Libby took a seat on a chair in the middle of the dance floor. Stephen stood ten paces across the room. His eyes locked on his new bride. Men from his Catholic fraternity huddled behind him. Libby’s eyes shone with the brightest twinkle as she looked from her husband to his friends. The room was immensely quiet and filled with anticipation. Then the men started to sing.
The sounds from “Red is the Rose” filled the room as Stephen’s friends helped him to serenade his wife. It was clear, even as it was happening, that this was a rare and special moment. As we looked around the room, we watched the parents of the newlyweds wipe tears from their eyes. Nobody made a sound. All attention was directed toward this beautiful moment of a husband singing to his wife.
As the last verse approached, Stephen came forward and knelt down in front of Libby while his friends knelt where they were. He looked into her eyes as he sang, “Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows. Fair is the lily of the valley. Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne, but my love is fairer than any.”
The moment was pure goodness. The gesture coming from Stephen showed such admirable love. Seeing his friends, all kneeling and singing with him, gave visible representation to the invisible support that good friends provide for one another in matters of faith and life. Watching the couple’s parents wipe tears showed the joy that parents experience when they see their child grow up and marry someone who will love and honor them. It was a rare moment, and it was such an honor to witness.
Libby and Stephen, thank you for trusting us with the responsibility of photographing your wedding. We absolutely loved every moment of your day, and think the entire celebration was beautiful! We had a lot of fun with your bridal party and loved seeing the support that they are providing to you as you start this journey of marriage. It’s one thing to enter into your vocation, but another thing to enter into your vocation side-by-side with good friends. You’ll be so blessed by one another’s friendships as you continue to figure everything out. We are praying for you and hope to see you when we visit Pittsburgh in the future!
Love,
Amy and Kyle
Thank you to everyone who helped make Libby and Stephen’s wedding so lovely!
- Celebrant: Fr. Peter Gruber, C.O.
- Church: Church of the Assumption
- Reception venue: 5 Pines Barn
- Mass coordinator: Indira Stokes
- Florist: The Farmer’s Daughter
- Catering: Jaden’s catering
- Cake: Lincoln Bakery
- DJ/entertainment services: Aaron Keehan
- Playlist: Matt Etzrod
- Dress: Maggie Sotero; The Exquisite Bride
- Bridesmaids’ dresses: Bill Levkoff; The Exquisite Bride
- Groomsmen and groom attire: Men’s Wearhouse
- Invitations: Minted
- Program Designer: Ren Witter
- Hair: Sanctus Rejuvenation Spa & Salon
