect; rays of golden sunshine peeked through milky white clouds every hour, and the air was pleasantly warm with a light cool breeze.

That morning the bride, groom, and their bridal party met at The Grand separately to get ready. The girls gathered upstairs and the guys went downstairs to ensure there was no peeking before the ceremony. The bridesmaids and groomsmen took time to pray over each of them before Mass, and it was incredibly special to see.

Once Maria was in her dress, her father came in for a very heartfelt first look, and he too prayed over his beautiful daughter. Then it was time for Maria and Patrick’s “first prayer” together--one on each side of a door. As they held hands and read their letters to each other, the presence of the Holy Spirit became overwhelming.

After that, everyone went off to the church. Maria and Patrick were both part of Life Teen, a Catholic youth ministry, so the pews were filled with their friends from that wonderful organization. During their engagement, each part of the liturgy was carefully planned and prayed over, so once it all came together, it was awe-inspiring to witness.

Following their ceremony and some playful bridal party photos, we whisked Maria and Patrick off to take one-on-one pictures. It was a special, romantic time for the two of them to really take in the first feelings of becoming one flesh.

As photographers, we are so blessed to journey on this beautiful sacramental path with our couples. Being able to document Maria and Patrick’s vow of love before God was incredible. Their union mirrored the image of the Divine Trinity as they each gave their “yes” at the altar.

Their witness to the beauty of sacramental marriage is one of great responsibility, but God has given them the strength, courage, and grace to love each other like Christ for the world to see.