If I could describe this wedding day in a few words, I would choose: stunning, sacred, & silly!! Genevieve & Henry are two of the most genuine people we have had the joy of working with. Their love for one another & silly personalities complement each other most sweetly.
Genevieve & Henry first met seven years ago, when the two were in high school. Genevieve shared that she does not consider them "high school sweethearts" because their relationship began at their senior prom. So, maybe I should call them “the end of high school sweethearts.” Either way, there is something incredibly special about documenting a couple’s wedding day that began in high school. These two have grown up together with their loved ones by their side!
As I talked with guests at the reception, it was clear that there was something different about their relationship from the start. Even from the early days, the bride's close friends knew that Genevieve & Henry would become Mr. & Mrs. Watkins one day. Their love has a steadiness that has poured into the lives of their family & friends. The entire wedding day felt like a well-fought victory, & the beginning of something even more beautiful!! As life has changed around them over the years, their relationship has remained.
The two became one at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, in Philadelphia, the church Genevieve has attended her entire life. Her grandma noted how sweet it was to be back in the same church where Genevieve had received all of the sacraments up until this day! The grandeur of the Cathedral & the beauty of the Nuptial Mass were a stunning combination. Tears filled the eyes of Henry, their bridal party, parents, & me (their photographer!) as Genevieve processed down the aisle with her father. Her stunning Cathedral-length veil embroidered with the Sacred Heart of Jesus was gorgeous as she processed to her beloved. The mass was served by her two brothers, who regularly volunteer as altar servers at the Cathedral. It was beautiful to see the Cathedral filled with friends & family who traveled from afar to witness their Nuptials!
Leading up to the wedding day, the couple shared a motto: "Nothing can stop us from marrying each other." This motto helped them to stay grounded as heavy rain was predicted for their wedding, as well as unexpected challenges to the logistics that they had intentionally planned for. As their photographer, I can truly say that nothing stopped their JOY on the wedding day either. After loving each other as boyfriend & girlfriend for 7 years, these two were so eager to enter into their Vocation as husband & wife.
Even their reception venue felt like a surreal location, as it has been a celebratory restaurant for the bride's family. For birthdays, graduations, & anniversaries, Genevieve's family has loved sharing a meal at Harry's Savory in Delaware throughout the years. The couple was joined by their loved ones in the ballroom at Harry's Savory to properly celebrate their Nuptials with dancing, toasts, dinner, & cake!
It was such an honor to document the sacredness of their love story!
Photo: Merciful Love Photo
Florals: Belak Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Posh Salon
Church: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
Venue, Catering, & Baker: Harry's Savory
