Amanda + Evan | Rustic Rose-Colored Wedding

Cathedral-style summer nuptials on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, centered on Christ and the Cross.

Amanda and Evan met while on mission with FOCUS. Evan was assigned last minute to a medical mission trip to Peru that Amanda had already been working on for months. 

Despite not having any medical experience, Evan joined the trip full of enthusiasm!

During their time in Peru, they developed a new and life-giving friendship that continued for the next few months. 

During a FOCUS summer training, Evan decided to ask Amanda on a date, to which she happily said yes. Even though they were assigned to different mission locations, they invested in their long distance relationship wholeheartedly. 

Soon after discerning that Amanda was the woman for him, Evan asked for her parent's blessing.

They were thrilled and gifted him with some family diamonds to make a ring for their daughter. 

Over Thanksgiving break later that year, during a private holy hour, Evan proposed to Amanda, who joyfully agreed. Afterward, they prayed together in front of the Blessed Sacrament and celebrated with Mass.

From the Photographer:

Amanda and Evan’s wedding day was seriously one of the most joyful events I've ever been a part of!

They were united in a full nuptial Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, GA on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Since Amanda and Evan both have a devotion to our Lady, it was perfect for them

The church was spacious and designed in the cathedral style, which was important to the bride and groom. They wanted a space to celebrate their marriage that was big enough to hold all of their family and friends without it being crowded in COVID times.

Amanda looked absolutely elegant in her lace-backed dress and cathedral veil. Wearing earrings from her grandmother, she wrapped a rosary from Fatima around her bouquet, and wore a small embroidered icon of the crucifixion inside her wedding dress.

Evan wore an identical icon pinned inside his coat.

Amanda and Evan shared an emotional first look in the church’s adoration chapel. They prayed together and exchanged gifts. 

Amanda gave Evan a gold Sacred Heart case that contained letters from her and a prayer of consecration to the Blessed Mother. Evan gifted his bride a print of “The Wedding of Joseph and Mary.” 

Afterward, they had their close friends, family, and priest celebrant pray over them before their ceremony in the chapel.

The bridal party wore a dusty pink dress from Roolee, which complimented the white and green florals. The bouquets and boutonnieres coordinated beautifully with white roses, baby's breath, and eucalyptus leaves.

Amanda and Evan had many friends dear to their hearts, but logistically could not fit them all into the wedding party. 

They decided to honor these friends by making them "wedding party attendants," who wore the wedding colors and took photos with the bride and groom like a bridal party would. These friends also joined in the group prayer for the couple.

During their wedding Mass, Evan and Amanda incorporated traditional music and included the Croatian wedding crucifix tradition as part of their vows.

Their reception was at a beautiful, two-story, brick, all-inclusive venue in historic downtown Acworth. During the father-daughter dance, Amanda's sisters came out to join at the end as a tribute to their love for her and the closeness of their family. 

After dancing the night away on a packed dance floor, Amanda and Evan left their reception with a sparkler and bubble exit into a getaway car.

One thing I was consistently wowed by was how the Lord drew people to Himself through the witness of Amanda and Evan's relationship. 

Marriage is meant to be a living example of the domestic Church, and through two people who are absolutely in love with the Lord coming together, it can invite others into the knowledge of the intimacy Christ wants with us. 

I found myself convicted that my own marriage should be such a reflection.

Photography: Nicole Sandercock Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Woodstock, GA | Reception Location: The Conservatory at Waterstone, Acworth, GA | Bride’s Dress & Veil: A Formal Occasion | Groom’s Attire: Alaine DuPetit | Bridesmaid Dresses: Roolee | Floral Design: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Catering: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Stationary: Zola | Cake: Confection Perfection

Grace + Hunter | Classic Christmas Wedding

A cozy and easygoing celebration filled with the colors, joy, and merriment of the Christmas season, with nods to the couple’s football fandom.

What started as a friendship based on a college-football connection, ultimately led Grace to the Catholic faith—and both she and Hunter to a Christ-centered marriage.

Grace and Hunter faced the challenge of preparing for their wedding during COVID-19, but they found comfort in God, the saints, and their beloved home parish.

Surrounded by their dearest family and friends, the couple made a point to incorporate meaningful details into their wedding in memory of loved ones who have passed to eternal life.

From the Bride:

Hunter and I met on Twitter, of all places, in 2016 through our mutual fandom of Tennessee football. We started out as friends and shared a deep love of Christ. 

We became engaged in December 2018. Hunter shared his Catholic faith with me, and I finalized my conversion to the Catholic faith in April 2021. 

