A Nuptial Mass in Washington, a celebration above the Potomac
Grace & Henry
Grace & Henry · St. Dominic Church & Top of the Town
Some love stories feel as though they were written long before the first chapter began.
Where It Began
Grace and Henry grew up in different states and found each other at the University of Pittsburgh, in the Air Force ROTC program. Grace noticed Henry in her freshman year, but she was too shy to say a word. It took shared responsibilities in ROTC, and many hours side by side, for that quiet crush to find its voice.
From there, love did what real love does. It grew slowly and steadily, day by day. Walks along the river. Pickleball. Evenings with Yellowstone. Inside jokes no one else will ever fully understand, and Henry gently teasing the way Grace says certain words.
Grace on Henry
Consistent · Driven · Calming
Henry on Grace
Compassionate · Sensitive · Honest
Grace describes Henry as patient, steady and deeply loving, the person who understands that she can be both gentle and fierce. He has helped her step into her humor and her confidence, and together they have grown in their faith. Henry, in turn, found in Grace a heart full of compassion and honesty.
The sacrament we're making with God. We're very strong in our faith, and this is very important to us.
A Sacrament, Not Just a Ceremony
For Grace and Henry, the wedding day was never about a party first. It was about a promise made before God. Surrounded by close family and friends, they entered into the sacrament of marriage during a full Nuptial Mass at St. Dominic Church, a Gothic Revival landmark that has served Southwest Washington since 1852.
Grace dreamed of a film that would feel like a movie: intimate and romantic, faith-filled, a little dramatic, carried by the sound of organ, orchestra and church bells. No meme edits, no fast cuts. Just atmosphere, lingering glances, touch and the quiet weight of the vows.
- The first touchBack to back, hands reaching for one another, Grace and Henry read their personal vows aloud before they saw each other, words meant for no one else.
- A rosary in bloomGrace's rosary was wrapped around her bouquet, so her faith walked down the aisle with her.
- The voice of the priestThe homily and the blessing echoing through the stone and stained glass of St. Dominic.
- CommunionReceiving the Eucharist together for the first time as husband and wife, the heart of the Mass and of their day.
- Above the cityAn evening at Top of the Town, the monuments of Washington glowing across the Potomac behind them.
The little things that made their story theirs
Tucked between the grand and emotional moments were the small ones that make a story yours: a hand resting on a shoulder, a glance across the room, a quiet word of reassurance. The most beautiful love stories are not only the moments we see. They are the promises we make, the faith we share and the person who makes us feel understood in every season of life.
Grace & Henry, may your marriage always be filled with the same patience, tenderness, laughter and unwavering faith that brought you here.
The Dream Team
A day like this is a creative collaboration. Thank you to every artist and partner who brought Grace & Henry's celebration to life.
- Couple@gracebear.3
- Wedding FilmFine Art Wedding Film
- CeremonySt. Dominic Church, Washington, DC
- ReceptionTop of the Town, Arlington, VA
- Getting ReadyLe Méridien Arlington
- Wedding PlannerBecca Manning · @becca.lynn.weddings
- PhotographyVilla Li Photography
- Content CreatorVowBFF
- FloralsJoy Blooms by Paula King
- DJAaron Platt · Dan Goldman Events
- HairMaryna Yupko
- MakeupNovae Femme Collective
- Bridal GownPnina Tornai
- Groom's SuitSuitsupply
- CateringDMV Cater & Chick-fil-A
- CakeHeidelberg Bakery
- TransportationBL Limousine Service
Planning a Catholic Wedding in Washington, DC
What Grace & Henry's day can teach you about a Nuptial Mass, a city church, a rooftop reception and a film that feels like a movie.
Le Méridien Arlington
Rosslyn hotel across the river from Georgetown, with a terrace looking toward Key Bridge. A short drive to both the church and the reception.
St. Dominic Church
630 E St SW, Washington, DC. A Dominican parish founded in 1852; the English Gothic church by architect Patrick Keely was dedicated in 1875. Two blocks from L'Enfant Plaza Metro.
