Maggie & George’s colorful summer wedding took place at Franciscan University’s newly renovated Christ the King Chapel—the very same chapel where Maggie’s parents were married on the same weekend many years ago!

This wedding was extra special for me because Maggie is from my hometown, our families have been friends for years, and, of course, it was right here in our small town of Steubenville. Since I travel for most of my weddings, it is always such a treat to photograph one so close to home!

The day started at a friend’s house, where Maggie and her girls were all getting ready. Maggie chose a bright, jewel-toned color palette, and I loved using a pink chair and deep blue wall for many of the photos. The colors tied all of the bright details together so beautifully!

From there, we made the short three-minute drive to campus, where Maggie and George spent a few quiet moments together in Franciscan’s Portiuncula Chapel before it was time for their Nuptial Mass.

I have photographed a few weddings at Franciscan University before, but this was my first time back since the recent Christ the King Chapel renovations, and the changes make such a huge difference, both inside and outside! After Mass, we took some time for portraits inside the chapel, especially around the beautiful new arched stained-glass windows. The new facade outside also made the perfect backdrop for their wedding party photos and more bride-and-groom portraits.

Before we left campus for their reception across the river, Maggie, George, and I headed up to the “golf course” on campus—an old golf course that is now owned by the university and filled with wildflowers, trees, and grassy walking paths. I have photographed so many weddings and sessions up on the golf course in all four seasons, and late July is one of my favorite times of year there because it is filled with Queen Anne’s lace. It makes for such magical portraits!

Their reception was across the river at the Wellsburg Banquet Center, which was the perfect spot to fit all of their family and friends! One of my favorite parts of their reception happened early in the evening. After their first dance, Maggie and George sat in two chairs while Maggie’s mom invited everyone who wanted to come surround them and pray for them as they began their new life together as husband and wife. The song “Blessings” by Kari Jobe played while everyone sang the lyrics over them, and it was such a powerful and beautiful moment.

One of the perks of having their reception on the West Virginia side of the Ohio River was that we could sneak outside for sunset photos, with the sun setting over the Ohio side of the river. I love these end-of-the-evening portraits of Maggie and George, and I’m so glad they wanted to take the time to slip out for them!

Maggie and George, thank you so much for trusting me to photograph your wedding!!

Xoxo,
Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who made today possible:

CEREMONY // Christ the King Chapel

RECEPTION VENUE // Wellsburg Banquet Center

FLORIST // Exquisite Creations by Joel

DJ // Friend of the couple – Kevin Bernetsky

CAKE // Slava Cake Co.

CATERING // Bibibop Catering

DRESS // Bridal Maven

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES // Kennedy Blue

INVITATIONS //Vistaprint