A St. Dominic Catholic Church Wedding

It’s always special to photograph a wedding for someone you know, but it’s extra special when that person is one of your sister’s best friends who feels like an extension of your own family. Emily and my sister, Katherine, have been friends since their days at McGill-Toolen. I still remember taking photos of them together at senior events back when they graduated from high school. I really wanted to find one of those photos for this blog post, but I was evidently not that organized with my image archives back in the day.

Two years ago, Emily was one of the bridesmaids in my sister’s wedding! We were so excited for it to be her turn to be the bride. What a joyful day this was! Emily and Brett chose to get married at Emily’s home parish, St. Dominic Catholic Church, where she is also a teacher. The priest that celebrated their Nuptial Mass is good friends with both of them, having previously been serving at St. Dominic and working with Brett via the McGill-Toolen football team. Brett being one of the coaches and Fr. Boutin having been the chaplain at the time. Needless to say, his homily was filled with some great stories about both Emily and Brett!

I couldn’t possibly pick one favorite moment from this day because it was just pure fun from beginning to end! It was such an honor to get to capture all the moments for Emily, Brett and their sweet families. Emily’s mom told me she didn’t think she was going to cry until she looked at Emily in her wedding dress. That was the moment that almost did her in – as y’all will see, Emily’s wedding gown was stunning!

A Murphy Center Reception

I have photographed many weddings at St. Dominic Catholic Church over the years, but I’ve never seen the Murphy Center transformed the way it was for Emily and Brett’s wedding. Y’all, pipe and drape can truly change the look of a room! My jaw hit the floor when I walked in and saw the set up. It was amazing!

Midway through the reception, Emily and her dad surprised guests with a special dance. They had given me a heads-up this was going to happen so that I could be prepared to capture the moment. As the song “Soul Man” started up, Emily and her dad took to the dance floor sporting hats and sunglasses. It was a highlight of the night for sure!

As the clock struck Midnight we all cheered for this sweet couple as they made their getaway on a golf cart! It was the perfect ending to the perfect day! Cheers to the newly Mr. and Mrs. Hancock!

I LOVED these shots that Regina captured of the precious flower girl and ring bearer!

Impromptu photos like this one make me happy! Everyone was so excited to get to the church for the ceremony!

Thanks to Regina for taking this photo of me with my parents, sister and brother-in-law!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Additional Ceremony Photographer + Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Videography | Thomas Arensberg

Wedding Coordinator | Weddings by Twyla

Ceremony + Reception | St. Dominic Catholic Church 

Florals | Belle Bouquet

Cake | Couture Cakes

Makeup + Hair | Katy Meaux

Catering | Naman’s Catering 

Entertainment | Powerhouse

Bride’s Gown | Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses | Birdy Grey

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank

Calligrapher | Kathy Navis

Invitations | Soiree Signatures

Pipe + Drape | Show Biz