For Pam and Hugh, their wedding day was a harmonious blend of faith, family, and love. The couple’s wedding focused on tradition and connection, with a beautiful Catholic ceremony at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in San Antonio and a reception at the Sky Terrace of the St. Anthony Hotel. Let’s dive into the details, and I’ll share some insights for both couples and fellow photographers planning a similar St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church Wedding.

Meet Pam and Hugh

Pam and Hugh met the old-fashioned way: at a coffee shop in Helotes, Texas. And while Hugh was living in Houston and Pam in San Antonio, they eventually decided they could not live without one another. The proposal was a beautiful moment at the bride’s family farm. There, under a hundred-year-old Cottonwood tree by a pond, Hugh asked Pam to marry him. She said yes, and that brings us to their joyous wedding.

The Ceremony: A Timeless Celebration at St. Mark the Evangelist Church

St. Mark the Evangelist Church provided the perfect setting for Pam and Hugh’s traditional Catholic ceremony. Located in San Antonio, this beautiful church has long been a cornerstone of the community.

A Brief History of St. Mark the Evangelist Church

The church, established in the early 1980s, boasts a modern yet timeless design that accommodates large congregations while maintaining an intimate feel. Its most captivating feature is the stunning stained glass windows that frame the sanctuary. These windows, depicting scenes from the Gospels and Catholic tradition, flood the space with vibrant hues when sunlight streams through—a detail that adds a divine touch to any ceremony held during daylight hours.

Due to timing with other church events, Pam and Hugh’s ceremony was held in the evening, limiting the impact of this breathtaking feature. For couples considering this venue, however, scheduling the ceremony earlier in the day is a must to fully experience the beauty of the stained glass. The interplay of natural light enhances both the atmosphere and the photographs, creating a truly magical setting.

Musical Highlights

The ceremony’s centerpiece was its music—a deeply personal and emotional component for the couple. Hugh’s daughter opened the ceremony with a heartfelt solo, setting the tone for an intimate and meaningful service. Adding to the moment, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, an order of nuns, provided accompanying music and liturgical responses. Their harmonious voices created a heavenly atmosphere, elevating the entire experience for everyone present.

Capturing the Ceremony: Photography Challenges and Tips

While the ceremony’s focus was on faith and family, capturing its beauty came with challenges, especially during family photos at the altar. Here are a few lessons from this experience:

Lighting Issues Over the Altar

The altar at St. Mark the Evangelist Church features high ceilings and difficult lighting directly above. This setup can cause harsh shadows and uneven exposure in photos. For photographers, it’s essential to bring additional lighting equipment to create a more balanced and flattering light source.

No Bounce Flash Options

The church’s high ceilings make it impossible to bounce flash effectively. Direct flash can be unflattering, so using external lights with diffusers is key. Planning ahead and scouting the venue beforehand can save you time and ensure you’re prepared for tricky lighting situations.

The Reception: A Sophisticated Affair at the St. Anthony Hotel

From the church, Pam and Hugh transitioned to their reception at the Sky Terrace of the St. Anthony Hotel, a San Antonio gem known for its elegance and history.

A Stop at Peacock Alley

Before heading to the terrace, Pam and Hugh took a few moments for photos in Peacock Alley, a stunning space in the hotel’s lobby reserved exclusively for couples who have booked the venue. With its grand arches, ornate chandeliers, and luxurious ambiance, Peacock Alley is a dream location for portraits. However, it’s worth noting that the hotel charges a fee for photography in this area unless you are hosting your event there.

For couples planning their wedding here, I highly recommend building time into your schedule to take advantage of this location. The elegant architecture and sophisticated lighting create an unforgettable backdrop for bridal portraits or romantic couple shots.

A Warm and Intimate Reception

The Sky Terrace provided a more casual yet refined atmosphere for the reception. With its open-air design, the terrace offered stunning views of the San Antonio skyline. A small buffet was served, and Pam and Hugh focused on greeting each guest personally—a testament to their appreciation for those who celebrated with them.

Enjoy the images and I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

Vendors

• Ceremony venue – St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
• Musical guests – Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco
• Reception venue – Sky Terrace at the St. Anthony Hotel

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If you found this article on Pam and Hugh’s St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church wedding useful, then check out these articles:

• How to Get Married at Mission Espada
• How to Find a Wedding Photographer in San Antonio
• How to Select the Perfect Wedding Venue

Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ in San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com