Last weekend, on the feast of St. Joseph (foster father of Jesus and patron saint of many things including married couples and families), Bonnie and Evan were married in the awe-inspiring Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in St. Louis MO. This particular Cathedral Basilica has been a special part of Bonnie and Evan’s love story and it was where Evan proposed to Bonnie. In fact, in their original inquiry with me, Bonnie said “Evan is often heard saying it is the most beautiful church in America (because it is), and the mosaics truly do glorify God. The only possible thing that could look more beautiful in that church will be Bonnie in her wedding dress receiving the Eucharist.” 😍😭

Bonnie and Evan have both been missionaries for the past several years and have a huge love for the poor, the Catholic Church, Jesus, and serving others. They wanted their entire wedding day to be focused on the Sacrament they were entering into and a witness to God’s tangible love for each one of us. To quote their inquiry email one more time, Bonnie said this about their vision for their wedding day: “The grandeur we saved for the sacrament, the party we hope moves the attention toward living it.”

The day started at the airbnb attached to their venue, 9th Street Abbey, an old historic church that was saved and then turned into an event space. It was a little rainy and windy so we had a little last-minute change of plans for their first look location, but I love how it all worked out. From there, we drove over to the Cathedral Basilica for their Wedding Mass.

I had been to the Cathedral Basilica once before several years ago, but I had forgotten just how it takes your breath away when you walk inside. Every single inch of the ceiling and domes are covered in stunning mosaics. It is hard to fully capture the grandeur and scale of this church in photos, but I do have to agree with Evan and say that it is easily one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen in our country.

After their Mass, we headed to Forest Park with their wedding party for portrait time. Their group of friends were amazing and despite the cold wind, they were having a blast. It was beautiful to see how supported and loved Bonnie and Evan are by their people.

We finished up pictures back at 9th Street Abbey for a more moody and artsy vibe (where Bonnie and Evan could channel their spunky side a bit more). Then it was time to go inside and celebrate! Bonnie and Evan, it has been such a joy getting to know you both and work with you on your wedding day!

Xoxo,
Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

RECEPTION VENUE // 9th Street Abbey

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER // Deirdre Coyle

FLORIST // Sister Floral Design

COOKIES // Grandma’s Cookies

CATERING // Pappy’s Best Barbecue

DRESS // Spousa Bella

Hair & MUA // Phi Trinh Makeup & Hair