St. Augustine, FL Catholic Wedding | Mary and Nick

July 24, 2025

One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to explore different cities in the Southeast. I love photographing beautiful weddings in beautiful churches (and working with couples who are super fun.) Mary and Nick’s Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida hit ALL these marks and was a Spring 2025 highlight for MOP.

Two Catholic wedding photographers enjoying breakfast before a big wedding day at The Kookaburra café. The photo features two iced coffees and a savory meat pie on a table in the bright morning sunlight, setting the tone for a busy day ahead.
A joyful selfie of two Catholic wedding photographers, capturing a moment of relaxation before a big wedding. The couple smiles in front of lush greenery, ready for their wedding photography duties after a peaceful morning meal together.

The day started with a sunny, beachy breakfast at the The Kookaburra for Luke and me (the best way to start any day in my opinion.) Then we headed over to St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church where Mary and her ladies were getting wedding ready.

A bride getting her makeup done by a stylist during the "getting ready" portion of her Catholic wedding day. The room is filled with wedding preparations, capturing a moment of calm before the ceremony begins.
A flat lay photo of a Catholic wedding invitation, featuring a beautifully designed card with the couple's names, reception details, and wedding rings. Soft white roses and wax seals accentuate the elegant wedding stationery.
A close-up of a bride's wedding rings displayed on a plate, surrounded by white roses and green tropical leaves. The photo captures the timeless beauty of the wedding details during the getting ready portion of a Catholic wedding
A catholic bride's sister helps her place her earrings ahead of her catholic wedding mass in st. augustine, florida.
A black-and-white photo capturing an emotional moment between the bride and her sister, hugging and sharing a joyful moment while preparing for the wedding. The photo captures the love and support shared between the bridal party before the Catholic wedding ceremony.
A bridesmaid helps the bride with the final touches of her wedding dress during the getting ready moments before the Catholic wedding ceremony. The bride smiles happily, surrounded by natural light from the window, showcasing the beauty of the day.
A group of bridesmaids wearing matching pajamas, laughing and enjoying each other's company during the getting ready portion of a Catholic wedding. The fun and excitement of the wedding morning are captured in this lively photo.

Luke drove over to the Airbnb where the guys were getting ready and together we got all those important wedding photographs.

The groom tying his shoes while getting ready for his Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. Dressed in a classic white dress shirt and black bow tie, he prepares for the big day, showcasing the groom's attention to detail in his attire.
A black-and-white photo of the groom and a friend enjoying a moment while getting ready for his Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. The groom is holding a glass of whiskey, adding a personal touch to the pre-wedding preparations.
A group of groomsmen dressed in tuxedos, sitting together in a relaxed pose before the Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. The groom smiles surrounded by his closest friends, capturing a joyful moment before the ceremony begins.
A black-and-white image of the groom adjusting his cufflinks while getting ready for his Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. This stylish shot highlights his meticulous preparations, adding an elegant touch to the wedding day atmosphere.
A close-up black-and-white shot of the groom pouring a drink from a bottle, preparing for his Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. The details of the bottle and glasses add a personal, intimate element to the groom's pre-wedding ritual.

Once everyone was ready, the big reveals began! Mary did a first look with her mother and mother-in-law, followed by the most fun bridesmaid reveal, a first look with Nick, and a first look with her dad.

A heartfelt moment during a Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida, as the bride shares a first look with her mother and mother-in-law. The bride in her satin gown stands with both women, all holding hands and smiling as they admire her stunning dress before the ceremony.
The bride and her bridesmaids share an emotional first look before the Catholic wedding ceremony in St. Augustine, Florida. The bridesmaids, dressed in elegant blue gowns, stand together as they marvel at the bride in her satin wedding dress, capturing a joyful moment of support and excitement.
A beautiful first look between the bride and her bridesmaids, as the bride spins in her satin gown for the group to see before the Catholic wedding ceremony in St. Augustine, Florida. The bridesmaids’ expressions of surprise and joy reflect the deep bond between them on this special day.
A tender moment as the bride, wearing a satin gown, stands surrounded by her bridesmaids in blue dresses. They embrace and smile together, celebrating the bride’s first look before the Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. This image captures the love and excitement of the bride’s closest friends.
A catholic bride and groom share a first look at st anastasia's catholic church head of their wedding mass in st. augustine, florida
A touching first look between the bride and her father before the Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. The father, dressed in a black tuxedo, looks on proudly as his daughter, in her beautiful satin wedding gown, smiles at him, capturing a moment of love and emotional connection.
The bride and her father share an emotional first look before walking down the aisle at a Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, Florida. The bride, in her satin gown, spins gracefully for her father, who beams with pride, capturing the love and bond between them ahead of the ceremony.
a catholic bride poses with her parents ahead of her catholic wedding ceremony in St. augustine florida.

