A Timeless Lafayette Wedding Celebration Rooted in Love & Tradition
Some weddings are beautiful. Some weddings are emotional. And then there are weddings like Kelsey and Justin’s the kind that completely pulls you in from the very beginning and leaves every single person feeling the love, joy, and energy surrounding the day.
From an intimate first look at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Center to a sacred Catholic mass ceremony at the breathtaking Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and one of the most energetic receptions I’ve ever photographed at Warehouse 535, every part of their wedding day felt intentional, emotional, and deeply personal.
As a Lafayette Louisiana wedding photographer, weddings like this are why I love what I do so much.
How Kelsey + Justin
Met During the Pandemic
Kelsey and Justin’s love story began in one of the most unexpected seasons imaginable during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
The two met in a biology class at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette during Justin’s final semester. While the world was experiencing social distancing and uncertainty, their connection quietly began to grow through Zoom classes and conversations.
“In a season where distancing was encouraged, an unlikely love started to bloom.”
And honestly? That sentence perfectly describes the heart of their entire wedding day.
A Coffee Date That Started Everything
Their first date was simple, genuine, and meaningful a casual coffee date at CC’s Coffee House near campus.
What started as coffee and conversation quickly became the foundation of their relationship. Their shared love for deep conversations, intentional connection, and yes… coffee… became part of their everyday life together.
To this day, some of their favorite things to do together include:
Getting coffee together hammocking and picnics outdoors, watching movies, cooking meals together
Their relationship feels grounded in friendship, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.
Their Emotional First Look at
the UL Alumni Center
Before heading to their Catholic wedding ceremony, Kelsey and Justin shared an emotional first look at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Center.
The architecture, soft light, and timeless atmosphere made it the perfect location for such an intimate moment.
The second Justin turned around and saw Kelsey, the emotion hit instantly. It was one of those moments where everything else disappears and all that matters is the person standing in front of you.
Their first look gave them intentional quiet time together before the excitement of the ceremony and celebration began — and it created some of the most emotional portraits of the entire day.
The Surprise Proposal
Kelsey Never Saw Coming
Justin planned one of the sweetest and most thoughtful proposals imaginable.
To completely surprise Kelsey, he teamed up with her family to fake an anniversary party for her parents. Kelsey spent the entire day helping decorate, cook, and prepare unknowingly planning her own engagement.
While setting up outside, Justin asked Kelsey to help with decorations on the deck overlooking her parents’ pond. There, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the moment, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
The emotion and intentionality behind their proposal reflected so much of who they are as a couple.
A Timeless Catholic Wedding Ceremony in Lafayette Louisiana
Kelsey and Justin were married during a beautiful Catholic mass ceremony at the iconic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Lafayette.
The cathedral’s stunning architecture, historic charm, and sacred atmosphere created such a timeless backdrop for their vows.
Every detail of the ceremony felt deeply meaningful — from the candlelight to the reverence shared between family and friends witnessing the beginning of their marriage.
An Unforgettable Wedding Reception at Warehouse 535
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Warehouse 535 and honestly, this reception was absolutely unforgettable.
The energy in the room never dropped for a second.
From the nonstop dancing, every guest showed up ready to celebrate Kelsey and Justin in the best way possible. Their grand Second Line exit brought the perfect Louisiana touch to an already incredible night and had everyone smiling, dancing, and soaking in every moment. And can we talk about the DJ for a second?
Acadiana DJ Service absolutely brought the party to life. The dance floor stayed packed all night long.
This wedding was the perfect reminder that the best receptions are the ones where people feel fully present, joyful, and connected.
Kelsey said she wanted guests to remember one thing from their wedding day:
“Great energy.”
Mission accomplished.
What They Love Most
About Each Other
When asked what they love most about one another, their answers perfectly captured the strength of their relationship.
Kelsey shared:
“He is constantly impressing me with his ambition, self discipline, playfulness, and selflessness. His dedication to self growth and helping others along the way is very rare and inspiring.”
Justin shared:
“Her enthusiasm and optimism is what I love most about Kelsey. She is the best accountability partner I could ask for.”
The admiration they have for each other is undeniable — and it shines through every image from their wedding day.
Wedding Vendors
A huge shoutout to the incredible vendor team that made this wedding day possible:
Lead Photographer: Cindy Sabrina Love Photography
Associate Photographer: Lenisse Robertson
Hair + Makeup: Allured by Alainna
Cake Designer: Carie Tourney
DJ: Acadiana DJ Service
Catering: Bon Temps Grill
Bridal Boutique: A-Net's Bridal Boutique
Groom’s Tuxedos: John's Tuxedos
Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Reception Venue: Warehouse 535
Looking for a Lafayette Louisiana Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding in Lafayette Louisiana and dreaming of emotional, timeless, true-to-color wedding photography that captures both the big moments and the in-between ones I would absolutely love to connect with you.
Whether you’re getting married at Warehouse 535, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, or planning a destination wedding anywhere in the world, my goal is always to create photographs that feel honest, emotional, and unforgettable.
Visit Cindy Sabrina Love Photography to inquire about your wedding date. www.cindysabrina.com
