Jayme + Aaron | Multicultural Wedding with Mexican Traditions

Modern aesthetics meet old-world charm in this intimate celebration inspired by the colonial architecture of a city in the heart of Mexico. Sunshine fades to starlight as the bride and groom dine and dance beneath swaying palms, pampas grass, and soft string lights to the sounds of a mariachi band.

Jayme and Aaron knew their relationship was a result of God’s perfect timing. While Jayme was born in South Korea and raised in South Dakota, she eventually moved to Seattle in 2018 with stops in Los Angeles and San Francisco along the way. 

Aaron was born in Southern California, growing up both there and in Aguascalientes, Mexico, before also moving to Seattle.

Their modern fairytale began through an online dating match and flourished due to their mutual love for God.

Despite ever-changing wedding plans in the midst of a pandemic, Jayme and Aaron focused on remaining rooted in the sacrament.

From the Bride:

Aaron and I were a match made in God’s hands because God moved us across the continent to meet each other. 

When we met, Aaron was a practicing Catholic, and I was a non-denominational Christian. We prayed over the decision to date because we wanted to make sure we were a fit for marriage.

Through prayer, we both knew that we were meant to be. Our values, major life goals, and love for God aligned perfectly. Aaron proposed to me in April of 2019. 

During our engagement, I decided to convert to Catholicism. When we took our premarital courses, we scored highest in the areas of commitment to God, covenant, and teamwork. 

But these were not just scores. They were the very areas that we prayed over and practiced in order to root our love in God. 

As we prepared for our wedding, we were adamant about incorporating all of the Mexican wedding traditions into the Catholic ceremony. 

Our nuptial Mass was held in the historic Templo de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This was a Church Aaron grew up going to and took over 30 years to build. Its beautiful colonial architecture matches the downtown area of Aguascalientes where most of the buildings were built over 60 years ago. 

Aaron’s baptism madrina (godmother) was our madrina of the lasso, which was placed around us during our nuptial Mass. Aaron’s brothers and sister were our padrinos and madrinas (godparents in Latino communities) of the 13 arras, rings, and prayers during the wedding ceremony. 

Aaron’s sister and grandmother were the Madrinas de Peticiones (Godmoms of Prayer) and read four novenas relating to matrimony and the importance of two people serving one another for life in humility and compassion. 

A favorite part of our ceremony included the ofrendas and how each of the people carrying the ofrendas has made a lifelong commitment to Christ. Most of the people who carried the ofrendas to the altar were men that Aaron grew up with in Church. 

After the ceremony, we and our guests were greeted by a Mariachi!

While we had one of our first unofficial dances as a married couple, the mariachi followed us in a parade style from the Church to the reception area where crowds of people were saying “Felicidades!” (Congratulations). 

This is a tradition for many Mexican weddings, and it was Aaron’s top non-negotiable detail for the wedding.

Our reception was inspired by romance, Aguascalientes’ architecture, and our multicultural guest list. 

Stepping into our reception felt like stepping into a floral garden. Both Aaron and I love flowers.

When we were first dating, Aaron would drive every Sunday to drop off flowers for me for the week. We wanted to incorporate this into our reception decorations. 

We also wanted to make sure our guests were well fed. With different foods for different people, we decided to create a menu that was a range from spicy to non-spicy dishes and settled on lasagna, chicken poblano, and morrita chile. 

We wanted to accommodate our guests who celebrated with us during a global pandemic.

We both grew up with hearts for hospitality and wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. 

Three weeks before the wedding we had to change caterers, photographers, the DJ, and the venue. But leaving it all in God’s hands, God answered so many prayers through our wedding planner, who addressed these concerns and got us even better vendors than before.

We knew we were meant to be as emergencies popped up and God took care of each one with an even better option than we imagined. 

Due to COVID-19, we had to trim our 120-person guest list to 75, and then down to 30. It was the wedding party and family that ended up coming for the event, but every moment was better than we expected. 

From our sweet first look to dancing the night away under the stars, our wedding was a celebration of God’s perfect timing.

Since our love story began, Aaron’s grandmother suggested we regularly pray the Novena for the Nativity of Mary and it has stuck with us as a couple. We have been inspired to fulfil our duties in the Church we belong to, and although we plan to create our own family, we were recently asked to be madrina and padrino to our friend’s baby in the sacrament of baptism. 

