A Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Wedding

The weather forecast for Saturday was 90 percent chance of rain. This is not what any bride wants for her wedding day, but I knew that I could do a lot with the deep porch at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. I always watch the weather like crazy the day before a wedding. According to the forecast, we were supposed to see a break in the rain mid afternoon. I prayed so hard we would get that break in the rain!

As it turned out, the rain did not start when predicted. I checked the radar right after Erin and Austin shared their First Look. To my surprise, it looked like there was a semi-circle of rain around where we were! I asked Erin and Austin if they were game for moving up all our timing and going to the Cathedral early. Things often run behind on wedding days, but in this case we were ahead of schedule! Everyone was dressed and ready. The party bus was waiting to take us to the church. All the stars aligned.

When we got to the church, I practically leapt out of the party bus before it even came to a complete stop. I knew every minute was precious. I had no idea how fast the rain would move in. We dashed to the courtyard at the Cathedral, then to the front steps, and, finally, to the porch. Just before the bridal party arrived on the second run of the party bus, I checked the radar again. We were still in the clear!!! So we dashed into Cathedral Square and flew through several portraits as quickly as possible.

Then Came the Tornado Warning

The rain started midway through portrait time, but it was just a light rain at first. I knew we’d gotten the majority of the portraits taken, so I was feeling pretty happy with how everything worked out. The Cathedral’s porch was keeping us dry while we wrapped up the final few portraits. Then the tornado warnings started going off on everyone’s phones. If you’re going to be stuck downtown during a tornado, I’m thinking the Cathedral is the place to be. At least I knew where the crypt was located if the tornado started heading right toward us!

Fortunately, the worst of the bad weather seemed to pass in time for the ceremony. While the wind was still blowing like crazy outside, we weren’t under an immediate tornado threat. By the end of the ceremony, the rain had paused again so we were able to quickly and easily head straight to the reception. Talk about a blessing!

I have to give a MAJOR shoutout to Erin and Austin’s awesome bridal party! They seriously made all these portraits happen by jumping into photos way sooner than planned and helping me get through a shot list in record time. I also have to give a shoutout to their wedding planner, Kayla, and my team, Regina and Lauren. Wedding days are always a team effort, but especially so when the weather is not ideal. I can’t think of a better team to have had with me on this day helping to preserve memories for this wonderful couple!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Wedding Planner | Kayla McAnally

Getting Ready + Reception | The Steeple on St. Francis

Ceremony | Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Caterer | Naman’s Catering 

Florist | Belle Bouquet

Cake | Gloria Farnell

Hair Stylist | Dana McCall

Band | Six Piece Suits

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A Bank

Invitations | Sally G Designs