I selected Saint Brigid as my patron because in learning about her life, I felt a kinship to her. And also because we both feel so blessed to be members of a wonderful parish that bears her name. 

Hunter is a cradle Catholic, and I have enjoyed learning so much about the faith with him. One of our favorite things to do together is review Franciscan Media's “Saint of The Day,” and we are always so inspired learning about these wonderful saints and their lives

God was definitely in the driver's seat for our wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We learned quickly we were not in control. 

We ended up having a small, intimate ceremony with some of our closest family and friends. 

Deacon Tom, who celebrated our wedding, did a wonderful job getting to know us through our Pre-Cana marriage preparation process and made sure that the homily was personalized and filled with humor. 

Hunter and I are both members of Saint Brigid and absolutely adore our parish, so it was very special to get married there. 

My mom and my sister personalized my dress topper and made the sash I wore on my wedding day.

Unfortunately, both of my grandmothers have passed away, so I honored my maternal grandmother by carrying her rosary wrapped around my bouquet as my something borrowed, and I had my paternal grandmother's brooch pinned to my bouquet as my something old. 

Both my paternal grandmother and my beloved late step-grandmother were of Scottish heritage, so we honored both of them with the tartan accents at our wedding. 

I surprised Hunter with a memorial table and arrangement to his late mother including pictures of the two of them together and her favorite flowers. 

My maternal grandmother was from Ecuador, which is known for its roses, so I made sure my bridal bouquet featured Ecuadorian roses.

Our journey to our wedding day taught me to accept the things I could not change and to trust in God.

Photography: Cooper and Co Photography | Nuptial Mass: St Brigid Catholic Church, Johns Creek, GA | Reception Venue: Naylor Hall, Roswell, GA | Bride’s Dress: The Sample Shoppe by White Magnolia Bridal | Rings: Solomon Brothers | Caterer: Loyal Q Barbecue | Cakes: Henri's Bakery | Floral Design: The Flower Post | DJ & Photobooth: Club Rett | Rehearsal Dinner: Roswell Provisions | Stationery: Calligraphy with Style

Sam + Michael | Turquoise & Gold Country Club Wedding

Roses in light pastel shades and bridesmaids in soft teal dresses brought romance to this Georgia wedding. The reception was decorated with teal, gold, and glass accents, with muted greenery that added a touch of earthy elegance to the grand country club ballroom.

For Sam and Michael, their love for the Blessed Mother, which began during their relationship, carried through to their wedding day; a celebration with grace abundantly present in both the grand and intimate moments. 

Their photographer describes the experience of photographing their wedding, capturing all the intentional details lovingly planned by the bride and groom.

From the Photographer

Sam and Michael's August wedding was beautiful in so many ways. One example was their love for Mary and their consistent devotion to her throughout their relationship. 

While discerning marriage, Sam and Michael prayed a novena to Mary Undoer of Knots. Then, in 2019, Michael proposed to Sam on the feast of the Assumption, and they were married on the feast of the Queenship of Mary. During their nuptial Mass, they included a beautiful prayer to the Blessed Mother as well. 

From the prayers that Sam’s bridesmaids prayed over her, to the foot washing ceremony, to the lavender toss exit, Sam and Michael’s wedding was full of joy and celebration. 

The bride was married in a gorgeous dress from J. Andrews Bridal and a veil made by Michael's mother. While getting ready, Sam gifted each of her bridesmaids an elegant Stamped and Finch gold bracelet, customized with a specific word for each person. 

They were married in Peachtree City, Georgia, where both Sam and Michael grew up, in a sanctuary just steps from the room where they first met. Their reception featured the sweetest foot washing ceremony and plenty of dancing. Then they departed with a fun (and sweet-smelling) lavender toss exit. 

Sam and Michael are a testament of devotion to each other and their shared faith, and it shone through in every moment of their wedding day. As their photographer, it was a gift to see all the moments that unfolded—each a witness to the holiness of the couple and their families. 

To see God working in the grand, beautiful moments and the small, intimate glances was powerful. I believe every wedding can reflect this divine beauty, if only you invite the Lord in.

Photographer: Maggie Dunn Photography | Nuptial Mass: Holy Trinity in Peachtree City, GA | Wedding Reception Venue + Catering: Flat Creek Country Club | Florals: Arthur Murphey Florist | Invitations: Minted | Hairstylist: Anna Kemp | Dress Shop: J Andrews Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey | Bridesmaids Bracelets: Stamped and Finch

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.