We both feel a distinct calling to serve others—much like Mother Teresa and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton—focusing on our local community in providing food resources to low-income families and educational resources to students where we both work at a tech school in Seattle. 

God has brought us together from different worlds and cultures and has blessed us with the sacrament of marriage where we serve together in our community and love fulfilling God’s teachings in giving to others.

Ultimately, it didn't matter if there was a crowd of people or only two witnesses on our wedding day. The most important aspect was honoring our marriage before God. The wedding itself is the easy and fun stuff, but marriage is both beautiful and challenging. 

We would rather enter holy matrimony with God at the center than worry about if the dresses were just the right color, or if we made sure to pick out someone's favorite song, and so forth. 

This approach was absolutely reflected during our wedding day. We didn't have a guest book, party favors, or a photo booth. I didn't have a maid of honor—only bridesmaids. 

We worried less about what our wedding “should” be like, and I am happy we were more focused on how we would stay rooted in God and prepare the foundations of our marriage. 

I am so happy that I prayed that I would be concerned with the important pieces of our marriage and not the event that fades with time. 

As a couple, we felt incredibly loved by all our family and friends near and far during that day. To me, as the bride, that made my heart so full after planning a wedding during a pandemic.

Photography: Fer Mur Foto | Nuptial Mass Location: Templo de San Marcos, Aguascalientes, Mexico | Reception Location: Palenque Patio, Aguascalientes, Mexico | Event Planning: LILA Event Planning | Floral Design: Casa Mokara | DJ Services: HRE Producciones | Catering: Chef Cesar Perez | Dessert: Sugar & Spice | Hair & Makeup: Ciara's Makeup and Hair | Bride’s Dress: David's Bridal | Groom’s Suit: Glamour Aguascalientes | Bridesmaid Dresses: AZAZIE | Groomsmen Attire: Glamour Aguascalientes | Stationary: Marry Me Paper Boutique

Simberly + Reese | Houston Wedding with Hispanic Traditions

An interfaith Texas wedding showered with roses and brimming with family, cultural customs, and the presence of Our Lady.

On the anniversary of her dad’s passing, hearing his fatherly voice in her ear, Simberly finally agreed to take a leap of faith and go on a date with the cute guy she met online.

While Reese did not share Simberly’s Catholic faith, she could quickly see the Blessed Mother working in his life.

Once engaged, Simberly and Reese were able to find a Catholic parish that filled both their spiritual needs.

Their wedding day incorporated beautiful cultural traditions and even a surprise performance from the bride herself.

From the Bride:

I wanted to try out online dating but was hesitant about actually going out with any of the guys. Reese stood out to me from the beginning, and we went back and forth through messages and phone calls. 

After a few weeks, I kept making excuses as to why I could not meet him in person, just out of nerves. On July 17, 2015 he texted me to see if we could go out for drinks, but the day happened to fall on my father’s death anniversary. 

As I was getting ready to make up another excuse, a recollection came to mind. A few months before my father passed, I asked to go out with friends, and he said I could go as long as I promised that there would be boys present. 

I laughed it off and thought how sad that my dad was pushing me to go out and date. Looking back, I wondered: If dad knew this cute guy wanted to go out with me tonight, what would he say? 

He would probably look at me and say, “What are you still doing at home? Go.” I then responded, “yes,'' and went out on my first date with Reese that day, and a few years later he proposed to me on the same date. 

I felt like my father played huge a part in our meeting, and God found a way to turn such a tragic date into a bittersweet date. 

Reese grew up non-denominational, but has always respected my Catholic faith. So during our engagement, I prayed for us to find a parish that would meet both our needs. I was so worried he would never feel comfortable attending a Catholic church. 

After trying out a few, I thought we could try out a charismatic parish and halfway through the homily he leaned over and whispered that he wouldn’t mind making this our parish. I was so ecstatic and just remember praising Our Lord for working through him. 

Since then, he’s started picking up the Sign of the Cross and other little practices in the Catholic faith. Our Lady has been the biggest intercessor and she’s been present in our relationship since before we even met.

