What a JOY it was to finally celebrate James and Lianna!!

I first photographed these two for their engagement session in Old Town Alexandria, so getting to come back together for their wedding day made this one extra special for me. After all of the planning and anticipation, James and Lianna were finally able to stand together in front of their family, friends and God and enter into the Sacrament of Marriage!

Their wedding day took us from their Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Hope in Sterling, Virginia to an evening celebrating at Rose Hill Manor. And friends, there were so many meaningful moments packed into this day!

Their Catholic Wedding Ceremony at Our Lady of Hope

James and Lianna were married at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church surrounded by the people who have loved and supported them throughout their relationship.

One of the things I love most about photographing Catholic weddings is getting to witness the Sacrament unfold throughout the ceremony. These are the moments at the heart of the wedding day, and knowing that James and Lianna were beginning their marriage together with their faith at the center made it an honor to photograph. That focus on the sacredness of marriage is central to Kara’s approach to Catholic wedding photography.

Their ceremony also incorporated several Filipino wedding traditions, including the veil, cord and coins. I loved seeing their families and culture represented alongside their Catholic faith. It made their ceremony feel that much more personal to the two of them and the families coming together through their marriage! And then, they were officially husband and wife!!

Rose Hill Manor

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Rose Hill Manor with their family and friends.

James and Lianna kept so many of their Filipino traditions going into the reception, including the money dance. I always love when couples bring pieces of their families, cultures and stories into their wedding day because those are the things that make each celebration completely their own.

But one of my FAVORITE moments from their reception had to be Lianna’s dance with her dad. Instead of a traditional father-daughter dance, Lianna sang a song with her dad! It was such a personal moment between the two of them and one of those parts of a wedding day that reminds me why photographs matter so much. Years from now, they’ll be able to look back and remember not only what happened, but all of the people who were right there celebrating alongside them.

James + Lianna, You’re Married!

From photographing their engagement session to watching them exchange their vows and celebrate their first night as husband and wife, it has been such a gift getting to document this chapter for James and Lianna.

Marriage is so much bigger than the wedding day itself.  The wedding is only the beginning of the life you’re building together, and I’m so excited for everything ahead for these two! James and Lianna, congratulations!! Thank you for trusting me to document such an important day for you and your families. I’m praying for you both as you begin this new adventure together!

Vendors: 

Photographer: @karalorynphotography

DJ: @burnside_events

Church: @olohchurch

Venue: @rosehillmanor

Hair/Make-up: @emilynicoleartistry

Florist: @bloomsrestonfloral

Bridal Dress: @elliesbridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: @azazie