REAL WEDDING:: Sofia Bruno + Anthony Esposito {Married for Christmas}

Formal wedding party portrait on church steps with the bride and groom centered, surrounded by bridesmaids in red dresses, groomsmen in black tuxedos, flower girls in white, and young ring bearers.

::FEATURED IN THE FALL 2025 PRINT ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Mary Patterson Wallace

sofia + anthony’s story

Sofia Bruno and Anthony Esposito’s wedding in Mobile was a joyful celebration of their love, their roots, and the close-knit communities that shaped them. The two first met on the beach volleyball courts at the Pier House on the Causeway, and that shared passion has continued to be part of their lives – they now coach together, a detail sweetly acknowledged in the groom’s cake.

Outdoor bridal portrait of the bride in a lace off-the-shoulder gown and veil, holding a bouquet of white, red, and green florals against a soft garden backdrop.

The groom dips the bride for their first kiss in the church aisle as guests stand and watch from the pews.

Flat lay of wedding invitation suite with pearl earrings, diamond engagement ring, white and red florals, greenery, and a personalized “Sofia & AJ” ornament dated December 21, 2024.

The bride and groom walk hand in hand along a garden path, smiling at each other beneath leafy trees.

Close-up of a personalized clear ornament reading “Sofia & AJ, 21 December 2024” resting on a red rose atop the wedding invitation.

After a beautiful wedding Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Excelsior BrassBand led the couple and their guests in a spirited second line through the streets of downtown Mobile to Crown Hall. There, they honored their Italian heritage with a custom Italian menu prepared by Bay Gourmet. A festive holiday theme ran throughout the day, with traditional Christmas colors in the florals and a special surprise appearance from Santa himself, who handed out personalized ornament favors engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date.

Groom adjusts his black bow tie during an outdoor portrait in front of the church.

Romantic close-up portrait of the bride and groom smiling at each other beneath soft golden light.

Bride and groom hold hands between grand white columns, smiling at one another during an outdoor portrait.

Four-tier white wedding cake adorned with cascading red and white flowers, set before glowing Christmas trees.

Sofia’s favorite part? “Just getting to show my friends and family how happy we are and spending time with everyone.” A sparkler exit brought the celebration to a close, perfectly capping off a day filled with joy, tradition, and heartfelt connection.

Wide view of the ornate church interior during the ceremony, with the bride and groom at the altar beneath a grand domed ceiling and guests seated in the pews.