Italian Club Wedding
Alicia and John Michael tied the knot during their St. Paul Catholic Church wedding ceremony and after celebrated during their Italian Club wedding reception. Envisioning a traditional day that also incorporated their Italian heritage, the two were overjoyed to officially become Mr. and Mrs.!
That cute intern…
John Michael first met Alicia while interning at her school. During a Friday night teacher meetup, the two were able to get to know one another better while playing trivia. Realizing they had a connection, the two began dating and have been together ever since!
Proposing to Alicia during her family’s annual gift exchange on Christmas, the two now celebrate not only the holiday but where their journey to forever began!
Wedding Day at the Italian Club of Tampa
Wedding day for these two felt so effortless and beautiful. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement at Alicia’s childhood home where she was getting ready with her girls. After wrapping up hair and makeup, we captured the girls in their robes, along with helping Alicia put on her dress. I loved the traditional aspects to Alicia’s gown from the lace trim to the sweetheart neckline.
During this time, John Michael was over at St Paul’s Catholic Church getting ready with his guys. After capturing him suiting up and a few fun shots of his group, we hid them away as guests began to arrive.
Holding back tears as Alicia walked down the aisle, the love could be felt throughout the church. While their priest led a traditional Catholic ceremony, he also incorporated a few modern twists with asking the key to longevity in marriage from each of their parents. I really loved this little custom element to their ceremony, as they were able to include their parents in such a beautiful way in their wedding. After a first kiss shared and their ceremony concluded, we captured formal portraits of their family at the alter.
With the rain having subsided, perfect timing I might add as it was raining during their indoor ceremony, we headed out with Alicia and John Michael’s bridal party to the beautiful garden area behind the church. I just loved being able to mix in greenery through the stunning backdrop of tower oaks, one of which looked picture perfect as the limb hung over our bridal party.
Heading to The Italian Club, also known as L’Unione Italiana, we were able to capture beautiful room shots with our newlyweds before their reception began. Sneaking out during dinner, we headed outside to grab a shot of Alicia with her cousins by their grandmothers stone that is in front of the doors to The Italian Club, along with a few fun shots of her and John Michael throughout the venue.
Our day ended with hugs goodbyes as guests continued to dance into the night! Wishing these two an amazing life together!
Vendors
Ceremony Venue: St. Paul Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Italian Club
