The Shrine of St. Anthony Wedding in Ellicott City | Livi & Liam
Liam gripped Livi's hand tightly around the corner of a column at The Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City. The courtyard was empty, but sunlight poured in. They both smiled as they read each other's letters. They didn't want to see one another before the ceremony, but they did want to pray together. Liam fervently asked God to bless their marriage, and Livi softly nodded her head in agreement. Less than 20 minutes later, Liam stared in wonder and smiled at Livi as she walked down the aisle with her father by her side. The moment they'd been waiting so long for had finally arrived.
I had the opportunity to meet Livi and Liam back in August over a Zoom call. When I asked them about their love story, I was not prepared for all the emotions I was about to feel.
They met during their freshman year of college. The student center was full and Livi had nowhere to sit, so Liam offered her his seat. He immediately noticed how beautiful she was, but for the next two years, he would only see her occasionally. When they were reintroduced their junior year, they immediately connected - personally and intellectually. One day, they spent 12 hours talking. It seemed a little crazy, but they knew they'd found their soulmates.
Over the next few years, the city of Alexandria became a very special place for Livi and Liam. That was where they took their first photo together, and also where they said "I love you" for the first time. And in February of 2020, that's where Liam asked Livi to marry him.
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed their original plans of having an elegant wedding in Austria in October. Livi had planned for that wedding since she was a little girl, but she knew she didn't want to wait to marry Liam. And if you ask me, I'd say she wouldn't change a thing about their beautiful wedding in Ellicott City on January 2, 2021. It was the perfect way to start a new year as they celebrated this milestone with their family.
Dear Livi and Liam,
You've both sacrificed so much to be with one another, and although you've only been married a week as of this writing, your love is inspiring. I am grateful to have captured your beautiful ceremony and reception. Thank you for trusting me enough to allow me to spend the day with you all. Your families are wonderful and love you so much. I know that with their support and with God at the center of your relationship, you'll thrive. Congratulations!