A St. Joseph Chapel Wedding

I wish I had a copy of the homily that Fr. Victor Ingalls gave at Caroline and Buddy’s wedding. It so perfectly told their love story and had everyone in the church laughing at all the coincidences that led to their dating and eventually to this day. But are there really any coincidences? I think it is more likely that the Holy Spirit intervened, ensuring that Caroline and Buddy met at the right time. It was clear to everyone in the church that God meant for these two to be together.

The joy of this day is hard to describe. I have photographed weddings for both families in prior years – Caroline’s brother’s wedding last year and Buddy’s sister’s wedding a couple years ago. In fact, I think there were parents from at least 7 other weddings I’ve photographed in attendance at this wedding, going all the way back to my first year as a wedding photographer! Talk about a wonderful trip down memory lane seeing so many parents of my brides and grooms at one wedding.

Both of these families are so loved. Fun fact, Caroline was a former classmate of my second photographer, Regina, which made the day that much more special. Everyone knew each other and we just had so much fun. I was fortunate to take Caroline’s bridal portraits a few weeks prior to her wedding. Her dress, which was worn by her mother when she married Caroline’s dad, was made by her grandmother. Along with Chrystal from Seams to Fit, the two refitted the dress for Caroline. Another sentimental detail was Buddy’s wedding band, which was passed down by his grandfather, whom Buddy was named after.

A Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Reception

After a beautiful Nuptial Mass at St. Joseph Chapel, everyone headed to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. To say that Regina and I had fun photographing these details is a MAJOR understatement. The vendor team that brought Caroline and Buddy’s wedding day dreams to life knocked it out of the park! Special thanks to Sherry with Studio 08 for making sure everything ran smoothly the entire day so we had time to capture all these gorgeous details!

Caroline and Buddy headed to Italy for their honeymoon. I’m hoping that they are reading this blog post while enjoying a late night glass of wine and reliving all the moments of this beautiful day. Cheers to the newly Mr. and Mrs. Arensberg!

Buddy’s great-great grandparents were married at St. Joseph Chapel in 1917. They rode in a horse and buggy to be married in the newly constructed St. Joseph Chapel. One hundred and eight years later, Archbishop Emeritus Rodi was the celebrant for Caroline and Buddy’s Nuptial Mass. Several priests with special connections to the family concelebrated the Mass with him. The priests who concelebrated Caroline and Buddy’s Nuptial Mass included Fr. Bry Shields, who presided at the marriage of Caroline’s parents, Monsignor Wall, who presided at the marriage of Buddy’s parents, Fr. Victor Ingalls who presided at the marriage of Caroline’s brother and sister-in-law (also at St. Joseph Chapel), and Fr. Pat Arensberg, who is Buddy’s cousin.

Vendors

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Ferguson

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

Planner | Sherry Pierce, Studio 08

Ceremony | St. Joseph Chapel – Spring Hill College

Getting Ready + Reception | Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Videographer | Riley Navarre Design

Catering | Clifton Morrisette, Morrissette & Co.

Florist | Wildflowers

Cake Artist | Couture Cakes

Hair Stylist | Amy Jones

Makeup Artist | Courtney Matthews

Band | Musical Fantasy

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Made by her Grandmother, Alterations by Chrystal at Seams to Fit

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank

Invitations + Programs | Soiree Signatures

Vocalist | Mary Linda Greenwood

Trolley | Gulf Coast Tours

Exit Car | A Bride’s Ride

Lighting | Snider Brothers

Bar | Mark Kidd