We took advantage of St. Anastasia’s beautiful mission-style courtyard for all of these because it was stunning.

Catholic bride and groom holding hands and walking joyfully outside St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church before their wedding mass, surrounded by tropical greenery and a stone fountain.
Bride and groom posing in front of the fountain at St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church, smiling and embracing before their Catholic wedding ceremony.
Romantic black and white portrait of a Catholic couple sharing a private moment beneath the arched walkways of St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church before their nuptial mass.
Catholic bride and groom sharing a kiss under the stone archways at St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church before their sacred wedding vows.
Elegant portrait of a Catholic bride and groom embracing under the arches of St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church, preparing for their traditional Catholic wedding ceremony.
A bridal party poses for a portrait at st. anastasia's catholic church in st. augustine ahead of a catholic wedding mass
A bridal party poses for a portrait at st. anastasia's catholic church in st. augustine ahead of a catholic wedding mass
A bridal party poses for a portrait at st. anastasia's catholic church in st. augustine ahead of a catholic wedding mass
Groomsmen cheer on a catholic groom as he shows off his Florida gators suspenders on his wedding day
bridesmaids hug a catholic bride ahead of her wedding mass in st augustine florida
bridesmaids hug a catholic bride ahead of her wedding mass in st augustine florida

Then we all caravanned over to St. Ambrose Catholic church in nearby Elkton, FL. This beautiful little rural church with it’s historic live oaks was the backdrop for their beautiful wedding Mass.

Wedding guests gather ahead of a catholic wedding Mass at st. ambrose catholic church in elkton, florida
the mother of the bride adjusts the groom's suit before his catholic wedding mass at st. ambrose catholic church in elkton, florida
The groom stands at the altar of a tiny rural catholic parish in st. augustine florida as he waits for his bride to comedown the aisle
A catholic bride and her father walk down the aisle of st. ambrose catholic church in elkton, florida during a catholic wedding mass
a catholic bride and groom stand at the altar of st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida during their catholic wedding Mass
a catholic groom crosses himself during his wedding Mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
a catholic priest gives a homily during a catholic wedding Mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
a catholic bride and groom laugh during their wedding mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
a catholic bride and groom exchange rings during their catholic wedding Mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
a catholic bride and groom share a kiss after their vows at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
The mother of the groom reads during a catholic wedding mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
A catholic bride and groom pray during the consecration during their catholic wedding mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida
a catholic bride and groom receive a blessing from their wedding guests during their catholic wedding mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine floriida
a catholic bride and groom share a kiss at the end of their catholic wedding mass at st. ambrose Catholic church in st. augustine florida

Before we headed back to St. Anastasia’s, we took advantage of the stunning live oak and Spanish moss lined drive of St. Ambrose for the quintessential southern wedding portraits.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand under moss-draped oak trees at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida, during a romantic wedding portrait session.
Groom dips and kisses bride on a tree-lined path at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida, capturing a timeless and elegant wedding moment.
Black and white bridal portrait of groom dipping and kissing bride beneath the majestic oak canopy at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida.
Romantic wedding portrait of bride and groom sharing an intimate moment under a pearl-dotted veil at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida.
Elegant bride holding blue and pink bouquet and lifting her dress gracefully on the church pathway at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida.
Joyful bride twirling her long flowing veil on the scenic tree-lined road near St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida, during bridal portraits.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss in front of the historic white exterior of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida, after their wedding ceremony.
Close-up of bride and groom’s hands showcasing wedding rings and diamond engagement ring, symbolizing love and commitment at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton, Florida.

