I’m so excited to share one of my favorite microweddings at First Unitarian Church on the blog. Intimate weddings, microweddings and elopements are some of my favorite occasions to photograph! They tend to be relaxed and full of emotion, without the stress of a full day affair. The focus of this type of ceremony is the love the couple has for each other, and the intentional choice to have only the closest people in their lives to witness it. Whether your reason for planning a short and sweet ceremony is to save money for a house, because you’re introverted, or you made a romantic and spontaneous decision, I’m here for it!

The happy couple

Calley and Lillian live in New York City, but came to Louisville to get married because of family ties. They chose the historic First Unitarian Church for their ceremony spot, and wanted to keep things short and sweet. They had already seen each other before the ceremony, which some couples worry will take the “surprise” or emotion out of the wedding – but this was not the case.

Calley stood at the front of the altar as Lillian was escorted in by her mother and brother. Almost instantly, there were audible sighs as everyone got emotional and teary-eyed. It doesn’t take a dramatic procession and not seeing each other an entire day to create this moment – the specialness of the occasion and the palpable love you share is enough.

The couple had chosen beautiful readings as part of their ceremony, then with their families, poured different colored sands into one beautiful glass container.

They sealed their commitment with a kiss, and everyone took a few minutes to congratulate and hug the newlyweds.

After the ceremony

Afterwards, we spent some time taking a few portraits around the beautiful grounds of First Unitarian, which is located in Old Louisville and has stunning architecture to match. 

I highly recommend First Unitarian Church if you’d like to plan a low stress microwedding ceremony or elopement in Louisville – and I’d love to be your photographer! I’ve helped several couples each year choose locations for their intimate elopements and can put together a custom wedding photography package to fit your celebration.

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Johanna Hribal is a wedding photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. She enjoys traveling to other states and countries for weddings and elopements whenever possible! People love her colorful and vibrant edits and the way she captures their love in a natural and non-intrusive way. Click here to visit her website to learn more about current wedding collections. Follow me on Instagram to see more engagement sessions, weddings I’ve been photographing!