When Reese and I were first dating, he showed me a rosary that he kept. I was intrigued, but also confused because I knew he was not Catholic. 

I asked him about it and he told me that he found it on the side of the road one day while riding his bike. He picked it up and saw the cross at the end of the rosary and knew he couldn’t leave it there. 

It was a beautiful black wooden rosary with a heart in the middle. It was a little tattered and withered, but I had never seen a rosary like it. I smiled to myself and thought, wow. She’s already close to him, and he has no idea. 

I knew then that there was hope. His heart was so good that he personally chose to hold onto that rosary. Although the rosary didn’t align with his faith, it meant his faith was strong, and I could see myself with someone like that. 

There were of course times when we ran into rough patches, but I always tucked him and our relationship into my rosaries and our relationship strengthened year after year. 

Many of my close friends and family members that have been with us from the beginning have said that he’s changed so much since the day we met, and they are certain that the sacrament we received on our wedding day has only increased that. 

Reese has gifted me with rosaries, candles, and a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. To this day, her images can be found throughout our home, and I look forward to the day when I can tell my children all about her and how she played a huge role in our lives. 

The day of our wedding went by so fast it felt like a blur. The morning of, I got ready with my bridesmaids in the hotel room that was down the street from the church. 

Thirty minutes before the service, we all went over to change into our dresses, but after getting ready I realized I forgot my veil. I was so nervous, but luckily my mom was able to turn around and pick it up from the house. 

I was worried she wasn’t going to make it in time, that I was getting ready to walk down the aisle without my veil, but right before I was supposed to head out they called and said she just arrived. 

At the end of the ceremony, I was expecting the traditional, “You may now kiss the bride,” but it never came. I then realized that the service was over and that was the moment, so I quietly had to whisper to Reese that he could kiss me. It was definitely not how I expected that moment, but we were able to laugh about it after the fact. 

I was also very fortunate enough to have my great grandmother present at my wedding at 99 years old. She flew in from Mexico City and had never been on a plane before. 

When they were applying for her visa, the consulate asked why a woman of her age was requesting a visa. My aunts pulled out my save-the-date and said, “to see her great granddaughter get married in Houston.” 

The night before my wedding, she gifted me a beautiful white shawl known as a rebozo. She said it is customary for the bride to wear this on her wedding day and to use it as a swaddle when she has her first baby. 

When she placed it around me, she kissed me, and blessed me. It was one of the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts I had ever received. I was so grateful to have her there on my special day and will always treasure that memory. 

At the reception we had Mariachis, which is the norm at Hispanic weddings. I took classes when I was younger and used to sing at events, but stopped as I got older.

The last time I sang with Mariachis was actually at my father’s funeral, so I wasn’t certain if I would sing to my husband that day. 

After thinking about it, I decided to sing one song so that I wouldn’t look back at that moment and regret it. He had never heard me sing before, so he was completely surprised when he saw me go up with the Mariachis. It was definitely one of my favorite moments. 

After the Mariachis, we shared our first dance. When Reese and I met, he was not a dancer. My family and I are avid dancers, so throughout the years I took the time to practice with him. 

We started with salsa and worked our way backwards, so our first dance was a simple waltz, and he was absolutely perfect. After our first dance, I spent the majority of the night dancing with him and our guests. 

At one point we paused the dancing for the maid-of-honor and best-man speeches. We also took a moment to say a prayer for deceased family members, especially the recent passing of my grandparents. We had a table set up with photos of them to know that they would be there with us if they could. 

Three days before my wedding, both of my grandparents passed away. My grandfather had passed first, and my grandmother followed shortly after. 

It came so suddenly, and since it was in El Salvador, they scheduled the funeral right away which fell on the same day as my wedding. Throughout the entire day I was receiving messages of consolation from some and congratulations from others on my marriage. 

I really did not know how to react to it happening so suddenly. Unfortunately, many of my family members from my father’s side were so heartbroken with their passing and some flew out to El Salvador for the funeral. 

Others just couldn’t muster up the energy to attend my wedding because they were in mourning, and I had to respect that decision. I know some people actually expected me to cancel or postpone the wedding, but it was too late. 

Everything had been finalized so we had to move forward knowing that half of my family would not be present that day.