Top of the Town
1400 14th St N, Arlington, VA. A penthouse venue in Rosslyn with floor-to-ceiling windows over the Potomac and the monuments. Seats up to 150 with a dance floor.
Filming a Nuptial Mass: what to know
A full Catholic wedding Mass, with readings, a homily and Communion, usually runs about an hour or more. Grace and Henry planned for around an hour and fifteen minutes, with two readings. That length is a gift for a film: it gives space for the stillness, the music and the liturgy, not just the vows.
- Ask your parish early about its guidelines for photography and video: where filmmakers may stand, whether they may move during the Mass, and any moments that should not be filmed up close.
- Plan for audio. The priest's voice, the readings and the vows are often the most powerful sound in the film. Ask whether the parish's sound system can be shared, or whether a small microphone is allowed.
- Treat Communion with reverence. It is the heart of the Mass. The best coverage is respectful and composed, not intrusive.
- Share your readings and music list with your filmmaker ahead of time so they know which moments to anticipate.
First touch: intimacy before the aisle
Not every couple wants to see each other before the ceremony. A first touch lets you share a private moment without breaking that tradition. You stand back to back, or on either side of a door, hold hands and read letters or personal vows. On film, it becomes one of the most emotional scenes of the day, because the camera sees both faces when you cannot see each other.
Let your faith be in the details
Grace's rosary wrapped around her bouquet is a beautiful example of a detail that carries meaning. Other ideas couples bring to their day:
- A rosary, medal or crucifix tied into the bouquet or pinned inside a suit jacket
- A family Bible, heirloom veil or prayer card in the getting-ready details
- Letters exchanged on the morning of the wedding, read aloud for the film
- A blessing from the priest or parents before the ceremony
From a Gothic church to a skyline view
St. Dominic in Southwest DC and Top of the Town in Rosslyn give a couple two completely different worlds in one day: candlelit stone and stained glass, then glass walls and city lights. Build in travel time between DC and Arlington, especially on a Saturday, and talk with your planner about when the light over the Potomac is at its best. The city between the two venues is full of portrait locations, from the National Mall to the memorials along the Tidal Basin.
Creating a cinematic, timeless wedding film
Grace described exactly what she wanted: cinematic, emotional and intimate, a romantic movie rather than a trendy social montage. If that is your vision too, here is how to help your filmmaker bring it to life:
- Share what you love and what you don't. Grace sent examples of films she loved and a clear list of what to avoid: sound effects, meme-style edits, abrupt transitions.
- Describe the sound you hear. Organ, orchestra and church bells set a completely different mood from upbeat pop.
- Leave room for quiet. Letters, a few minutes alone together, a slow walk. Unhurried moments become the lingering shots you'll treasure most.
- Choose a team that works together. Your planner, photographer, filmmaker and content creator work best as a creative dance, all focused on you and your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you film a Catholic Nuptial Mass?
Yes. Most parishes welcome videography, but each church sets its own guidelines. Contact your parish office early and share the guidelines with your filmmaker and photographer so everyone plans around them.
What is a first touch?
A private moment before the ceremony where the couple don't see each other. They stand back to back or on either side of a door, hold hands and often read letters or vows. It keeps the aisle reveal while still giving you time together.
How long is a Catholic wedding Mass?
Usually about an hour, sometimes longer depending on music, readings and the number of guests receiving Communion. A ceremony without Mass is typically shorter.
How far is Top of the Town from St. Dominic Church?
The two venues are on opposite sides of the Potomac, Southwest DC and Rosslyn, Arlington. It is a short drive, but traffic varies, so build a buffer into your timeline and plan transportation for your wedding party.
Do you film weddings of other faiths and cultures?
Yes. Fine Art Wedding Film specializes in cultural and intercultural weddings across the DMV and internationally, and we approach every tradition, ritual and sacred moment with the same respect.
Your story, told like a film
Whether your day is a Nuptial Mass in a Gothic church, a celebration of two cultures or a gathering of family from around the world, we would love to hear your story.
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