In early January of 2026, Eva and Dan had their Catholic wedding at St Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The cathedral is a beautiful space, with high ceilings, stained glass, and ornate architecture. Like most Saturday Catholic weddings, it was in the early afternoon so there was time for transition for Saturday evening mass.

Servers in the wedding mass

They had family and friends serving in every capacity at the mass! Dan’s cousin was the priest and their friend from high school was the deacon who gave the homily. Dan’s cousins and friends were also the altar servers and acolytes. Eva’s family friends brought up the gifts, family friends played the violin and viola, and friends and cousins sung in the choir. Then, Dan’s brother and sister and Eva’s good friend did readings and the prayers of the faithful. It was so moving to see how their whole community came together to participate in the mass and support the couple as they were married.

Elements of the mass

The mass began with a traditional processional of those serving in the mass, Dan and his mother, and then the full bridal party including Dan’s little brother as the ring bearer. Eva was beaming as she walked down the aisle with her father and Dan started tearing up and continued to throughout the whole mass.

The entire mass was reverent but joyful. The music was absolutely beautiful and the homily was personal since the deacon is their close friend. Eva and Dan said the traditional vows to one another and exchanged rings. They had told me beforehand that this is what they were most looking forward to. The look of joy on their faces was so sweet to see!

After receiving the eucharist together for the first time as husband and wife they brought flower to Mary in the creche in the side chapel. To conclude the mass, they were announced as man and wife and joyfully recessed down the aisle to much applause and beaming smiles all around.

The unexpected moment

The most unexpected part of the day happened right as mass was ending. The acolyte was a little too liberal with the incense and set off the fire alarm in the church. As the couple was signing the marriage license, the alarm started sounding and the priest didn’t even flinch. Thankfully, the firefighters arrived quickly after and were able to turn off the alarm so we could do the planned family formals in the sanctuary. (Instagram reel of the very moment this happened linked below.)

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A post shared by Abby Sue Photography | Colorado Wedding Photographer (@abbysuephoto)

I love photographing Catholic weddings because of the clear meaning, sacredness, and joy involved in the mass. The couple knows they are making the covenant of marriage before God and they see marriage as the greatest gift. When I’m photographing a wedding mass, I am sure to stay mostly out of the center aisle so as not to distract from the mass. But I am careful to capture each meaningful moment since each moment of the mass is intentional and valued. If you are planning your Catholic or Christian wedding and want someone who will honor the solemnity of the ceremony, inquire on my website today. I cannot wait to hear from you!