Despite the tragic news, it was comforting to know that my grandparents love for one another was strong and that they were both resting in peace. 

My spiritual takeaway from the day was the more you let go and let God, the less disappointments you will have.

Photography: Best Moments Productions | Nuptial Mass Location: St. Anne Catholic Church, Houston, TX | Reception Location: Pine Forest Country Club | Groomsmen Attire: Al's Formal Wear | Bridal Attire: Brickhouse Bridal | Rings: Jared | Floral Design: 2Cool Flowers | Cake: Susie’s Cakes

Ingrid + Martin | City Glam and Multicultural Traditions

A celebration rooted in community with cultural traditions, a luxe NYC setting, and marriage lived out as mission.

Ingrid and Martin met through Frassati Fellowship, a Catholic volunteer community in New York City. They grew close and fell in love as they worked together planning missions to Peru and Jamaica. 

As they planned their wedding, they sought to invite their guests into the rich community life they’d found in the city, and into the mystery of sacramental marriage. 

In the original cathedral of New York City, celebrating with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, they bore witness to the beauty of the Creator and to their respective heritages.

From the Bride:

Now, more than ever, Martin and I feel so lucky to have been able to have our wedding before everything changed [due to COVID-19]. We really loved having a more intimate wedding by traditional standards, but now we know what a luxury it was to have a wedding with over 100 guests in New York and can’t imagine what couples are experiencing now.

We chose Old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in SoHo for our wedding Mass. Not only had we done much of our volunteer work there, but the historic landmark has an incredible sanctuary with vaulted Gothic arches, stunning stained glass windows, and an 1868 Henry Erben Pipe Organ. The organ was played during the Mass and the music was led by some of our close friends from the Franciscan Friars. 

The rich music combined with the splendor of the space created for us and our guests a sublime setting where one couldn’t help but be filled with awe and joy. Exchanging vows at the altar will be a moment we will both forever treasure.

We have so many favorite memories from the day; it’s hard to pick just a few. Our wedding captured the reverence and solemnity of marriage but also the pure joy and bliss of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. 

If I had to pick my favorite memories, they would have to be when Martin turned around during our first look (I cried) and, of course, walking down the aisle with my father.

When we were walking down Mott Street in SoHo, everyone was so friendly when people saw I was in a wedding dress--the drivers didn't even honk when we stopped traffic!

Also, we loved giving our favors--they were custom-made capiz shell votives sourced by my Tita, which is “aunt” in Tagalog, and hand-carried by my mom all the way from the Philippines. I also loved dancing with my niece Isla on the dance floor and being hoisted up on chairs during the reception.

Finally, we loved [all of the personal and cultural details we were able to include in the day]. From the custom invitations, the ceremony programs, the Spanish trio that played at our cocktail hour, the hand-painted escort cards, and all the décor. 

It was incredible to see all the aspects of the day woven together to create such a beautiful experience for us, our families, and our guests. Guests shared how it was both the most beautiful ceremony they'd ever seen plus some of the most amazing food they'd ever had at a wedding. For us to get compliments covering both the spiritual and reception aspects of the spectrum was incredible.

From the Wedding Coordinator: 

The overall design for the wedding was based on Ingrid and Martin’s Filipino and Peruivian backgrounds and incorporated their favorite color, blue--which also showed reverence for Mother Mary. They complemented the deep blue shade with mauve and tan--beautifully fitting for a fall celebration.

The Nuptial Mass included the Filipino traditions of sponsors for the wedding candle, wedding lazo (lasso), and arras (coins). Ingrid and Martin also had a pair of rosary rings blessed during the Mass that belonged to Martin’s mother. They now wear them on their right hands and on mission trips.

Both the Philippines and Peru are known for their textiles, so we pulled inspiration from these nations’ native dress for the attire. To complement these elements, we included natural details like Filipino capiz shells. 

Ingrid wore a romantic dress by Watters and a custom veil. One of my favorite details of the day was her navy velvet Manolo Blahnik heels; they made a beautiful statement against her ivory gown. She also wore her grandmother’s earrings and carried a capiz shell clutch from the Philippines. 

Martin wore a midnight blue pin dot tuxedo and shoes by Jimmy Choo. He also wore mother-of-pearl cufflinks that Ingrid’s mother had purchased in the Philippines. 

