Sudden violent swirls of snow and wind appeared out of nowhere as Lilly arrived at Franciscan University’s campus an hour before her wedding. Holding her dress and veil up off the ground, she ran down the path toward the Portiuncula chapel and ducked inside to escape the wild weather outside. The heavy wooden doors shut behind her and instantly the tiny chapel was filled with a sense of serene and heavenly peace as all the noise from the outside world was silenced by the thick stone chapel walls. Sitting in the front pew was Nicky, her soon-to-be husband, bathed in a swatch of sunlight that was fighting through the clouds and coming in the window just above him. Lilly knelt behind him and then for twenty beautiful minutes, they sat together in the presence of God, quietly praying and preparing to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage.

When it was time to go to the church for the wedding, I escorted Lilly back up the path and into Christ the King chapel while Nicky waited until she was safely hidden away. Then it was time for their Wedding Mass to start and the rest of their life to begin. Lilly & Nicky are both very talented musicians who were actively involved in the music ministry on Franciscan’s campus for many years and they are both very charismatic, so it was only natural that their Wedding Mass would be a stunningly beautiful charismatic Mass filled with praise and worship led by their incredible music team (all good friends of theirs) and joined in by the angelic voices of their almost 300 guests.

Beyond the extraordinary beauty of what I just described above, this wedding was extra special for me for a few reasons. First, because Lilly has been my dear friend, ever since she was my little from our time together in the same household at Franciscan University (somewhat similar to the big/little relationship you would find in a sorority). Secondly, since I’ve lived in the same town as Lilly for the past few years, I’ve been able to witness Lilly & Nicky’s relationship from the beginning and it has been incredible to have a front-row seat to God’s work in bringing these two together and ultimately closer to Him at the same time.

And lastly, this wedding was so special because it took place on Franciscan University’s campus which of course holds many many memories for me and there were so many old friends in attendance that I hadn’t seen in quite a while so it felt a bit like a reunion of sorts.

Lilly and Nicky, you both are such incredible individuals on fire for God and I can’t wait to see how he continues to use you both to bring him Glory as you begin your life together as husband and wife.

Xoxo,
Mary Kate

_________________________________________

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

CHURCH  // Christ the King Chapel at Franciscan University of Steubenville

VENUE  // The George Washington Hotel

PLANNER // Ehweddingspgh – Emilee Hunter

FLOWERS // Armful of Flowers

VIDEOGRAPHER // Chuck Adams

BAND // Bachelor Boys Band

CAKE // Groom (Nicky)

DRESS // One White Lane Bridal

HAIR & MUA // Legal Hair and Day Spa

BRIDESMAIDS // Azazie