st mary on the hill — Beauty & Beard PhotographyBlog

We had the honor of meeting via Zoom with Mike and Lydia back in January of this year to talk about their wedding day. We made plans for the live stream and everything they needed for the wedding day at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church.

On the wedding day, we got to show up and say hey then get ready for the ceremony quickly before getting into our places. Being the times that we live in, there weren’t many people attending so we got set up a live stream for the family and it’s always fun to host and make sure everyone hears everything during the ceremony. Once everyone was lined up and ready, the ceremony started with the groom coming out with the priest from behind the altar and everyone else came down the aisle. Once Lydia made her way out of the room that she was waiting in, Mike had a big smile on his face. We could tell how happy they were but our biggest impression was just how sweet of a couple these two are! Once they made it hand it hand at the altar, there were a few readings, blessings, prayers and they also did communion before finishing off the ceremony with a joyous kiss. After the kiss, they made their way back up the aisle together as husband and wife along with the rest of the bridal party and family. Everyone had made it back and so we actually turned right back around and went to the altar to do some family and bridal party photos briefly as well as a few with the newly weds. Once we finished all of those, we went up stairs where Morgan had been for the ceremony to use the big stained glass windows up there for a few couples portraits and then broke off to meet them at the spot where he proposed which was at the Savannah Rapids Park on the dock (you probably know the spot). It was so great because during the original meeting, we heard about him getting breakfast for them and they watched the sun rise while sitting on this dock together and he proposed there which just sounds so beautiful and perfect. Even more perfect is that now they have photos on their wedding day there as well which turned out beautifully. What better spot to end off our short day with them. Since there was no formal exit for us to photograph, we took a few as they crossed the bridge heading back to our cars so they could go to their intimate reception together which somewhat felt like a good exit and wrap up for this blog. We congratulated them again and we all went our separate ways but, of course no good story ends there! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for this power couple!

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church

Tables and Chairs for reception: All Star Tents and Events

Bridal Gown: David's Bridal with purple lace appliques purchased from SilkfabricDesigns on Etsy and applied by the bride and her mom

Veil: Elegant Bridals

Men's Suites: Men's Wearhouse

Groom's Ring: Windsor Fine Jewelers

Bride's Ring: Green Lake Jewelry Works

Invitations: The Knot

Wedding Website: Minted

Makeup: Madeline Todd, LLC

Reception Food: Zoes Kitchen

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie.com

As we often do here lately, we met with this sweet couple and the bride’s family a while ago via Zoom. It was very easy to tell that we would enjoy this couple and that Lindsay laughed so much and it was contagious! We had the joy of photographing their engagement session which you can see here. Also recently, we did her bridal session which you can see in the photos at the reception.

Their wedding day started as most weddings where we show up and say hey and then start on details asap. This was actually the first where we brought a little styling board to use for some details which worked out nicely with their colors. Once we finished the details, we did a little bit of the getting ready for the girls and then went to photograph the guys on the other side of the church. A few swedish fish to help Lachlan enjoy the photos even more and we were done quickly then headed back to get Lindsay’s mom helping her with the last few dress details. Once she was all ready, we got her dad to come in for a first look in the same spot that her sisters did and it turned out beautifully! He said it was such a bittersweet moment because it’s his last daughter getting married but he was so happy and proud of her. Then we did a few photos with the girls in front of the church just before they all had to get lined up for the ceremony. The ceremony required us to stay further back which is common in Catholic churches but that’s no problem at all. You can see Morgan had a spot to get on the floor level and I was up on the balcony capturing everyone once they were passing her. Once they both were down the aisle together and all smiles, they said their vows and prayed before getting to kiss and make their way back up the aisle as husband and wife. Once everyone made it up the aisle and the guests were dismissed, we went back to the front for family formals and bridal party photos. We also took a few of the couple here just before heading to the reception.

Once we arrived at the Marbury Center, we quickly hopped into action and photographed details and the inside of the location. Then once the couple showed up, we confirmed details with them and made sure everything was set for entering until we realized we were two groomsmen short but there was no need to fear for they showed up rather promptly after. The couple even shared a short practice dance outside which was such a cute moment. Once the guys arrived, everyone lined up and the dj announced everyone in. Once everyone had danced their way in, the couple came in and went straight into their first dance. Lindsay of course laughing and David of course making her laugh, made for an adorable first dance. Next Lindsay’s father came out for the father-daughter dance which then transitioned into everyone eating and the dance floor opening. Once the dance floor opened, we got to see a moment for one of Lindsay’s sisters watching her husband dance with their daughter while all of the couples slow danced and it was just beautiful to watch take place. The dancing slowed down just a little and it was time to cut the cake so, we all made our way over to get ready and David and Lindsay cut the cake and fed each other. The dance floors then opened back up for a bit and then they did probably one of our favorites parts of the day which was the Dollar Dance which is where you can pay a dollar (or however much you want) by giving to her sister in this case to put in an apron and that allows you a spin with the bride to polka music. In this case, she spun you off to the other side where you could take a shot which made for any even funnier event. This went on for quite a while and we watched Lindsay’s niece and nephew hop back in line (someone was paying their way I am pretty sure) countless times and tiring out the bride. Once everyone had their share of spins, we setup the bouquet toss and garter toss. Then everyone danced a little more and we setup the sparkler exit out front. It was a fake exit so once they joyfully made their way through the row of sparklers, they walked towards their car a little bit then came back to enjoy conversation with their closest friends and family. It was at this point that we got ready to leave but took a few more photos of the kids playing with the last bit of their sparkler in the courtyard out back and then said our goodbyes to the family. We are so excited for the great things this couple has ahead of them and hope to hear some more of Lindsay’s singing sooner than later!