A Beautiful Catholic Celebration Across Two Michigan Venues
When Faith reached out about her wedding photography, her words touched my heart: “Both my fiancé and I are Catholic converts and are getting married in the Latin rite. As a Catholic, I would love a reverent Catholic photographer to capture the beauty of the nuptial mass. I just love how obviously Christ-centered all of your photos are!”
Faith and Ralf’s wedding day was filled with meaning, joy, and beautiful Catholic traditions. Their color scheme of eucalyptus and ivory created a timeless, elegant atmosphere that perfectly complemented both the sacred church ceremony and lively reception that followed.
The Morning Preparations and First Look
The day began with simple, heartfelt getting ready photos. One of the most touching moments came when Faith had her first look with her dad. The emotion in his eyes when he saw his daughter in her wedding dress was pure magic – a quiet, precious moment I was honored to capture.
Faith found her stunning wedding gown at B. Ella Bridal, which perfectly suited her graceful style and the reverent nature of their Catholic ceremony.
The Ceremony at St. Thomas the Apostle Church
St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor provided a stunning backdrop for Faith and Ralf’s nuptial Mass. The church’s beautiful architecture and sacred atmosphere created a beautiful setting for their Catholic wedding ceremony.
What made this ceremony special was how focused it was on their faith. As Catholic converts, Faith and Ralf had a deep appreciation for the Latin rite traditions and sacramental nature of their marriage. One of my favorite traditions that they had was the Nuptial Veil tradition! Learn more about the meaning behind it here!
During the ceremony, I moved quietly around the church to capture different angles without disrupting the sacred moments. As Faith later noted in her review: “during the ceremony we never heard the camera shutter or honestly even noticed her moving around the church to get different angles.”
Celebrating at St. John Resort in Plymouth
After the ceremony, the celebration moved to St. John Resort in Plymouth, MI. This lovely venue offered the perfect space for Faith and Ralf’s reception.
One of the most fun moments was the traditional Albanian entrance dance. This cultural element brought so much joy and energy to the reception as Faith and Ralf made their grand entrance as husband and wife – something they had mentioned they were especially looking forward to.
The beautiful floral arrangements by La Fleur Design & Florals enhanced the eucalyptus and ivory theme throughout both venues, adding natural elegance to their day.
Capturing Authentic Moments
Faith and Ralf were initially nervous about being in front of the camera, but we quickly found a comfortable rhythm. As Faith kindly shared in her review: “My husband and I are not big fans of cameras but Victoria made us both feel so comfortable and her queuing was so on point the pictures turned out BEAUTIFULLY!!!”
This is why I take time to connect with each couple before their big day – so that when I’m photographing your Catholic wedding, you can focus on each other and the sacred moments rather than worrying about the camera.
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Catholic Wedding at These Venues
1. Schedule with Church Timing in Mind
- Catholic ceremonies, especially in the Latin rite, have their own timing and rhythm
- Allow buffer time between ceremony and reception (at least 30-45 minutes more than you think)
- Discuss photography policies with church staff well in advance
2. Consider the Lighting in St. Thomas Church
- The church has beautiful natural light through stained glass
- Plan ceremony time with light in mind when possible (especially if planning a later fall/winter wedding)
3. Plan Transportation Between Venues
- The drive between Ann Arbor and Plymouth takes about 25 minutes
- Factor in potential traffic, especially on weekends
- Consider transportation for your wedding party and key family members
4. Make the Most of Both Venues’ Features
- St. Thomas offers beautiful architecture for formal portraits
- St. John Resort has lovely outdoor spaces for photos
- Talk with your photographer about must-have spots at each location
5. Honor Both Sacred and Celebratory Elements
- Keep ceremony focused on the sacrament
- Save more lively celebrations for the reception
- Consider how to incorporate meaningful faith elements throughout your day
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Catholic wedding ceremony at St. Thomas take?
A Catholic wedding Mass typically lasts 60-90 minutes (Latin Mass will be closer to 90 minutes).
Can we take photos inside St. Thomas the Apostle Church?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the church, but with certain respectful guidelines. It’s best to have your photographer speak directly with church staff about specific policies.
Does St. John Resort offer accommodations for out-of-town guests?
Yes, St. John Resort offers on-site accommodations, making it convenient for your wedding guests to stay where the reception is held.
Ready to Capture Your Catholic Wedding Across These Beautiful Michigan Venues?
If you’re planning your own Catholic wedding at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor or St. John Resort in Plymouth, I’d love to talk with you about capturing your special day. As a photographer who values and respects the sacred nature of a Catholic marriage, I focus on documenting these meaningful moments with reverence and joy.
To chat about your Ann Arbor or Plymouth Catholic wedding photography, please reach out through my website at Mystical Rose Photos. I look forward to hearing all about your wedding day!
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