Ellen + John’s Timeless Gretna Wedding at St. Patrick’s and A View on West Shores

Where Tradition Meets Timeless

There’s something special about a wedding day that blends tradition with a timeless celebration. Ellen and John’s wedding in Gretna, Nebraska was the perfect example of just that. Their day began with a meaningful ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna, a stunning new church that offered soaring ceilings, light-filled windows, and the kind of classic beauty that makes a wedding feel timeless. Following their vows, the celebration continued at A View on West Shores, one of Omaha’s most breathtaking lakeside venues. With the water sparkling in the background and a reception space designed for joy, it was the perfect setting to kick off their marriage surrounded by friends and family.

As their wedding photographer, I had the honor of capturing both the quiet moments and the high-energy celebrations. From the first look to the packed dance floor, Ellen and John’s day was filled with laughter, happy tears, and so much love.

A Ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna is one of the newest churches in the area, and it’s quickly become a favorite for couples who want a mix of tradition and modern elegance. Ellen walked down the aisle surrounded by natural light streaming through the windows, and it created a stunning backdrop for their vows.

Their ceremony was heartfelt, intimate, and full of meaning. One of my favorite moments to photograph was the joy on John’s face as he saw Ellen walking toward him. Those emotions are the kind of memories you want to relive for decades — and this space provided the perfect setting for that.

A Lakeside Celebration at A View on West Shores

After the ceremony, guests headed to A View on West Shores in Waterloo, NE. This venue is known for its gorgeous lakeside views and flexible event space that works beautifully for both elegant weddings and all-night parties. For Ellen and John, it was the best of both worlds: cocktails by the lake, a sunset backdrop for portraits, and then an energetic reception inside.

A View on West Shores is one of my favorite Omaha wedding venues because it gives couples a unique blend of natural beauty and convenience. You’re only a short drive from Omaha, but it feels like a destination wedding thanks to the lakeside setting.

Details That Made the Day

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings is how each couple puts their own personality into the details. Ellen and John’s wedding was no exception.

• Florals by Fancy Plants Flowers and Design: Their floral arrangements were fresh, soft feminine, and completely transformed the ceremony and reception spaces. From Ellen’s bouquet to the reception centerpieces, everything tied together beautifully.

• Catering by A Catered Affair: Guests enjoyed an incredible meal, which made the reception feel warm and welcoming. A Catered Affair is known for both their presentation and flavor, and they delivered perfectly for Ellen and John. I seriously cannot rave enough about A Catered Affair. They simply blow me away every time I try a new dish! Trust me, I eat a lot of wedding food so I have a lot to say about this!

• Music by Image Entertainment: The dance floor was packed all night long thanks to their amazing DJ. One of the highlights was watching Ellen and John’s friends and family celebrate together to their favorite songs.

• Videography by Andrew Schiessl with Christa Schiessl Photography: (Yes, my husband and partner!) Andrew captured the movement, sound, and emotion of the day in film, perfectly complementing the still photos. I cannot wait to share more coming soon on this!

• Dress from White and Ivory Bridal: Ellen’s gown was timeless yet modern, and it suited her perfectly. She looked absolutely radiant.

• Rings from Akala Jewelry: The couple’s rings were both classic and unique, a perfect reflection of their love story.

Pro Tips for Couples Planning a Gretna or Omaha Wedding

If you’re planning your wedding in the Gretna or Omaha area, here are a few tips inspired by Ellen and John’s beautiful day:

1. Consider a church + lakeside combination. A meaningful church ceremony followed by a scenic lakeside reception gives you the best of both worlds. It also makes for a wide variety of photos — from timeless altar shots to golden hour portraits by the water.

2. Choose vendors who align with your vision. Ellen and John’s team of vendors worked seamlessly together to bring their dream day to life. Taking the time to find vendors you trust will make your day feel effortless.

3. Don’t be afraid to embrace tradition. The grandeur of St. Patrick’s paired with the personal touches of their reception made the day feel rooted in both faith and fun.

4. Leave space to enjoy your day. One of the reasons Ellen and John looked so relaxed in their photos is because they trusted their vendors and let themselves fully enjoy every moment.

Final Thoughts

Ellen and John’s wedding was everything a couple could hope for — meaningful, beautiful, and a whole lot of fun. From the vows at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna to the lakeside reception at A View on West Shores, their day was a reminder of why I love photographing weddings in Nebraska.

If you’re newly engaged and looking for a wedding photographer or videographer

in the Lincoln or Omaha area, I’d love to hear from you. Whether your vision is classic, modern, or something in between, I’ll capture your story in a way that feels genuine, timeless, and uniquely yours.