Last month, we had the honor of shooting a beautiful summer wedding at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in St. Louis, MO. It was full of tradition, joy, and hints of Marian blue! Missouri was a new wedding state unlocked for me, and George and Clarissa were the sweetest couple to travel for.
Their Story
George and Clarissa first met in the fall of 2023 at the Catholic Student Center at WashU, where their instant connection quickly blossomed into a deep friendship. From long conversations after Bible study to laughter-filled coffee dates, their bond grew naturally until George asked Clarissa on their first official date that January, where they joyfully decided to make their relationship official. Their love deepened quickly, and it became clear to both that God was calling them to marriage.
On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, after adoration at a nearby convent during finals week, George proposed in a quiet, intimate moment, and Clarissa said yes. The months that followed were a whirlwind of finishing grad school, starting new jobs, and wedding planning. It was intertwined with both joyful celebrations and deep sorrow as Clarissa’s beloved cousin, Diego, passed away unexpectedly in July. Even amid grief and the challenges of the season, George and Clarissa remained steadfast in gratitude, anchoring their love and lives in faith and joyfully prepared to enter into the vocation of marriage with hearts full of trust and thanksgiving to God.
The Wedding Day
Clarissa got ready with her bridesmaids at her and George’s future home, an intimate space with beautiful light. Their beautiful wedding Mass was held at the St. Gabriel the Archangel in St. Louis, Missouri. It is such a beautiful church, and they incorporated several Mexican traditions into the Mass. They used Las Arras, El Lasso, had many sets of padrinos, and a few other traditions. George and Clarissa are so sweet together. After the Mass, we took photos at Francis Park across the street and heading to the reception.
Their wedding reception was held at the parish hall of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, another St. Louis Catholic church. It was a lively affair, full of traditions and joy. This was my first time seeing the “La Vibora de la Mar” (the Sea Snake Dance). In this dance, guests dance under an arch formed by the bride and groom standing on chairs. It gets crazy! It was fun to see how much their friends and family loved them and how they serenaded the couple during “Love Story”. George and Clarissa are such a sweet couple, and I am so grateful I got to capture their wedding day in St. Louis. Congratulations you two!
