Mr. and Mrs. Harris

The pews in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception are filled with family and friends. There is a comforting familiarity in the air. This chapel, here on the campus of Mount Saint Mary’s, had served as a spiritual home for Gloria and Sean when they met here as college students. Now, it provided the location of their wedding Mass. Fr. Diego Ruiz prepared them for the sacrament of matrimony right here on this campus where they met and fell in love. Currently, Fr. Diego stands up at the pulpit, with his eyes on the beautiful, smiling couple. This is the last time he will address them before they are married, and we are just minutes away from that moment.

Father begins by discussing death, and the congregation is unable to suppress its laughter as he starts to deliver his playful, thought-provoking homily. He sets the stage by saying that the number one cause of death of a bereaved spouse happens when the heart suddenly stops, causing sudden death. This has become known as broken-heart syndrome. We’re all watching him and listening with curiosity. He jokes, “Dear Sean and Gloria, what you’re about to do is very dangerous. From now on, your life is no longer yours. You are signing your death sentence today.”

The point Father made from here is that each is no longer complete without the other. Having the honor of photographing this wedding and being with Gloria and Sean all day, we can see that this is definitely true. Of course they have their differences—Gloria didn’t leave the dance floor at all during the reception, and Sean was only there for a few guest appearances—but there is something so peaceful and mature about their relationship. They are so complete as individuals, but now they have come together as one. There is no clingy dependence on one another, but a free gift of self to the other. Being surrounded by their bridal party, friends, and family, it was obvious that every single person there was rejoicing at this most beautiful marriage.

Gloria and Sean, we enjoyed photographing your marriage more than we can say! As we look back at your wedding photos, we think of the peace and joy we experienced throughout the day. From our perspective, it looks like the Holy Spirit is already doing great work, blessing your new family. We will be praying for you, and we really hope to keep in touch as time marches on. We cannot wait to see all of the joys that come your way as husband and wife!

Love,

Amy and Kyle