Getting Married at St. Thomas Aquinas – The University of nebraska lincoln Newman Center
- Samantha Kopecky
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
A Catholic Photographer’s Guide to Sacred, Beautiful Weddings in Lincoln, NE
If you’re a Husker Catholic or planning your wedding in Lincoln, Nebraska, there’s no more meaningful place to begin your marriage than at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Newman Center, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
This church is not only breathtakingly beautiful—it’s fully alive with Christ, rooted in Eucharistic devotion, and surrounded by faithful students, alumni, and families. For Catholic couples seeking to put the Sacrament first, it’s hard to find a more reverent and joyful place to say “I do.”
✝️ A Church That Honors the Sacrament
At the heart of the UNL Newman Center is Fr. Joseph Wahlmeier, pastor, and Fr. Craig Sasse, longtime spiritual father to generations of Catholic students.
They—and the parish as a whole—are committed to forming hearts around truth, beauty, and reverence, making your wedding day feel like a Mass first, not just an event. They are both personal friends of mine, and are such a joy to watch celebrate mass!
Whether you're a current student, recent grad, or coming home to marry in a church you love, St. Thomas Aquinas offers a holy, joyful, and strikingly beautiful place to begin your vocation.
💒 The Church Layout: Made for Peaceful Weddings
Some of our favorite things about photographing weddings here:
🕊️ The Marian Chapel
Tucked to the side of the sanctuary, this little space is perfect for a “first prayer” together before walking down the aisle. It's quiet, light-filled, and intimate—a powerful way to invite the Lord into your wedding day before anything begins.
📸 The Choir Loft + Sacred Hearts
The choir loft at the Newman Center is not only perfect for reverent photos—it’s also home to one of our favorite design details: the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart depictions carved above the entrance. These sacred images are a constant reminder of the love you're stepping into and beautifully frame your wedding Mass from above.
From the loft, we can also photograph:
Your guests in prayer
The elevation of the Eucharist
The two of you from a sacred, peaceful perspective
✨ Spacious, Comfortable Getting Ready Suites
Few churches offer prep spaces as well-designed and peaceful as St. Thomas Aquinas.
The bridal suite is full of natural light and has room for all the bridesmaids, stylists, and quiet moments.
The groom’s suite is clean, relaxed, and designed for easy pre-Mass prep.Both spaces give our team room to move around and capture the moments without being crowded.
📍 The Space You Need, The Spirit You Want
Because the Newman Center is built for community, it’s also extremely photographer- and couple-friendly:
There's room to spread out without feeling watched
We can build a relaxed timeline around multiple portrait locations, both inside and around the grounds
There’s no rush or sense of being "just another wedding"—this is your sacred day
🧡 A Photographer Who Knows the Space + The Sacrament
Sammy Kopecky Photography has had the honor of photographing weddings at St. Thomas Aquinas and walking with couples who desire more than Pinterest-perfect photos—they desire a day centered on the Eucharist, the vocation, and the beauty of the Church.
We know this church, we know this community, and we believe deeply in giving couples:
Low-stress photo timelines that prioritize prayer and peace
Guidance on where and when to take photos that won’t interrupt the grace of the day
Images that honor both the Mass and your joy
💌 Want to See More?
If you’re getting married at the UNL Newman Center:
Reach out to see real galleries from St. Thomas Aquinas weddings
Request our Catholic Wedding Guide made for Nebraska brides
Ask about custom timelines, photo location options around Lincoln, and next steps for planning a peaceful wedding day
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