It was wedding time. Kate slipped into her dress, put on her earrings and took a deep breath. On my cue, she walked out to see him. He put a hand on his heart when he saw her, taken aback by her grace, her beauty. He started tearing up, then Kate, and then every single bridesmaid, mom and I followed suit. We all hovered, watching this moment hang in the air– excitement, maybe a few nerves, but mostly all love. Though this might sound like the story of a bride and groom’s traditional first look, it wasn’t– Dan saw Kate for the first time that day as she walked down the aisle toward him. This was the moment Kate’s dad first saw his little girl on her wedding day.

That moment set the theme for the entire day: family + love (should I add + tears?! I was teary all day!!). Kate’s sister was one of the most attentive maids of honor I’ve seen, and you could literally feel that it was her other half’s wedding day through the love in her eyes and cheerful “yes” to just about any request/ task that needed doing. Both families were so warm and welcoming to me, so I can just imagine what a joy it is to belong to such a loving family like the Vetters and Cibichs!

They were originally supposed to tie the knot in Marquette’s church, Gesu, which holds special significance for them. They both attended mass together there on their first date (looooove that!) when they met at Marquette their senior year. Kate has not one but two degrees from Marquette. A good portion of the wedding party also attended Marquette. So, when we were able to head to Marquette’s campus for photos, I was happy that we could still honor their roots in a unique way. Kate and Dan had more than their fair share of setbacks, given the wrench the pandemic threw at all of us, especially 2020 brides and grooms. They took all of the changes in stride and dealt with the problems gracefully, resting in the peace that they knew come hell or high water, they would be MARRIED on May 30, 2020! Even Dan’s graduation from medical school/ the celebration that went along with that was cancelled. And I know that despite the obvious disappointment that comes with that, Kate and Dan managed to remain optimistic because of their strong foundation: their love for each other and the Lord.

Kate and Dan, you’ve grown from clients into friends, and I am over the MOON honored that I got to be the one to document your day. Thank you for the ways you’ve treated me like family and the way that you continue to love each other, a shining light of the way God loves us. I look forward to watching your marriage unfold, and to seeing you again [hopefully] soon! Without further adieu- here’s a peek into the gorgeous, elegant wedding of Dr. and Mrs. Cibich!

Want to see Kate and Dan’s engagement session? Click here!

Photography: Christi Elizabeth Photography // Wedding dress shop: Miss Ruby Bridal // Wedding dress designer: Jenny by Jenny Woo // Hair/make-up: Belle – A Chevelle Smith Salon (Hair) Loved Based Beauty (Makeup) // Bridesmaid dresses: After Six by Dessy // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Groom’s tux: Men’s Wearhouse // Invitations, programs, menus: Homemade // Flowers: Cassie Strasser // Cake: Kea Schmuhl // Videographer: Joey Bina