Far away from the coasts of Ireland, a small and intimate Houston affair unfolded on this beautiful fall day for Libby and Wil. With an emotive ceremony held at the historic St. Joseph's Catholic Church and brunch reception following at the renowned Brenner's on the Bayou.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church features impressive off-white marble arches and slate gray stone floors, and is probably unlike any of the ancient Catholic churches you would find in Ireland. Which makes sense, since St. Joseph’s isn’t in Ireland, it’s in Houston, Texas.

And for Libby & Will, that’s just fine.

After COVID-19 changed the course of the year, Libby and Will were forced to postpone their dream destination wedding in Ireland. However, they didn’t want to postpone their dream of getting married any longer. So, they decided a micro wedding here in Houston would be just perfect.

I arrived at St. Joseph’s on the morning of October 10th, 2020. The way the autumn sun shone through the still-green trees made everything look just a little enchanted. Outside the church, on the charming red brick sidewalk, Libby & Will shared an intimate pre-ceremony dance I was lucky enough to capture on film.

Inside the church, a small collection of Libby and Will’s most treasured friends and family sat beaming in pews, either preparing their children to be part of the wedding ceremony or admiring the dreamy stained-glass windows and beautiful tapestries.

A hush fell over the room as the bridesmaids began their walk down the aisle, followed by a trio of angelic looking flower girls. Libby entered last, flanked by her adoring mother. All eyes immediately went to the locket hanging from her bouquet, which played a special role in today’s festivities- it contained a photo of her father, who passed away before the bride and groom were able to wed. She joined her husband-to-be at the altar, eyes brimming with emotion, and the two were joined in a traditional Catholic ceremony.

One thing I love about daytime weddings is the way the photos turn out. At the outdoor reception, held at Brenner’s on the Bayou, perfect late-afternoon light shone on the guests in a heavenly way, highlighting their excitement and joy about this special day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Libby shared her father-daughter dance with her two new brothers-in-law, and laughs were hearty and plentiful as speeches, jokes, and memories were shared amongst loved ones.

As the sun began to wane, we all admired the lush greenery surrounding the beautiful back deck, looking like something out of a Southern fairy-tale. The river meandered by beside us, it’s waters dancing and sparkling like the guests themselves.

Finally, the bride and groom were sent off in a shower of tiny white flowers, with friends and family cheering them on. We packed up slowly, savoring the warmth and the sounds of the birds as the daytime light bled into evening. The day came to a close, special for so many, including us at Plum Tree Studios, but none more than newlyweds Libby and Will. 

Press PLAY on the slideshow below to see the day unfold….