Once at St. Anastasia’s, a round of shots were shared, and the party started! Mary’s aunts decorated the parish hall beautifully and truly everyone celebrated hard.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen raise mini bottles in a celebratory toast at a Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida. Everyone is dressed in formal attire with pastel dresses and suits, creating a joyful moment.
Maid of honor gives an emotional wedding speech with a microphone at a St. Augustine Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Church. Elegant decor with candles and blue floral arrangements sets a romantic ambiance.
ride and groom raise champagne glasses during a toast as the maid of honor speaks in the background at their Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia in St. Augustine, Florida. The setting features soft blue tones and romantic floral decor.
Best man delivers a heartfelt wedding toast to the bride and groom during their reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine. Elegant white candles and floral centerpieces decorate the sweetheart table.
Bride and groom share a joyful moment cutting the wedding cake at their St. Augustine reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church. The cake table is decorated with fresh flowers and elegant desserts.
Bride dances with her father in a touching father-daughter dance at the St. Anastasia Catholic Church wedding reception in St. Augustine. The bride’s elegant white gown flows gracefully as they smile together.
Groom shares a heartfelt mother-son dance at his Catholic wedding reception in St. Augustine at St. Anastasia Church. The groom’s mother wears a stunning navy blue gown while guests look on emotionally.
Bride and groom share their romantic first dance during their Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
Groom twirls the bride during their first dance at a Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida. Her satin wedding dress sparkles under the soft reception lighting.
Wedding guests in formal attire socialize beside the scenic lake outside St. Anastasia Catholic Church during a Catholic wedding reception in St. Augustine, Florida.
Joyful bride, groom, and wedding party dance in a circle during a fun Catholic wedding celebration at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
Bride, groom, and wedding guests enjoy lively dancing on the reception floor at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, celebrating a traditional Catholic wedding.
edding guests, dressed in formal evening wear, dance with the bride and groom during a Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
Bride and bridesmaids wearing elegant gowns joyfully dancing during a Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
Couples dance under romantic lighting at a Catholic wedding reception at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida, with bride and groom enjoying the evening

We took a break mid-reception for a round of late-night detail shots and some super fun late-night portraits.

A late night details photograph of elements of a catholic wedding reception in st augustine florida
Bride striking a playful pose in her white wedding dress and heart-shaped sunglasses during nighttime portraits outside St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida.
Bride and groom enjoying their Catholic wedding reception, holding drinks and wearing fun sunglasses outside St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, FL.
Newlyweds walk arm-in-arm laughing together in front of palm trees and the lit facade of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida during nighttime wedding photos.
Bride and groom pose together under palm trees at night, holding a champagne bottle and wearing playful sunglasses at their St. Augustine Catholic wedding reception.
Groom lifts the bride for a kiss during fun, late-night wedding portraits at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida, bride holding champagne bottle in hand.
Laughing bride and groom celebrate with a champagne bottle during their nighttime wedding reception portraits at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, FL.
champagne sprays as the bride and groom celebrate their Catholic wedding outside St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine, Florida, captured in a fun nighttime photo.

Danced some more. Had a beautiful last dance. Then, SPARKLERS!

he bride in a satin gown and heart-shaped sunglasses dances with arms raised, surrounded by guests on the dance floor at a Catholic wedding reception in a warmly lit parish hall at st. anastasia catholic church in st augustine, florida.
Bride and groom share a romantic last dance in the center of a spacious Catholic parish hallat st. anastasia catholic church in st augustine, florida, with elegant white-covered tables and soft overhead lighting in the background.
The bride, in her wedding dress, dances closely with a groomsman wearing navy suspenders during a Catholic wedding reception in a decorated church event hall at st. anastasia catholic church in st. augustine, florida
Newlyweds smile and hold hands during a nighttime sparkler exit as wedding guests form a celebratory line outside the St. Enda of Aran Formation Center after a Catholic wedding.
The bride and groom walk through a festive sparkler tunnel held by cheering guests, exiting their Catholic wedding reception at st. anastasia catholic church in st. augustine, florida with joyful expressions and elegance.
Bride in white heels and a silk dress steps into a red vehicle during the sparkler send-off after a Catholic church wedding reception.
The bride waves joyfully from the passenger seat of a red car during the couple's grand departure after their Catholic wedding celebration.
Bride and groom wave goodbye from their red getaway car as guests light sparklers outside the St. Enda of Aran Formation Center, concluding a beautiful Catholic wedding reception.

Mary, Nick, and Florida, I love you. Any wedding I can use tropical plants in the flat lay and cull out the occasional lizard photograph from the gallery, I am all here for. It was such an honor to be invited into this sacrament day.

Elegant Catholic wedding invitation flat lay with rings, tropical leaves, and white roses – detail shot from a St. Augustine, Florida wedding

Venue: St. Ambrose Catholic Church // St. Anastasia Catholic Church

Photography: Madeline Oakley Photography

Cake: Publix

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