My former youth group teen: A Bride I’ve Prayed With and Prayed For!


Some weddings are just extra special to photograph—and this one absolutely was. Years ago, I had the joy of walking with Leeta as a teen in the youth group I led as the Youth Minister at Ascension Catholic Church. And now here she was, a radiant bride and a youth minister herself, marrying a man who loves the Lord deeply—John, a FOCUS missionary. It was such a full-circle moment to be their wedding photographer, especially in the very church where Leeta and I first met. From the beginning of the day to the very last dance, everything pointed back to what matters most: the Sacrament, their love for Christ, and the joy of their community. Their wedding party kept the energy high (seriously such a fun group!) and Leeta wasn’t wrong when she said their Chase Park Plaza reception would be the party of the century. She even changed into her mom’s wedding dress which she had shortened to party in on the dance floor! But one of the most moving parts of the day was during Mass, when they paused after Communion for extended praise and worship. As “Nothing Else” played, Leeta and John leaned into the prayer with such tenderness and reverence. It was beautiful to witness—and such a beautiful honor to photograph!

Wedding stationery suite featuring a watercolor church illustration, invitation cards, and rosary beads on a tulle background.
Save the date wedding announcement card with two wedding rings placed on top of a romantic photo.
Wedding rings sit in a white oval ring box next to mint green wedding invitation on wooden table.
A vintage black and white photograph displayed alongside small orange-tinted modern photos and an antique decorative frame.
An elegant white molded baseboard trim against floral wallpaper in a traditional style room interior.
Elegant window seat with floral wallpaper and sheer white curtains draped across creates a cozy reading nook.
Person in white silk pajama top touching delicate necklace while sitting on brown couch with framed art in background.
Group in matching pajamas sit on stairs sharing laughter and joyful moments during a casual indoor gathering.
A sequence of photos showing a person in white shirt and dark pants sitting on a wooden stair railing.
A hand shows off a sparkling engagement ring with blurred figures celebrating in the background.
A group shares joyful laughter while sitting together on carpeted stairs in a casual gathering.
Black and white photo showing people in white clothing with a framed vintage photograph visible on the wall behind them.
A mirror reflection shows women getting ready in a brightly lit bathroom with white fixtures and wood cabinets.
A bride in a white veil waves while celebrating during a joyful wedding reception moment.

Sacramental Imagery in the Smallest Details


One of the gifts of having a Catholic photographer on your wedding day is that we see things through a sacramental lens. We’re always looking for the ways God is quietly present—in gestures, in glances, in small moments that speak to something much bigger. Sometimes it’s intentional, sometimes it’s completely unplanned, but either way, these glimpses of grace are worth pausing for. Here are two images from Leeta and John’s wedding day that stood out to me in a powerful way.


A Catholic bride sitting sitting reflectively on a brown couch in warm natural lighting, creating a serene mood prior to her wedding day.

From First Communion to Wedding Day


While Leeta was getting ready at home, I noticed a framed photo of her from her First Communion—she was dressed in white, hands folded, and had that same sweet, peaceful look she still carries. I knew I wanted to include it in a photo, so I intentionally placed it on the end table behind her as we finished our getting ready portraits. It struck me how powerful that image was: on both days, she wore white and prepared to meet Christ in a Sacrament. First in the Eucharist, and now in marriage. It was such a beautiful reminder that our vocation flows from our relationship with Him—and that she’s been walking with Him all along.

A sequence showing someone putting on a white dress shirt and adjusting a light pink tie against a soft, blurred background.

Mirroring the Cross


While John was getting ready, I took a photo of him mid-motion as he reached out to put on his tie. His arms were stretched wide, and in that moment, he unintentionally mirrored the crucifix hanging behind him. The symbolism hit me right away: the act of putting on his tie, preparing himself for the altar, became a quiet reflection of the call in Ephesians: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.” That moment said everything— by saying "yes" to his vocation, John was taking up his cross. As he dressed to meet his bride, he was also stepping into his vocation as a husband—to love, serve, and sacrifice like Christ.

A church interior showcasing blue hydrangeas and pink roses in floral arrangements with a wooden crucifix in the background.
Speaker wearing navy blue dress stands at microphone with sheet music stand in church setting.
A pianist in a burgundy blazer sits at a grand piano with a microphone stand beside them during a performance.
An emotional wedding guest in a pink dress and white corsage wiping tears and raising a hand during the ceremony.
Sweet interaction between someone in pink suit crouching down with small flower girl in white dress at wedding ceremony.
Row of groomsmen in light pink suits dabbing in a coordinated sequence at a wedding venue.
A joyful wedding celebration montage showing candid moments with the wedding party and guests at the reception.
Wedding invitations with a watercolor house illustration displayed with blue hydrangeas and crystal decanter on lace tablecloth.
A couple sits on wooden chairs during their Catholic wedding ceremony in a church adorned with floral arrangements.
Black and white photo sequence showing Catholic mass ritual with incense smoke rising from thurible during religious ceremony.
A Catholic Priest in white robes gestures while giving sermon at wooden pulpit with crucifix visible in church background in St. Louis, MO.
A joyful moment captured at a wedding showing a couple laughing together in a church setting.
Bridesmaids in light blue floral dresses sit together in church pews during an emotional wedding ceremony.
A bride in a white dress with veil sits next to her partner wearing a pink suit during their wedding ceremony.
A couple exchanges rings during a wedding ceremony as an officiant in red and white vestments presides.

