Before Nick proposed, we had already discussed where our wedding would take place. Nick and I are both Catholic, therefore we want to have a full nuptial mass. While he would love to have our wedding in his hometown in Missouri, I could not imagine getting married any place other than my childhood parish in my hometown in Indiana. My late maternal grandmother had been an avid member of the parish. Shortly after her death, my family sponsored the restoration of one of the stained glass window in her name. The church was the background for many of my childhood memories because I attended elementary school there. My family continues to be active at the parish, so St. Gabriel's provided the ideal location for our wedding.
I've begun taking the necessary steps to be married there. The date is marked in the church calendar and now Nick and I have to begin our pre-marital program/pre-cana with our priest in Mississippi. I will post about that once we find out more.
Because our wedding will be during Advent, additional flowers or other decorations aren't permitted. However, as you can see from the photographs I took at my cousin's wedding this summer, they won't be missed. The church's architecture is decoration enough.
Our ceremony site was set in stone from the beginning. What types of places did you look into? What made you finally chose your ceremony location?
Photo © HaselBride.
that's goregeous! there's nothing more breathtaking than love in such a beautiful setting. the day i walked into the church i currently attend, my first thought was, i want to get married here. and i'm not engaged. : )
Posted by: notsojenny | February 20, 2008 at 02:14 PM
what a pretty location!!! when we got engaged, we had to compromise on location. we live in the town where my fiance grew up in south carolina, but i'm from louisiana. we compromised on a beautiful chapel on the campus where he went to college at furman university... about 90 miles away from where we live. it will be a destination wedding of sorts. the chapel is natural and beautiful and doesn't need a lot of decoration. congrats to you on having your ceremony in a beautiful location with such special meaning to you.
Posted by: Erin | February 20, 2008 at 08:34 PM
What a beautiful church! The ceremony site was always set in stone for us too -- my family has gone to the same church in Indianapolis for ages, and I have such fond memories of going there every Sunday growing up. I couldn't imagine getting married somewhere else! Doing the pre-marital counseling long-distance is a bit of a challenge though. :)
Posted by: Ashley | February 21, 2008 at 12:15 PM
This church is gorgeous and you're right additional decorations won't be missed!
When we chose our spot we were looking for something unique. Budget played a big role too in the decision making process. Our goal was $5000 or less for the whole wedding and we did it!
I loved our location- the pictures look like we got married at an Italian villa not in the Central Texas hill country! It was so different and our guests just loved it too. It is where the owners live too so it was more homey than just being an event center or reception hall.
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 22, 2008 at 04:33 PM