Earlier this year, I met up with Julie, Christopher, and Julie’s mom, Joan.   We had a wonderful conversation talking about how they met, their wedding plans, and how they both came from big families with lots of siblings.  The entire time, I knew that Ms. Joan was familiar but couldn’t place how I knew her and it was driving me crazy!   It wasn’t until Julie started naming her brothers that I finally made the connection – I had photographed 2 of their weddings (as well as one of their cousins, Mary).   My sister is usually photographing the groom’s family, which is why Ms. Joan looked familiar but I couldn’t quite place her.   It was so exciting to be a part of another one of their family weddings – they are truly such a special family!   And finding out that Chris is also from a large family just made it that much better.  I knew that it would be such a special wedding.

A little over a month later, I got to know Julie and Chris while photographing their engagement session in City Park.  They are such a sweet, down-to-earth couple.   Where Chris is more reserved and serious, Julie is outgoing and funny.   Both of them are so kind and a lot of fun to be around and they complement each other so well.

Julie and Chris’ wedding ceremony was at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Schriever.  Before the ceremony, Julie wanted to do a first look with her dad as well as her brothers.  I have to say, the first look with her brothers is one of the sweetest moments I can remember from a wedding in a long time.  They were so in awe at how beautiful she looked and they all just kept telling her over and over how pretty she was while they took turns hugging her, kissing her cheeks and just admiring her.  So stinking cute!

After the ceremony, the reception was held right next door at the St. Bridget’s Annex where all of the decor was done by Julie and her family.  It was all very beautiful!  With so many siblings, spouses, and children, the dance floor stayed active and packed all night with two moments standing out to me.   First was when Cotton Eyed Joe came on and everyone – including Julie – kicked off their shoes and started kicking up their heels, dancing around and around the dance floor.   The second moment (and I’m so glad Julie gave me the heads up) was when the DJ played “Shout” – all of Julie’s brothers picked her up and tossed her in the air several times!  I’m so glad I was able to catch some priceless expressions as she flew high in the air!

It has been such an honor getting to know Julie and Chris as well as working with their families and I hope they had the best time on their honeymoon in Tennessee!   December seems like such a dreamy and festive time to visit Gatlinburg, especially for a honeymoon!

THE DETAILS:
Ceremony /  Reception:  St. Bridget’s Catholic Church
Wedding Dress:  Bridal Corner
Hair and MakeUp:  Bree D’Errico
Bridesmaids Dresses:  Azazie
Florist:  Connie Ledet
Groom’s Attire:  Black Tux
Catering:  Michelle’s Catering
Second Photographer:  Amanda Broussard