One clear, sunny day in April, something beautiful happened in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Amy and Andrew exchanged their marriage vows in a private, family-only ceremony at St John the Baptist Catholic Church.
We started the morning with Amy and her closest family members at the gorgeous new AC Marriott hotel downtown. It was our first time photographing a wedding morning there, and we’re totally smitten! The front desk lady was incredibly nice, and the rooms were stunning.
Amy opted to wear her mother’s wedding dress. Family and legacy are very important to her, and this practical way to weave her roots into the wedding day was so perfect! Amy’s cathedral length veil complimented both her dress and the traditional setting of St John the Baptist.
She also carried a handkerchief of her grandma’s, embroidered with their initials and wedding date. So special!
A few portraits later, we headed to the church to get these two married!
The pew rows of St John’s day chapel sat in quiet expectation. A beautiful display of florals adorned the ceremony site in its colorful array. The doors opened, and Andrew saw his bride for the first time that day. Everything else faded away. The pandemic, the group gathering restrictions, the harried last minute change of plans.
The moments were just as beautiful for their perseverance in love as the abundant joyfulness of a filled sanctuary would have been.
I looooved this so much! A whole collection of Amy and Andrew’s friends and family celebrated with a drive-by parade after the ceremony. Balloons, signs, cheers, bubbles. A talented cellist! They had it all.
One of our many favorite parts of this is that we had not one, but TWO of our J&A Couples in the parade!
Amy and Andrew’s wedding day wasn’t exactly what they had planned. A worldwide pandemic can do that to even the most carefully designed plans. But in the midst of it, love truly shone forth. Love for each other, love for family, love for legacy. They exemplified a desire to make a commitment no matter what the external circumstances look like.
Amy & Andrew – Thank you for giving us the opportunity to travel this crazy, joyful, unique journey with you guys. There were some twists and turns, for sure, but this day was so beautiful and meaningful. We can’t wait to give you guys real hugs and celebrate all over again next year at your reception!
*hugs*
Amber
A shoutout to these vendors!
Getting Ready Venue: AC Marriot Downtown Huntsville
Photography: Joel & Amber Photography
Dress: Bride’s mother
Florals: Family friend
Ceremony Venue: St John the Baptist Catholic Church
Ceremony Coordinator: Amy Tolson
Cake Artist: A Wilson Cakes
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Beautiful pictures! I love how you described the wedding day of my beloved niece Amy and Andrew. These pictures truly help ease the hurt of not being there.
How beautiful! I’m so happy for Andrew and Amy!
Such a beautiful day! The pictures are wonderful! Love you guys!
Lovely photos!
Lived being part of the “parade”
Amy’s dress was amazing!
So happy for you two!
Lovely photos!
You all helped make their special day even better!
Amy, your pictures were beautiful and breath-taking. Loved the dress, the private wedding, the scenes in the pictures were lovely. That dress fits you. I know it means so much because it was your Mother’s wedding dress. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with us.
God bless you and your marriage. I pray many years of happiness. Treasure the days my friend.
Beautiful photos of a beautiful couple! We very much enjoyed being a part of the parade. Seeing you in a wedding dress brought tears to my eyes. We wish you all the best! Love you!
Beautiful bride turned into gorgeous wife! And amazing pictures to showcase! Wishing Amy endless years of happiness.
Congratulations Amy!! Absolutely stunning!! ❤
Gorgeous wedding!!! Wonderful couple. We wish you guys all the happiness in the world.
Beautiful wedding!!! I wish you both the best of joys as you embark on this new journey in life!
Simply beautiful!
Joel and Amber are outstanding photographers as their work indicates. They made sure that Amy and Andrew has a memorable and beautiful wedding.
Thank you for your sweet words! That means so much!
I was in the parade and Amy looked beautiful! It was a grand parade. From the photos, I can tell it was a lovely day!
Beautiful couple! I’m so happy for you two!
Amazing pictures! Congratulations!!
What fabulous photos! You were a beautiful bride. Love that you wore your mothers dress. The drive by receiving line was was a wonderful idea. Glad your day turned out to be happy one with great weather. Best wishes for many happy years to come.
Joel and Amber have been an absolute pleasure to work with. From day one they have been amazing, let alone these “flying by the seat of our pants” pandemic times.
Aw, thank you!! You guys have been amazing!!!
These are gorgeous! Beautiful bride ❤️ Thrilled you still got married.
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
Another J &A Bride, Olivia
Congrats. Awesome wedding. Pictures look fabulous. Can’t wait to celebrate y’all on April 17, 2021.
Amy, Thanks for sharing the pictures of your special day. You were stunning and the pictures were great! Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you! :) The photos beautifully captured your special day.