Rebecca and David had an timeless & meaningful Catholic wedding at Subiaco Abbey & a tented backyard reception in Arkansas last weekend. It was beautiful, full of people who loved them dearly, and had a gorgeous sunset to boot! With stunning bouquets, navy colored bridesmaid dresses, and a couple that brings out the best in each other, it was a wedding day to remember.
Their goal behind their wedding day was to make people feel welcome and at home. Rebecca said, “We pray that the graces we receive from the Sacrament will overflow from our lives to extend into the lives of those around us. With so many family and friends with little ones, we wanted the day to be very family friendly. It is very special to us that we are having our reception at the Pohlmeier house, which has long been a place of welcoming and relaxing. We were going for a very timeless, reverent ceremony followed by a great family party!”
Getting Ready
It’s not everyday that I get to photograph a wedding at a Catholic Benedictine monastery, much less one in Arkansas in the foothills of the Ozark mountains. You can imagine my excitement for this day! We started the day with some details and getting ready photos at an Airbnb near the Abbey. Everyone was calm and relaxed, painting each other’s nails when I arrived. Rebecca got ready with her mom and shared a sweet first look with her bridesmaids and dad.
She is a stunning and elegant bride! She actually thrifted her wedding dress from a small Catholic bridal boutique called “St. Anthony’s”. Suprisingly, a woman walked in and donated the dress as she was trying on other dresses. Her maid of honor scooped it up and as soon as she tried it on, she was excited because it was from an expensive designer that she had been looking at. Rebecca said, “It was very providential and really spoke to me about how the Lord cares about even the littlest desires of my heart, like a dress.”
Ceremony Mass
To begin, the bride and groom had a private, no looking moment in the courtyard of the Abbey. After that, we got ready for their Mass. Their ceremony Mass was celebrated by several clergy members, including Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, Rebecca’s uncle, and Fr. Dave Pivonka, David’s uncle. There was an abundance of peace and contentment between this sweet bride and groom. The Mass was beautiful, with some lovely music played by one of David’s groomsmen and a violinist. During the Mass, the Abbey sanctuary was cool inside, despite the Arkansas summer heat. After the Mass, we did a ribbon wand exit down the church steps and a big group photo!
The portraits around the Abbey were fun – David and Rebecca have a great crew and family surrounding them. During this, I took one of my favorite portraits ever inside the abbey with the light of the stained glass, make sure to check it out!!
Reception
The reception was held in Rebecca’s grandparents’ backyard under white tents, a place near and dear to her heart. Yard games, a basketball court, and a bouncy house for the kiddos gave guests an option to entertain themselves away from the dance floor. Bud vases with ranunculuses, roses, and baby’s breath decorated the tables. The bride made her own cake, and her mother and sisters made each of the pretty little trifle desserts. Rebecca and David love sunsets and prayed in the weeks leading up to the wedding day for a beautiful sunset. Well, the Lord delivered for sure, the sunset was incredible! It was a night to remember with some awesome people.
This was one of those weddings that gives me so much hope for the future of our Church. Thank you for having me along to capture your memories, Rebecca and David!
Vendors:
Flowers: Scott’s Flowers / Hair: Leigha Zeiszler / DJ: Scott, family friend / Caterer: Ridgewood Brothers BBQ / Videographer: Bonnie Thibault / Rentals: Intents Party Rental / Tables: Tables Matter / Dress: St. Anthony’s Bridal / Veil: Etsy / Stationery: Bride DIY – Printed through Moo / Holy Card image: New Jerusalem Studios / Photography: Nicole Sandercock Photography