Photographer: Horn Photography & Design | Wedding Ceremony Location St. Catherine of Sienna | Wedding Reception Venue The Grande in Kennesaw with Waterstone Events | Caterer: Waterstone Events | Makeup: Emily Miltiades | Wedding Dress + Veil: Carrie’s Bridal Collection in Chamblee, GA | Florals: Morgan Norwood Designs | Wedding Planner & Florals: Kali Harvey of Annie Mae Weddings + Events | Groom’s + Men’s Attire: Jos A Bank | DJ/Entertainment: Greg Picciano | Wedding Cake: Mother of the Groom | Videography: Brendan Ferguson | Planner: Cheryl Base (St. Cat's)

Caitlin + Jake | Blush and Lace Vow Renewal

A soft, light-filled ceremony with vintage details, and a reminder that we hear the Father’s voice most clearly in the quiet and stillness.

When Caitlin and Jake agreed to participate in marketing materials for their parish’s marriage ministry, they desired to do more than pose for a styled shoot. With the bride in a vintage lace gown and bridegroom in gray and white, they took the opportunity to renew their marriage vows.

From the Photographers:

Though this was a styled shoot for St. Luke's wedding marketing, Jake and Caitlin chose to renew their wedding vows for real at the same time. It was so beautiful.

They were both excited to see each other, just like on their wedding day. Jake was actually a little nervous again—it was adorable! The renewal was just the two of them and Father. It was soft, sweet and deeply faith-filled. Both Caitlin and Jake have been youth ministers most of their adult lives and have a little one of their own, so this moment of stillness—a renewal of their sacrament with just the two of them—offered a quiet and tranquillity they hadn’t experienced in a while.

We were reminded life can be very full, in a very good way: full of family, friends, helping and taking care of others, work; the list goes on.

But just like Christ, there are times when we need to just be still.

And sometimes that stillness, that quiet is with just your spouse in prayer.

Photographer: Horn Photography & Design | Venue: St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Dahlonega GA | Artistic Florist: Cleveland Florist

Katie + Ted | Classic Southern Summer Wedding

A Georgia celebration expressing the joy of personal encounter, with specific nods to Christ and Our Lady...and to the sweetness of rereading your old texts.

The Father is never outdone in gifts and goodness.

Katie and Ted first met through their roommates, who began dating each other during the semester Ted studied abroad. After his return stateside to Washington, D.C., Katie’s friends tried to persuade her into a game of flag football. She jokingly replied that she would, if they set her up on a date with Ted.

Ted’s brother set the wheels in motion and Ted agreed, sending his brother a text that read, You owe me! The conversation that followed made it clear this was the start of something special. To Katie and Ted’s surprise and laughter, those texts between the brothers were read aloud during his brother’s reception toast. 

Surrounded by his bride, family, and friends, it was abundantly clear Ted had been more than repaid.

From the Photographers: 

Katie and Ted each got ready on their wedding morning alongside their siblings and closest friends, with the bride dressed in a draped bodice gown topped with a lace bolero and the bridesmaids in Marian blue. Katie and her father did a first look, and then it was time for a first prayer with Ted!

Related: a photographer shares 3 tips for your First Prayer

Ted stood facing the altar, his eyes fixed on Jesus, as Katie approached from behind. They exchanged letters, then prayed aloud with each other. And then it was time.

The Mass was beautiful; filled with faithful Catholic friends and family. Many of the guests knew Katie and Ted through LifeTeen and through their college campus ministry, with friends leading the worship as musicians.

Katie and Ted chose the Mass readings, and they also chose to serve as the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. As each guest came forward for holy communion, he or she received Jesus directly from the couple.

The reception was beyond joy-filed, with a packed dance floor all evening. As the celebration came to an end, guests lined up outside with bubbles to send these to amazing humans off on their new adventure!

What a life-giving witness this day was to us as vendors. Katie and Ted’s nuptial Mass was filled with holy hearts praising the Lord and praying for their marriage, and their reception with wedding was filled with joy and community. Each aspect of the day was thought out through the mindset of bringing honor and glory to God.

The Holy Spirit always writes the best love stories! Stories of freedom, adventure, and love that prevails in spite of life’s obstacles.

Photography: Horn Photography and Design | Ceremony Venue: St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Roswell, Georgia | Reception Venue: Taylor Lodge at St. Benedict Church, John’s Creek, Georgia | Catering: Zoës Kitchen | Reception Bar: Fire’s Bartending | DJ Entertainment: DJ Ron

Erin + Steven | French Country Georgia Wedding

Brightly-colored blush and peach florals adorned the dress and decor of this spring-time Georgia wedding. The reception was held in a French country-style manor, where elegant stone walls housed a rustic, candlelit celebration.

