Gemma + Nate | St. Peter’s Catholic Church + Leonardo’s Coffee Shop Wedding

Gemma + Nate’s day was a testament to the incredible joy of family life. The ceremony was held in her home parish. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews filled the Church. His brother, a deacon, gave the wedding homily. His sister was her maid of honor. Her Dad tried valiantly to hold back tears all day.

I asked her Dad, before the ceremony, if this parenting thing gets any easier, the older kids get. If the more kids get married, the less it stings when another leaves home. He went quiet a moment, tucked his hands in his pockets, and looked toward the altar.

“No. No it does not.”

I believe him.

Their reception was one of the most raucously joyful parties I’ve ever photographed. There was swing dancing and circle dances and a contra dance. There was a surprise moment when Gemma’s Godfather revealed he’d written a pirate song that he and all of her male relatives sang amidst much laughter and great applause. There were speeches where everyone raised glasses and wiped tears. There were kids laughing and running everywhere and grandparents holding babies and a deep delight running through it all.

Gemma and Nate, your day was perfect and it was such a gift to document it for you.

To all the very happy years ahead of you.

Cheers,

Caitlin