Jenna & Nathaniel’s Lincoln Wedding | St. John’s Catholic Church & Suite One Eleven

christaschiesslpho
Oct 31, 2025
4 min read

Jenna and Nathaniel share a magical first dance surrounded by the cloud and soft lights at Suite One 11 in Lincoln, NE.

September Weddings In Nebraska = Pure Magic!

There’s something magical about late September weddings in Nebraska—the warmth of the sun, the crispness of the air, and the way the light lingers just a little longer, giving everything that golden glow. Jenna and Nathaniel’s wedding on September 27th in Lincoln had all of that and more. Their day was full of intention, joy, and so much love.

From the beginning, I knew this wedding was going to be special. Jenna is a dog groomer who adores animals (I always say pet people are my people!), and Nathaniel speaks ASL, which made the entire celebration beautifully inclusive and meaningful. Their personalities and values shone through in every part of the day, and it was such an honor to document it all.

The Ceremony at St. John’s Catholic Church

The day began at St. John’s Catholic Church, a gorgeous and historic spot in the heart of Lincoln. The church’s tall ceilings and warm light created the perfect backdrop as Jenna and Nathaniel prepared to say their vows.

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony was the sense of community. Family and friends came together seamlessly—some signing, some speaking, all celebrating the couple in ways that felt completely natural. It was a beautiful reminder of what weddings are really about: two lives joining and two communities blending together as one.

After the ceremony, we stayed at the church for family formals. This is always such a meaningful time—parents beaming with pride, grandparents getting their hugs, siblings joking with each other in between shots. Jenna and Nathaniel’s families were warm and joyful, and you could just feel how excited everyone was to celebrate them.

Bridal Party at Holmes Lake

Once the family formals were complete, we made our way to Holmes Lake for bridal party portraits. If you’ve never been to Holmes Lake in late September, let me paint the picture: golden grass and trees just starting to hint at fall color. It gave us the dreamiest backdrop for both candid and posed shots.

The bridal party brought so much energy—lots of laughter, inside jokes, and cheering for the couple. One of my favorite parts of photographing at Holmes Lake is the variety: wide-open spaces, intimate little and pockets of trees. Jenna and Nathaniel’s gallery from this portion of the day is filled with both epic, sweeping shots and sweet, quiet moments in between.

Reception at Suite One Eleven

From there, it was time to celebrate at Suite One Eleven, and this crew knew how to party! The reception was full of laughter, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of dancing.

I always love watching how couples personalize their receptions. For Jenna and Nathaniel, it was about creating a warm and welcoming space where everyone could enjoy themselves. Their DJ (Tyson) kept the dance floor going, and the atmosphere felt so fun and relaxed—exactly the kind of reception you hope for.

The cake, crafted by Brandy from The Art of Love, was as beautiful as it was delicious, and guests were quick to grab a slice before heading back to the dance floor.

Pro Tips & Takeaways

Every wedding I photograph gives me little reminders and takeaways that are worth passing on to future couples. Jenna and Nathaniel’s day had plenty:

Embrace who you are as a couple. From Jenna’s love of animals to Nathaniel’s ASL connections, their day was uniquely them. Don’t feel like you need to follow trends—lean into what makes your relationship special.
Holmes Lake = a dream portrait spot. If you’re getting married in Lincoln, don’t overlook Holmes Lake for photos. It’s versatile, beautiful, and glows in that late-afternoon light.
Trust your team. From the church coordinator to the vendors at Suite One Eleven, Jenna and Nathaniel surrounded themselves with people who knew how to make the day smooth. That allowed them to truly enjoy their wedding without stress.
Celebrate community. The way their family and friends came together—signing, speaking, laughing, and celebrating—was a perfect example of how a wedding isn’t just about two people but about the love and support of everyone around them.

Final Thoughts

Jenna and Nathaniel’s wedding was everything a wedding should be: joyful, intentional, and filled with love. From the stunning ceremony at St. John’s Catholic Church to golden-hour portraits at Holmes Lake to the laughter and dancing at Suite One Eleven, their day was unforgettable.

Jenna & Nathaniel, thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you. Your wedding day was a reflection of who you are together—kind, joyful, and deeply connected. I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes you both.

If you’re newly engaged and planning a wedding in Lincoln or Omaha, I’d love to chat about how we can capture your story in a way that feels authentic to you.