A Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Wedding

I first met Mellanee when I photographed her son’s wedding in 2023. I knew then that she and Carl hoped to get married one day. Their love story is one of patience and you could just feel how happy everyone in the church was for these two to finally become husband and wife. The music swelled inside the Cathedral, perfectly matching the joy that radiated from these two and all their family and friends.

After taking Mellanee and Carl’s engagement portraits, I knew we would be in for a fun wedding day. Since Mellanee and Carl chose not to see each other prior to the ceremony, we carefully timed portraits to take place at the Cathedral so there were no accidental sightings of our bride to be. The weather was perfectly gorgeous, although we did battle some wind. I absolutely LOVED that we had so many opportunities for portraits at the Cathedral both before and after Mellanee and Carl exchanged vows.

Fun fact of the day, one of Mellanee’s bridesmaids was my 4th grade teacher back in the day at Holy Family School. I cannot tell you how much fun it was to have her in the bridal party. I love that her and Mellanee are such close friends. The rest of Mellanee’s bridesmaids were all family members, which made for a close-knit group spending the day together. My favorite part of the getting ready time with them was after Mellanee shared a first look with her bridesmaids. All of them gathered around her, along with Mellanee’s grandson, to pray for the bride and groom. It was such a beautiful moment and one of the reasons I love having wiggle room in my timelines to allow for spontaneous moments like this one!

A Battle House Hotel Reception

Everyone headed back to The Battle House for a reception in the Crystal Ballroom after the Nuptial Mass. I absolutely love working with the team at this hotel. Ashley Nix and her team at The Battle House are always fantastic to work with, as are the team of planners for Bella Victoria Events! Every little detail was perfectly planned and the entire day was smooth from beginning to end.

One of the highlights of the reception was Mellanee and Carl’s first dance. I knew they’d been practicing a surprise for their guests for months, but I don’t think everyone else suspected what was coming. When the music paused and then quickly switched, everyone cheered for the dance that followed. It was a memorable moment for sure! Then Mellanee shared a dance with her uncle and everyone was on the verge of tears. It was such a sweet moment!

Mellanee and Carl chose to give prayer cards to their guests as wedding favors with a watercolor print on one side and a prayer on the other. Included was a keychain with a crucifix and a Miraculous Medal, the perfect choice for a couple who had faith that the day they waited for (for over seven years) would finally come.

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Ferguson

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Planner | Bella Victoria Events

Getting Ready + Reception Venue | The Battle House Hotel

Ceremony | Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Florist | The Shade Tree

Catering | The Battle House Hotel

Invitations | Paper Jubilee

Cake | Publix

Hair Stylist | Caroline McDonald

Makeup Artist | Winter, Wonderstruck Studios

Band | Six Piece Suits

Bride’s Gown | I Do Bridal

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | I Do Bridal

Transportation | Hunter Limos