SUMMERTIME MILITARY NUPTIAL MASS AT ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN CHARLOTTE NORTH CAROLINA WITH ELEGANT BLUE DETAILS AND A BRAKEFIELD AT RIVERWALK RECEPTION.
AnnaMarie and Justin’s Nuptial Mass, family and friend dynamics, and love for each other were truly inspiring!
These two met through mutual friends and described their first date as including; snorkeling a sharks cove, an unexpected beach party with Justin’s friends, dinner over looking the north shore docks, and a night that was good enough to have attached them for the rest of their lives.
The DREAMIEST details with these soft blues, pops of gold, white shimmers, and Marian themes.
Annamarie and her family (10 kids) had me in awe! They were all extremely close to the point that people are visibly inspired by their love for each other and for the Lord. And she made them all feel so special by doing first looks with all of them, including doing one with all 5 of her brothers 🥺
When this bride first inquired with me, she told me that the whole reason she found me is because another photo I had taken of a bride & religious sister had popped up as a recommendation on her Instagram. Turns out, her older sister started her own religious community!
This ceremony was my favorite part of their day!
The beauty of this day was hidden in every corner. Not only was this a very sacred mass with angelic singing by a group of sisters, but this parish was special too. It had recently been redone in 2008 or so and had a gorgeous mural painted across the front. Saints upon saints from all different time periods all in one place with the sacrificial lamb directly above the tabernacle. Hebrews 12:1-2 written along the walls, which was the theme verse from the year I served with Net Ministries. 😭⛪️
We took some bride and groom portraits in a beautiful garden area right outside the reception venue before heading in to the party.
I just love military weddings – they are so classic and always have so many fun traditions. Justin is in the Army, and AnnaMarie is a pilot in the Airforce and worked extremely hard to get there.
After a gorgeous entrance dance from the newlyweds, there were heartfelt speeches and an incredibly intentional thank you speech from AnnaMarie that didn’t leave a single dry eye in the room. It is in the top 3 receptions for “most tears during the speeches” including me! She thanked her mom so much I could have just burst into tears.
After cutting the cake with a sword (!!) I took AnnaMarie and Justin back outside for the most romantic and glowy sunset session. This venue was right by a river and had tons of beautiful tall trees.
The bride and groom returned to the party and the dancing commenced – which included lots of fun traditional dances.
These two requested a special last dance alone in the reception space while the guests all went outside to prepare for the exit. AnnaMarie changed outfits and it was such an intimate and beautiful way to end the night. 🥲
CONGRATULATIONS ANNAMARIE & JUSTIN!
Vendors
Florals: Chelish Moore Flowers
Ceremony: St. Ann Catholic Church
Reception: Brakefield Events
Photographer: Nikayla & Co.
DJ: DJs On The Half Shell
