There’s something incredibly special about ending a wedding season close to home.

Our final wedding of the 2025 calendar year brought us to Fryburg, Pennsylvania, to celebrate Kaylee and Andrew, a kindhearted couple who both work as teachers and clearly bring thoughtfulness and intention into everything they do. Their November wedding was rooted in tradition and family.

A Church That Takes Your Breath Away

The ceremony was held at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Fryburg, a true local treasure and one of those places that immediately makes you slow down and look around. Founded by German Catholic immigrants in the early 1800s, the parish has deep roots in the community. The present-day sandstone church, constructed beginning in 1882 and consecrated in 1887, sits proudly on a hill overlooking the town, a familiar landmark for generations of families.

Photographing inside St. Michael’s was an absolute dream.

Unlike many Catholic churches we’ve worked in, where lighting can be a bit challenging, both the natural and interior lighting here were exceptional. Soft beams of light streamed through the arched windows and fell perfectly down the aisle. The lighting at the altar was equally stunning; balanced, bright, and beautifully illuminating without overpowering the space.

Always One of the Best Moments of the Day: The First Kiss

In this image, we used a crystal to catch the reflections of the stain glass windows.

A Reception That Used Every Inch Thoughtfully

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, just across the road from the church and well known locally for hosting events like the parish’s famous Oktoberfest. What makes this space especially unique is that it has two full floors, and this couple used that layout in the smartest way.

Downstairs, guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner in a bright, fully lit space that felt easygoing. It had that classic community-hall feel. While it does resemble a fire hall in structure, it served its purpose perfectly: a comfortable spot to eat, catch up, and ease into the evening.

Upstairs, however, was a completely different story.

With warm woodgrain walls, fall-inspired décor, and uplighting by DJ Posey out of Oil City, the second floor was transformed into an intimate party space with a bar space in the back. The lighting alone changed the entire mood in felt intentional and elevated. Once the music started, the upstairs became the heart of the reception.

Simple Details, Thoughtfully Chosen

This wedding was simple, and that’s exactly what made it beautiful.

Twinkle lights softened the space. Cupcakes were decorated with frosting flowers. A small, elegant three-tier cake stood proudly without trying to outshine the moment. The florals were Sola Wood Flowers, which we absolutely love! They are timeless and gorgeous, but they also feel more sustainable and less wasteful, something we always appreciate.

Every detail felt chosen, not forced. Nothing was overdone. Everything felt like them.

The Beauty of Tradition and Hometown Roots

Yes, non-traditional weddings are so much fun, but there is something deeply endearing about weddings held in the churches couples grew up in, surrounded by places that feel like home.

This was a traditional Catholic wedding, filled with small, personal touches that reflected the couple’s story. It reminded us that there is nothing wrong with tradition when it’s meaningful. In fact, when paired with intention and love, it can feel incredibly grounding.

Small, local venues like St. Michael’s Church and Hall don’t just host weddings, they hold memories. They remind us of family, community, and where we come from. And photographing weddings in spaces like these feels like an honor every single time.

As we closed out our 2025 wedding season in our back yard. This day felt like the perfect ending: heartfelt, familiar, and full of quiet beauty.