October 23, 2019

Hammond Wedding Photographer – Holy Ghost Catholic Church Melissa and Joe

FILED IN: Wedding

Hammond Wedding Photographer – Melissa and Joe tie the knot at Holy Ghost Catholic Church!

One of the most fun aspects of my jobs is, without a doubt, the people who make it possible. With as many people as I work with on a regular basis, it never fails to amaze me how complex, and wonderful, and unique my clients’ stories are.

Melissa comes from one of those families who are instantly welcoming to anyone and everyone they come across, always. One of five adopted children, she learned at an early age that love has no small impact on a person’s life, thanks to her wonderful parents! She and her siblings came to be a part of their family from all over the globe, and the tight-knit bond that they share was wonderful to witness. Melissa is someone who loves the people around her, family and friends, with her whole heart.

So, naturally, when she met Joe and they fell hard for one another, their bond was pretty rock solid as well. It absolutely made my day every time I witnessed Melissa and Joe lock eyes with one another. It was truly as if no one else in the room existed! I love that this day was such a sacred, personal one for them.

They made their wedding day every bit about their love for each other and for their friends and family – exactly how a wedding should be!

Faith being a very important part of their lives, they had a full mass ceremony at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond, Louisiana. The mass was funny, and sweet, and personal, and just perfect for them. There were sweet stolen looks between the two of them, funny moments from the kids, and above all just a whole lot of love.

Their reception was held on property at an adorable old church which had been converted into a reception hall. The band was wonderful, the vibe was kickin’, and we had a blast during the Shoe Game and second line! As many of the attendees weren’t local to Louisiana, it was a lot of fun seeing everyone get so much enjoyment out of such an iconic Louisiana tradition.

And in one of the most memorable moments of the night, Melissa’s grandmother caught the bouquet when it went a little “long”.

Unexpectedly-made memories like that are what make your wedding day unique!

Check out some of my very favorite moments from this wedding day, below.

Thanks to all of the wonderful vendors who made this day go off without a hitch! I so enjoyed this day of being a wedding photographer in Hammond. <3

Venue: Holy Ghost Catholic Church
Music: Zakk Garner
Florist: Especially For You Florist

PS – Are you an awesome couple, looking for a wedding photographer? What a coincidence, then – CLICK HERE to find out more about what I do and how much I love couples just like this one!

Bride and bridesmaid holding baby

Bride and bridesmaids getting ready

Dog drinking from wine glass

Yep, that’s a dog drinking out of a wine glass. That happened, and it was amazing.


bride chatting with grandmother
bride's brother petting family dog

This dog’s face as her big brother played with her through the kennel…this should be a meme, right?

bride getting hair and makeup done
Bridal portrait of bride reflected in photo with wording pray without ceasing

I love creating unique portraits that are really meaningful to my clients. Melissa is reflected this photo on the wall of her family home
mother of groom putting on groom's boutenniere
bride and groom first look

This sweet first look was everything! #AllTheCries


couple becomes emotional during first look
bride and groom sharing sweet moment before ceremony looking at one another
father of the bride walking toward her before starting down the aisle

When it all gets real – Dad is heading your way!


bride and father of the bride walking down aisle at Holy Ghost Catholic church
Groom seen from in between bride and her father waiting at the aisle
bride and groom during ceremony at Holy Ghost catholic church
bride and groom looking at one another and laughing during ceremony at Holy Ghost Catholic church in Hammond
bride and groom reflected in fountain water during ceremony at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
Bride and groom exchanging vows at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
bride and groom exchange rings during ceremony at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
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crowd raises hands to bless couple while bride's young brother looks at his hand with confusion

One of the funniest “kids at weddings” moments to date. Check out this little guy trying to figure out what to do with his hands during the blessing! 


bride and groom share first kiss at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
bride and groom share kiss alone after walking out of ceremony at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
bride and groom hugging after ceremony

I love this sweet, quiet moment that these two shared just after exiting the vestibule. Just the two of them! <3 


portrait of bride and groom in black and white
couple entering reception at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
bride and groom first dance
couple dancing photographed through musician's instruments
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Thanks to these awesome musicians who totally didn’t bat an eye when I got allllll up in their grille for these shots! 😉


parent dances at reception
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Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
couple raising shoes during shoe game at reception
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grandmother catching bouquet after bride tosses
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
family dancing with handkerchiefs during second line at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond
Fall,Holy Ghost Catholic Church Hammond,Wedding,church,
second line at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond

comments +

  1. Mary says:

    Great pictures!

  2. Joyce Nixon says:

    That was some great reception.

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