Well, the pandemic has thrown a wrench in to many things but Bethany and Gabe were determined to say “I do” on June 13, 2020. I met the sweet couple at the beautiful St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cabot, Pennsylvania. The weather could not have been more beautiful. Abundant sunshine with wispy white clouds and the perfect 70° temperature.

I arrived to meet Bethany with her closest girlfriends, mother and soon to be mother in law laughing and soaking in how gorgeous Bethany looked in her gown. It didn’t take me long to remember from their engagement session how contagious and lighthearted Bethany’s spirit and laughter is. I immediately could feel the excitement and love in this room of beautiful women.

After spending some time with Bethany, it was time for me to meet up with Gabe and get ready to start rolling with a mother – son first look. I got Gabe and his mother set up and the emotion and pride that radiated from his mother was so endearing! Then as the clock kept ticking it was time for Bethany’s father to see his girl all dressed up for her wedding day during their first look. This time, the two mothers watched from a distance as Bethany’s father embraced her and Bethany beamed with joy.

This was it, it was time for everyone to take their places and for Bethany and Gabe to meet at the end of the aisle to begin their new incredible journey as husband and wife. The ceremony was held in front of a small group of family and friends as witnesses. The ceremony included a beautiful sermon, a unity candle and both Bethany and Gabe offered a rose to their new mother-in-law after the unity candle was lit. There is no question that this family will be a close-knit group.

It was finally time, Bethany and Gabe exchanged vows, were prayed over and announced as the new Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Clouse! They shared their first kiss as a married couple while cheers and applause disguised how small this gathering really was. There may not have been as many people as they had planned but there was no shortage of excitement for this sweet couple.

I had an amazing time getting to know their immediate families and could not be happier to be able to share some laughs and fun with them again in December when Bethany and Gabe throw their full-scale reception for everyone to celebrate their love and commitment to one another. I am so grateful to be able to spend even more time with these newlyweds. Their wedding day may not have been what they planned it would be. . .but the relationship between these two incredible people made something so modest feel larger than life. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Clouse! I can’t wait to see you in December!