Ingrid asked her flower girls to choose a floor-length dress within the color palette, instructing them to pick something “that made them feel beautiful.”

The cultural significance extended to florals, which contained spray garden roses, ranunculus, dahlias, anemone, chrysanthemum, foliage, lisianthus, Lunaria, and privet berries. The bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets, corsages, and reception centerpieces contained café au lait dahlia, anemone, Jasmine vine, garden roses, and Lunaria, some of which are grown in the Philippines and are very special to Ingrid’s family. The cream, mauve, and soft honey tones matched the season and the elegance of the day.  

The reception in a Little Italy restaurant, with its warm brick interior, exposed kitchen, and dramatic high ceilings, made the gathering of 113 guests feel like one big family dinner. Watercolor imagery and gold accents on the stationery complemented arrangements of vintage bottles and vases on each table, with custom votives and gold candlesticks. The votives were given as favors at the end of the evening.

In place of a traditional guest book, Ingrid and Martin asked guests to sign a beautiful coffee table book about sacred spaces that they'll display in their home. 

Photography: Laura Rose Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, New York, New York | Wedding Reception Venue: Gelso & Grand Restaurant, New York, New York | First Look Venue: The Ludlow Hotel, New York, New York | Wedding Planner & Designer: Desiree Adams of Verve Event Co. | Videography: Filmwell Studios | Bridal Boutique: Our Story Bridal | Bride’s Gown: Shiloh by Watters, Style 3004 | Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Veil: One Blushing Bride | Bride’s Stole: Oscar de la Renta | Flower Girl Dresses: BHLDN | Flower Girl Crowns: Fancy Girl Boutique | Matron of Honor Dress: Jenny Yoo Logan Velvet Dress for BHLDN | Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo Malia Dress for BHLDN | Getting Ready Robes: Jenny Yoo Isabella Robe | Ring Bearer Suit: Appaman | Ring Bearer Shoes: Converse | Floral Design: Ephemera | Groom’s Suit: The Black Tux | Groom’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Groom’s Tie: Tie Bar | Hair Stylist: The Drawing Room, New York, New York | Cake: Pip ‘N Bits, New York, New York | Wedding & Engagement Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Makeup Artistry: Glam Squad | Stationery: Louelle Studio | DJ: Ambient DJs and Greg Hollmann

Sally Ann + Alex | Wintry Texas Garden Wedding

Despite a light fall of early-morning snow flurries, Sally Ann and Alex’s January Texas wedding was sunny and green. It was a day of family, friends, garden scenery, and butterflies. It was also an occasion of grace and evangelization, as they celebrated the sacrament in the context of the Mass, a new and beautiful experience for many of their guests. 

From the Bride: Alex and I are converts to Catholicism. Both of us were baptized Catholic but grew up Protestant. Shortly after we started dating, we began attending Mass together and found peace in the liturgy. So we went through RCIA and joined the Church at the Easter Vigil in 2018. We were confirmed one week after we got engaged, and chose Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin, the first married couple to be canonized together, as our confirmation saints.

I had always dreamed of a January wedding; a reason for celebration after most Christmas lights have dimmed and all the leaves have fallen from the trees. 

In Texas, it is also a great excuse for relatives to come experience our mild winters. I was expecting a 70-degree sunny day, but we had rare snow flurries the morning of our wedding. 

Alex is originally from Honduras, and Spanish is his first language, so we incorporated his heritage into our ceremony. My father proclaimed the first reading in English, and his father read the second reading in Spanish, with translations in our wedding program. My godparents were the gift bearers, and our two oldest nephews were altar-servers.

We had many non-Catholics joining us for our ceremony, and we wanted to use our nuptial Mass as a chance to evangelize. In fact, it would be the first time some of our friends had ever attended any sort of Catholic Mass. As converts, Alex and I understood the foreign-feeling of the liturgy for those not familiar with it. So we worked with our priest to provide cues and explanations to help everyone feel comfortable and more fully experience the richness of the Mass. 

Alex has two children from a previous relationship, so we wanted to make them feel included in the ceremony as well. My stepdaughter was a junior bridesmaid, and we gave my stepson the title of junior groomsman. It was important for them to see not just Alex and I joining as one, but all of us becoming one family. 