Sacred Time in Sacred Places


After the ceremony, we stepped into the "Little Church"—a quiet chapel tucked away on Ascension’s campus where Leeta used to pray as a teenager. It was the perfect place to slow down for a minute and let the day sink in. The lighting was soft and golden, with stained glass pouring in just the right kind of glow. It felt peaceful and sacred. I always try to carve out a little time for my couples to just be alone for a few minutes during their wedding day. With so much happening, it’s easy to forget to pause and take in the fact that—you’re married! That little break gave Leeta and John a chance to sit, talk, laugh, and just soak each other in. And of course, we made some of my favorite portraits in that dreamy chapel light. After that, we headed to the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park to recreate a few moments from their engagement session (yes, including some dancing!). It was the perfect blend of sentimental and joyful, and such a fun way to close out the afternoon before the celebration continued.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands in a church sanctuary holding a pink and white rose bouquet.
A wedding photography sequence showing intimate moments in church pews during a traditional ceremony.
A black and white multi-panel sequence shows two figures standing near an arched church window in dramatic lighting.
Person in pink suit jacket poses by stained glass window in series of artistic portrait photographs.
Sunlight streams through stained glass windows in a small church with wooden pews and arched architecture.
A couple shares a tender moment sitting together in a church pew while a crucifix hangs in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a staircase, with the bride in white and partner wearing a pink suit.
A flowing white wedding dress trailing across the wooden floor of a simple church sanctuary with blue walls and arched windows.
A bride wearing a white wedding dress holds a bouquet while being greeted by a bridesmaid in a pink suit on a staircase.
A bride in a flowing white veil and gown stands elegantly by a gothic arched window holding a pink floral bouquet.
Ethereal black and white photograph sequence showing ghostly figure beside gothic window and staircase.
Wedding couple in romantic poses outside a white chapel entrance with black railings, featuring pink and white attire.
A wedding couple stands in front of a white church entrance with an arched window, groom in pink suit and bride in white dress.
Motion blur shot of a white wedding dress and pink suit walking across a tiled floor.
Black and white silhouettes of a couple sitting under stone arches create an artistic architectural wedding scene.

A Celebration Full of Love, Laughter, and Leeta’s 90s Party Dress


Leeta and John’s reception at the Chase Park Plaza truly was the party of the century—just like Leeta predicted. The marquee outside the hotel even lit up with a congratulatory message just for them, setting the tone for the celebration to come. After the speeches wrapped up, John took a moment to do something totally true to who he is: he grabbed the mic and preached the Gospel. It was such a beautiful way to center the evening on what matters most. Then came the dances—starting with a playful fake-out from Leeta and her dad, who opened with “Ain’t No Sunshine” before switching it up to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and getting the whole room laughing and cheering. John’s whole family joined him and his mom during their mother-son dance, which was such a sweet moment. Later in the night, Leeta danced with her grandfather to “Mambo Italiano,” a beloved family tradition that brought everyone to their feet. And just as the night was ramping up, Leeta changed into her reception dress—a super fun twist on her mom’s 90s wedding gown, shortened and perfect for dancing. She and John kicked things off with a choreographed dance and yes, they nailed it! From then on, the two of them were on the dance floor all night long—which made perfect sense, since dancing had always been one of their favorite date night traditions. The whole night was a celebration worthy of their incredible love story!

Three-tiered white wedding cake with blue and peach flowers on crystal stand.
Wedding couple sharing cake at their reception with purple ambient lighting.
Same-sex couple dancing intimately in white dresses during their wedding reception.
Couple shares intimate first dance on wooden floor under string lights at wedding reception.
Romantic first dance at wedding reception with twinkle lights decorating the ceiling.
Couple in white dress and pink suit sharing dramatic dip dance move at wedding reception.
Wedding dancers perform coordinated moves on a parquet floor under twinkling lights.
Couple performs choreographed dance moves on wooden dance floor at wedding reception.
Couple dancing on a wooden floor during their wedding reception with elegant black curtains and decor in the background.
A newlywed couple shares a playful dance moment on the wedding reception dance floor.
Wedding couple embraces during a romantic dance at their reception with purple lighting.
Wedding couple strikes synchronized dance pose during reception celebration.
A couple dances together on a wooden floor during a formal event with decorated tables and guests in the background.
A group of wedding guests dance together on a dimly lit ballroom floor during a reception celebration.
Reception guests dance and celebrate on a wooden dance floor at an elegant wedding venue with colored lighting.

Capturing the Sacrament and the Celebration


Leeta and John’s wedding day was such a joy to be part of. From the sacred beauty of their Mass to the absolute blast that was their reception, it was everything I love about photographing weddings. It was especially meaningful to photograph this one in the very church where Leeta and I first met years ago in youth ministry. The whole day was so them—faithful, joyful, and full of intention. If you're planning a Catholic wedding and want a photographer who understands both the rhythm of the Mass and the rhythm of the dance floor, I’d love to chat with you!