Wedding of the Week

Mary Catherine Joiner and John Rogillio

November 16, 2024

Photography: Sarah Moss Photography

Coordinator: Dify Events

Ceremony & reception: Louisiana’s Old State Capitol

Caterer: Carmen’s Café

Florist: Ty Sylvester

Cake: Eloise Market & Cakery

Invitations: Handmade by the bride

Bridal gown: Dirty Fabulous Vintage, Monaghan, Ireland

Hear From Him & Her

How did you know he/she was the one?

MC: I don’t know if there was necessarily one aha moment for me, but I definitely know that at some point very early in our relationship, I realized that I had never before felt the safeness and true partnership that I felt with John. That was huge for me.

J: I recall a specific night where I was in a tough situation, and she stood firmly by me and vowed to always be there for my kids and me.

What is one detail that stands out when you think back on your wedding day?

MC: The overwhelming sense of peace I felt.

J: Being fully present. We talked a lot leading up to the wedding about wanting to be present as much as possible with our friends and family, and more importantly, each other.

If you had one piece of advice for engaged couples, what would it be?

MC: It’s easy to get distracted by all the things that go along with planning a wedding, so my advice for engaged couples is to really lean on your partner and remember the why: marrying your person.

J: Planning a wedding is a highly stressful event. Don’t let external pressures from friends and family create a rift between the two of you. Focus on what matters most, schedule date night, and work together on planning your future.

How would you describe your wedding in five words or less?

MC: Celebration of love and community

J: Elegant, authentic, jovial

What surprised you the most about your wedding?

MC: The fact that it went by so fast, but so vividly at the same time. I clearly recall a moment during our ceremony when I took a moment to look around at our family and friends and thought to myself, “Remember to take it all in.”

J: When saying our handwritten vows, my wife turned and made specific vows directly to my son and daughter, vowing to cherish and love them as a bonus mom … she had everyone (including the kids) in tears!

Keep scrolling to see more pictures from their big day, and learn about Mary Catherine’s vintage wedding dress sourcing journey in this story from the archives.