Claire & Ben’s early December wedding was not only a beautiful way to kick off my winter wedding season, but it was also especially meaningful to me personally. Over the past few years, I’ve had the joy of photographing both of Claire’s older sisters’ weddings—Catherine & Isaac and Evelyn & Daniel—so being welcomed back to document a third family wedding felt incredibly special.

And to further prove just how small the Catholic world can be, I thought my only connection to Claire & Ben was through Claire’s family (I even went to college with her older brother!). As it turns out, Ben served as a missionary alongside several of my younger siblings, and his youngest sisters are close friends with my youngest sister. It truly felt like all the worlds were colliding in the best way.

We began the day at Claire’s family home, where I photographed her beautiful winter wedding details and the quiet, meaningful moments of her getting ready with her mom, sisters, and sister-in-law. Before heading to the church, Claire shared first looks with her bridesmaids, her dad, and her brothers—some of my favorite moments to capture, full of giddy joy and anticipation!

Claire & Ben chose to spend a few minutes praying together before the ceremony in the courtyard behind the church—the very same spot where Catherine & Isaac prayed together before their wedding. Their Nuptial Mass took place at St. Raymond’s in Springfield, VA, a stunning church filled with natural light and soaring ceilings that always lends itself beautifully to photography.

After the ceremony, we headed to their reception at Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club, where we moved quickly through portraits in hopes of beating the rapidly setting winter sun. We even managed to hop on golf carts and make our way to the gazebo before it became too dark (and cold!) to continue. Pro tip: if you’re planning a wedding between mid-November and March, be sure to check the sunset time when choosing your ceremony start—we lose daylight quickly this time of year.

Their reception was filled with laughter—truly so much of it. The speeches had everyone laughing out loud, followed by great food, wonderful conversation, and a packed dance floor. At the end of the night, Claire & Ben shared a private last dance before joining their guests outside for a joyful sparkler exit.

Claire & Ben, it was such a joy to get to know you both and to photograph your wedding day. Thank you for letting me be part of such a beautiful celebration.

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 // Saint Raymond’s Catholic Church

RECEPTION VENUE // Heritage Hunt Golf & Country Club

CATERER // Culinart Group Catering Collection

DRESS // St. Anthony’s Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS // all different dresses from different places

GROOM //  Signature Menswear

GROOMSMEN //  Generation Tux

DJ // Andrew Baxley