A forecast of rain didn’t stop Erin and Steven’s wedding day from being the joy-filled celebration God desired for them. From their thrilling “first touch” to the moment Steven watched his bride walk down the aisle, the graces of the sacrament were abundant. 

Their photographer describes their story, from an unexpected first meeting on a dating site, to a touching proposal that didn’t go quite as planned.

From the Photographer:

They met on a dating site. Erin had been on the site for a year and was just about to give up when Steven messaged her. He had only been on the site for 2 weeks. She agreed to a date after chatting with him for a while, and she says it was the best first date she ever went on.

Erin and Steven dated for two years before he proposed. He waited until her mother came to visit, so he could formally ask for her hand in marriage. Erin’s mother cried tears of joy, and gave him her blessing.

So Steven prepared his proposal speech. On the night he planned to propose, he cooked a pizza dinner to watch the NFL draft with Erin, something they both enjoy. The ring was set to go, and he felt his excitement growing.

Unfortunately, work asked Erin to stay late that night. When she finally showed up for dinner, Steven forgot his entire speech, began to tear up, and immediately dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him!

On their wedding day, it was forecasted to rain, but when God wants something to happen, he finds a way to make it beautiful.

As Erin slipped into her dress, with the sun shining through the hotel suite windows, joy, giggles, smiles, and bobby pins filled the room. Beauty radiated from the bride, her sister, and her mom as the zipper was zipped and the buttons closed. The finishing touch was a cross necklace her mom gently clasped around her neck. 

She was perfect!

Before their nuptial Mass, Steven and Erin approached the door at the front of the church for a “first touch.” The large door to the building swung open; on one side stood a gorgeous bride and on the other a nervous groom. Erin was out of sight, but not out of reach. Steven touched her hand and says pure exhilaration ran through their bodies. In mere moments, they would be husband and wife.

The moment finally came for Erin to walk down the aisle. Steven’s bottom lip began to quiver as he took in the elegance and grace of his bride. 

As their photographer, I had the privilege of seeing God’s loving and playful humor come out on their wedding day. Deacon Dennis, their officiant, made everyone laugh, filling the church with a sense of great joy. He was the perfect match for Erin and Steven--they too have the same beautiful sense of humor. 

Together, they were sealed with a beautiful sacrament that no man can undo.

Alli + Marshall | Atlanta Spring Cathedral Wedding

Alli and Marshall’s home parish, the Cathedral of Christ the King, became a recurring character in their love story. They met there, were engaged there, and finally exchanged wedding vows there at the altar. Alli describes it as the best day of their lives, thus far.

From the Bride: In our relationship, one thing is for sure: the Lord brought Marshall and I together in his timing. A few years before I met Marshall, I started praying more and more for my future husband. I asked St. Anthony to send me a man full of faith, devotion, and love for his family. Years went by, and I continued to pray. 

Marshall and I were active members of the Cathedral of Christ the King’s young adult group, and our paths crossed a few times. At a mutual friend’s wedding, he asked me to dance (to Aerosmith!), and we went on our first date to Mass and dinner the next weekend. After a year of dating, we got engaged in the very same church where we met. 

In May, we exchanged our wedding vows during our nuptial Mass, and married life has been full of blessings! Marshall continues to pursue my heart everyday, and we know the Lord will forever be the center of our past, present and future life together.

Our home church has been at the center of our relationship since we met, and it was important for us to get married there. Marshall and I are very traditional, and our wedding Mass reflected that. It embodied everything our relationship is based on: Jesus’ love for us and his love working through us.

Our wedding day was the best day of our lives, thus far. I experienced a lot of nerves before the ceremony, because managing all the planning wasn’t my favorite part. However, as soon as I walked down the aisle I felt calm and confident. I knew Marshall was the one the Lord had given to me, and I felt entirely present during our nuptial Mass. 

Perhaps my best advice to brides is to enjoy every moment. Enjoy the celebration of your married, sacramental love!

Photography: Once Like a Spark | Church: Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, GA | Wedding Reception: The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, GA | Invitations: Minted (minted.com) | Bride’s Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: Formally Yours (formallyyoursga.com) | Grooms & Groomsmen Tuxes: Mens Warehouse | Cake” Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet (frostedpumpkin.com) | Music: Nathan Angelo (nathanangelo.com) | Makeup: Formal Faces (formalfaces.com) | Coordinator: A Peachy Keen Wedding (peachykeenwedding.com)