Navy + Gray Wedding at The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake | Isabella + Eric

This bright and perfectly sunny wedding day was brought to you by the many many prayers of Isabella and Eric’s families, especially through the intercession of St. Isidore the Farmer (patron of favorable weather).  Their blue and gray wedding color palette paired perfectly with their stunning venue, The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake. The blue skies sparkled in the water beside the reception space. It was such a unique wedding venue, with retractable glass walls that allowed for SO much natural light (a photographer’s dream!)

This couple had a knack for attention to detail and they thought of everything. From the earrings that Isabella wore, which her mother’s wedding earrings, to the cuff links they gifted the fathers, everything had meaning.  A special note about the cuff links Isabella gave her father….this part made me tear up!! She gave him cuff links and a tie clip that had the phrase “I love you in the day. I love you in the night. I love you with a big cherry on top!” inscribed in Isabella’s handwriting.  This was something she would say to her father each day when he would leave for work. How precious is that?? Another amazing thing to note: Isabella’s dress was made by Eric’s mother.  She designed and sewed the entire gown!!! The veil had little crystals that her bridesmaids helped sew on and even Eric sewed one on! In the hem of the gown were pieces of Isabella’s baptismal gown, first communion dress and an item from her confirmation. The sacraments of initiation all represented in her wedding gown, for the sacrament of matrimony.  Wow. Just let the significance of that sink in.

Isabella and Eric chose to share a first look and gosh, it was so sweet.  We encourage all our couples to consider opting for a first look.  We are big fans of it and it allows the couple to share that intimate moment together, seeing each other for the first time, without all the eyes on you. It doesn’t take away from the emotions of the bride walking down the aisle (as you’ll see from the images below, Eric was moved to tears both times).  They are just different settings and it actually allows for more portrait time before the ceremony so that we can get the couple to their reception quicker! I had to fight back tears as we photographed their first look. You won’t want to miss those images. So so sweet.

Their wedding Mass was beautiful, reverent and sacred. It was at Isabella’s home parish of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mingo Junction. During the Mass, they included the Mexican wedding tradition of the arras and the lazo. I loved photographing them before the wedding, they were stunning and so full of rich tradition and symbolism. The whole wedding Mass was so filled with joy.  Isabella and Eric sang their hearts out in praise to God, thanking Him for the gift of each other and their vocations.

The whole day went by so quickly and it was such a joy to celebrate with these two.  As you will see from their portraits, they couldn’t contain their joy.  “We’re married, you are my husband.  I have a husband!” Isabella exclaimed joyfully as we took stunning sunset portraits.  It was the perfect evening for portraits, the light was all glowy and soft.

Isabella and Eric… thank you.  Thank you for sharing your sacred day with us.  Thank you for being such an example of heavenly joy.  We truly loved spending the day with you and we are so excited to see what God has in store for you and your family.  We hope you are enjoying your honeymoon in Disney World!! (Wish we were there too!!) Get ready to relive your glorious wedding day through images.

xoxo,

Laura

 

Matthew got this shot and it stopped me as I was editing.  Eric’s father’s hand is reaching out and touching his son, as he sees his bride walk down the aisle.  …..ok, where are the tissues?  I’m tearing up again. 

They said the vows while holding a crucifix that they will hang in their home.  Matthew and I actually did this too at our wedding! And now it hangs in our kitchen, reminding us of our wedding. 

Bride’s Dress: Made by Groom’s Mother

Ceremony: St. Agnes Catholic Church

Reception: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake

Florist: Thuy Hermann

Wedding Coordinator: Maddie Doyle

DJ:  Mike Simmons

Cake: Claire Venditti

Catering: Medure’s

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Groomsmen Attire: Weisbergers