Stephanie & Henry - St. Benedict’s Chesapeake VA FSSP wedding
Priest Fr. Neal Nichols, FSSP “y'all captured the most precious and essential moments of the wedding day for Stephanie & Henry....it was indeed a great pleasure to cooperate with a real Latin Mass photographer.”
Stephanie and Henry's nuptials at the FSSP Church of St. Benedict's in Chesapeake, Virginia was not only an opportunity to document their sacred union, but we were also deeply moved by the rich traditions and heartfelt moments that filled every corner of their wedding day.
Stephanie and Henry's journey began at Hillsdale College, where they first crossed paths and laid the foundation for their enduring love story. It was a joyous occasion when they brought us to Norfolk, Virginia, to capture their October 21, 2023, wedding day, surrounded by loved ones from near and far.
Our day commenced with the gentle hum of anticipation as we joined Stephanie's mother and bridesmaids for the intimate moments of preparation at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. With five bridesmaids and five groomsmen, the atmosphere was imbued with laughter and camaraderie, setting the stage for the festivities to come.
The highlight of the day was, undoubtedly, the full Traditional Nuptial Mass held at the lovely FSSP Church of St. Benedict's. As fellow parishioners of the FSSP, we were deeply immersed in the reverence and beauty of the ceremony. Beyond the exchange of vows, Stephanie and Henry chose to honor timeless traditions such as the Marian consecration and the presentation of flowers to Our Blessed Mother. The solemn blessing of the nuptial veil underscored the sacredness of their union, weaving together faith and love in a tapestry of devotion.
Emerging from the church, we were met with a breathtaking sight as guests showered the newlyweds with real rose petals, a gesture that encapsulated the purity and abundance of their love.
The enchantment continued at the reception venue, Vista Point Catering on Naval Station Norfolk. Within the largest naval base in America, the setting was nothing short of cinematic. Under the expert guidance of DJ Gerry Bradshaw, the evening unfolded into a whirlwind of joy and merriment. From funny hats to limbo lines, each moment on the dance floor was infused with infectious energy, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
As the night waned and the lights danced over the waters of the naval base, guests joined in a heartfelt rendition of a traditional German song, "Sie Leben Hoch," lifting Stephanie and Henry high on chairs in a timeless gesture of well-wishes and blessings. It was a moment of pure bliss, a testament to the love and support that surrounded the newlyweds on their special day.
In the midst of it all, amidst the laughter and celebration, there were poignant reminders of the depth of familial love and the cherished memories that bind us together. From Stephanie's dear flower girls to the tender gesture of her father blessing her before she walked down the aisle, every detail spoke volumes about the love and devotion that filled the day.
As we reflect on Stephanie and Henry's wedding day, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of bearing witness to their love story. It was a day marked by elegance, tradition, and above all, the profound connection shared between two souls embarking on a journey of love and faith. We will carry the memories of this sacred union with us always, grateful for the opportunity to capture the beauty of love in its purest form.
With heartfelt blessings,
Allison Girone and John Girone