A Love Story That Crossed Oceans
Daniel & Stephanie’s love story is absolutely beautiful, beginning with a virtual spark & culminating in a breathtaking wedding celebration. The couple tied the knot at the stunning Saint Agatha & Saint James in Philadelphia, PA, followed by a joyous reception at the Merion Tribute House in Merion, PA. Their journey to the altar was filled with romance, long-distance devotion, & so much JOY!
Stephanie, originally from the Canary Islands in Spain, met Daniel, a Philadelphia native, on Catholic Match. Their connection was immediate, & after several online conversations, they had their first virtual date. The couple fondly describes it as "love at first Zoom." After months of long-distance dating, Daniel flew to Spain with a ring tucked away in his pocket, ready to propose!
Stephanie’s mom recalls their first hug at the airport as a scene out of a romantic movie. Just a few days later, Daniel suggested arriving early for the Christmas Vigil Mass. When Daniel led Stephanie to the Nativity scene at the front of the church, to her complete surprise, he knelt & proposed right there! Overcome with emotion, Stephanie said yes, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey toward marriage. The couple's season of engagement was sanctifying as they navigated the complexities & uncertainties of the immigration process. The two years of engagement brought the couple closer to each other & closer to the Lord. It was beautiful to see how the season of waiting has strengthened their love, & only continued to affirm their desire for marriage. When their wedding day finally arrived, it felt like a great victory!
The wedding day was romantic, sacred, & beautiful - it truly felt like a movie! Stephanie was radiantly beautiful & looked just like a royal Spanish princess. The couple got ready in the groom's childhood home, but did not see each other until Stephanie was walking down the aisle! Stephanie stayed upstairs, while Daniel got ready on the first floor. This added even more excitement & anticipation to the morning.
Despite light rain falling throughout the entire wedding day, Daniel & Stephanie remained incredibly joyful. After all the challenges, setbacks, & difficulties they had faced during their relationship, nothing could dampen the peace & joy they felt. The rain became a beautiful backdrop to their celebration, a reminder of how they had weathered storms together, only to emerge stronger! Their love, tested & true, shone brightly, making their wedding day a perfect testament to the strength of their union. Rain or shine, this day was everything they had dreamed of, & nothing could take that away!
The church, Saint Agatha & Saint James Catholic Church, was adorned with flowers & filled with loved ones who traveled from across the world to witness the couple's union. One especially meaningful touch was the bench the couple purchased, reflecting a tradition from Spain where the bride & groom sit on a bench at the front of the church during the Mass. They plan to keep this beautiful piece of furniture in their home as a lasting reminder of their wedding feast! The music for the mass was coordinated & conducted by Daniel's sister, Sarah Thomas. The sacred music made this wedding one of the most gorgeous & reverent masses we have had the privilege of witnessing. As Stephanie walked down the aisle, the couple was filled with so much JOY & a sense of peace. The moment that they had prayed for so long was finally here!
The couple was joined by their loved ones at the Merion Tribute House in Merion, PA where they celebrated their union! The reception was classy, romantic, & so much fun! The toastes highlighted the beauty of their love story, the couple's trust in the Lord, & echoed how the two complement each other so perfectly. Each toast brought tears to my eyes & left me with the biggest smile on my face. It was such an honor to witness & document the beauty of this wedding day!
Many Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Thomas!
Photography: Merciful Love Photo
Videography: Shutter & Sound
Church: Saint Agatha and Saint James Catholic Church in Philadelphia, PA
Venue: Merion Tribute House in Merion, PA
Catering: John Serock Catering
