Michaela and Matthew’s wedding day at Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Buffalo, NY was one of those days that felt sacred from beginning to end. Married on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, their entire wedding day reflected their deep love of Jesus and the realization of the profundity of the sacrament they were entering into together.
What makes their story even sweeter is that they had actually known of each other for years before they ever started dating. When Michaela went away to college, she became best friends with a girl during freshman orientation weekend. Through that friendship, she spent summers and breaks with their large Catholic family in rural Western New York, where Matthew’s family was also well known. Years later, at a friend’s wedding reception, Michaela found herself standing alone while the bridal party was being announced. She looked across the room, spotted Matthew, and the two started talking that night and never stopped.
Their relationship has always been deeply rooted in faith. Matthew’s proposal reflected that beautifully. What Michaela thought was a normal Saturday date night: confession, vigil Mass, Mexican food, and their marriage prep book, quickly turned into one of the most beautiful and joy filled moments of their relationship. After Mass, they walked to the Immaculate Conception chapel behind the high altar, just as they always did. After praying the Memorare together, Michaela turned around to find Matthew down on one knee before the Blessed Sacrament.
The OLV Basilica has played such a huge role in their story. Michaela entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil there and now works for OLV Human Services nearby. Matthew works for a church and art restoration company and even helped restore the stained glass windows inside the church where they exchanged vows. It’s impossible to separate their relationship from this beautiful place.
Their wedding day was filled with soft spring colors that perfectly matched the joy of the season. The groomsmen wore light blue suits, the bridesmaids wore buttery yellow dresses, and the bouquets were full of colorful spring blooms that added so much life and softness to the grandeur of the Basilica.
Their Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr. Cassian Edwards, OSB, Matthew’s spiritual director, who gave an incredibly beautiful and heartfelt homily about the sacredness and solemnity of marriage. I had tears in my eyes as they said their wedding vows to one another, they were beaming with joy as they intentionally spoke every word.
One of the funniest parts of the day for us personally was how many similarities there were between Michaela and Matthew’s wedding day and our own wedding day. Throughout the day, Matthew and I kept noticing coincidence after coincidence, to the point where it honestly became comical. Between obviously the husbands sharing the same name, we were married in churches called Our Lady of Victory, had the same Mass readings (including the Crucifixion from the Gospel of John), the same honeymoon destinations and the same father/daughter dance song to name a few of the MANY similarities. “My Matthew” (as I referred to him that day) and I felt like we were constantly looking at each other saying, “Oh my gosh, this too!?” It made documenting their wedding feel even more special and personal for us.
Michaela and Matthew, your wedding day was such a beautiful witness to faithful, Christ-centered love. It was truly an honor to capture the beginning of your marriage together. We can not wait to see what God has in store for your family!
xoxo,
Photographer: Laura and Matthew
Bridal Dress Shop: Bridal Chateau
Ceremony: Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica
Reception: Salvatore’s
Florist: Floral Designs by Kay
See another Western NY wedding HERE
