Jillian + Collin | Married - Elizabeth Gelineau Photography

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bayside Wedding

The year was 1956. It was the era of big band music and swing dance. He was 22 years old when he saw her across the dance floor. She was in her late teens. He was immediately smitten and worked up the courage to ask her to dance. She said yes to the dance and, soon after, agreed to a first date. What she didn’t tell him was that she actually had two dates that day that they first went out together, but clearly he made an impression. That first dance that they shared became the first chapter of a love story that has now spanned decades. This is the love story of Collin’s grandparents, Carol and Gerald. It is so special to grow up with grandparents who have exemplified what it means to have a strong marriage. I know this because my own grandparents were married for 57 years.

Jillian and Collin had an intimate wedding ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel in Fairhope, Alabama. Since there weren’t any bridesmaids or groomsmen that were part of their day, I really got to spend a lot of time with their families. When Collin’s grandfather came over to me and shared the story of how he met his wife, all I could think was, “this is why I love photographing weddings.” I love people and their stories. Had there been the normal hustle and bustle of a wedding day, I likely wouldn’t have heard this beautiful story. I am so thankful that Gerald shared it because it made the photos I took of him and Carol dancing at the reception all the more significant (you’ve got to scroll down to see that sweet moment!).

Bayside weddings are always both fun and beautiful. We had some overcast weather the day of this wedding, which gave us the most beautiful, soft lighting for portraits on the bay, even in the early afternoon. When I arrived at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear for the reception, the skies were looking a bit ominous. Rain was heading our way. I rushed around photographing as many reception details as possible. I had just taken the last shot when rain drops started falling from the sky. Fortunately, we were at The Grand Hotel and the staff there know how to quickly and efficiently get everything under cover. In the blink of an eye all the tables were moved to a dry area. The rain soon stopped and the hotel staff reset everything just as quickly as they had moved it under cover. They are amazing!

There were only about 15 guests at the wedding ceremony, but the reception was quite a large party! Jillian and Collin invited all of their friends and extended family to celebrate with them for dinner and dancing. The day was also Cinco de Mayo, so there was an extra festive spirit in the air. I told Jillian and Collin that they share an anniversary date with my parents (who celebrated 39 years of marriage on May 5th) and she told me that she’d met so many amazing couples that share that anniversary date. There must be something special about May 5th for sure!

Jillian and Collin, thank you so much for having me be part of your wedding day! It was such a joy to work with you both and I wish you many years of happiness together! In 50 years, I expect you to still be tearing up the dance floor just like Carol and Gerald!