I wore my mother's veil and late grandmother's pearls, which my mother also wore on her wedding day. We strove to make our wedding “child-friendly” so all families would feel welcome. This meant including lawn games in the outdoor gardens of our reception venue, which also included a playground. Inside, guests of all ages could enjoy the butterfly pavilion. And instead of the traditional bouquet toss, I did a "Baylor bear toss" for the children with a teddy bear from Baylor University, my alma mater and the place where Alex proposed.

Our priest's homily included a reminder never to take each other for granted. While the wedding is one day, marriage is for life, and it is important to recognize beauty in the daily grind of life. 

Alex and I are reminded of our wedding every time we receive the Eucharist together. We chose the Miracle at Cana as our Gospel reading for that same reminder: that we need to invite Jesus into our marriage every day.

Photography: Lightly Photography | Church: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (Dallas, Texas) | Wedding Reception Venue : Texas Discovery Gardens (Dallas, Texas) | Dress: Morilee from Mockingbird Bridal | Invitations/Stationery/Wedding Website: Minted.com | Veil: my mother's from 1986 | Shoes: Kate Spade for Keds | Jewelry: Kendra Scott | Bridesmaid Dresses: Tulle & Chantilly | Ring: Tiffany & Co (bride's) | Makeup artist: Before the Veil Beauty | Hair: Willie & Coote Salon Willie & Coote | Catering and Floral: Sugar City Celebrations | Groom's Tux and Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse

Mercedes + Davide | Traditional Mexican-Italian Baltimore Wedding

Mercedes and Davide, both first-generation Americans, incorporated many family traditions into their wedding day to create a unique celebration of culture and festivity. 

Their respect and love for the dignity of the marriage sacrament is evident in their story, as they learn to listen to God’s will and find harmony in their different temperaments. In the end, Mercedes reflects that they are not isolated in their vocation; they are surrounded by the love of family, friends, and the eternal communion of saints.

From the Groom: Mercedes and I met in June 2015 as we walked with our young adult group to a pub in downtown Baltimore. It was after evening Mass on a Sunday. Our first glance was filled with charm, and our first chat was intriguing, because an introspective and cautious introvert (me) was attracted to an outgoing, enthusiastic extrovert (Mercedes). 

On our first few dates, I learned we had both been brought up as first-generation Americans, and we shared a similar family structure. We both lived lives that spanned two cultures, and that helped us feel uniquely and mutually attracted.

I began to realize, however, that we communicated in very different ways. I started to feel the first fire of attraction die down within me, especially when I felt confused and unable to express myself adequately. But in empathy, true love, and hope, we listened to the voice of God and found ways to understand each other in communication. We came to appreciate each other's humanity and unique traits, and from the day we met, our appreciation and admiration of one another has steadily grown.

I tell Mercedes all the time that I was ready to marry her in October of 2017 when I was in search of a ring. Instead, I proposed in March of 2018 on the grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater, after five months of preparation and prayer. That day, we declared our love for each other and our willingness to pursue marriage.

We were overjoyed to call and notify family about our engagement, and they have certainly helped support our relationship. Yet our relationship with God, the author of marriage, was always very important. Through prayer and the sacraments, Gold keeps our marriage holy and stable. In addition, our love and empathy for each other provides fuel for us as we move forward in Christ.

Mercedes and I believe deeply in the sacramental institution of marriage. This was clear as we recited our vows during our nuptial Mass, which closely reflect the "three matrimonial goods" described by St. Thomas Aquinas: to be open to children and raising them in the Catholic Church, to be faithful and always act in the best interest of our spouse, and to create a new spiritual unity with each other through God's grace.

From the Bride: Dave showed me he was a thoughtful, patient, generous, and dedicated man from the moment we met. When I knew he was the one I wanted to marry, I also knew I would most likely have to move wherever he got a job. Along with two friends, we started to pray for the intercession of St. Joseph in our lives. We were all discerning marriage in addition to career changes in order to be closer to our future spouses. While things didn’t move terribly fast, we are all happily married now and in good jobs. 

Dave proposed on March 10, the day the novena to St. Joseph began (unbeknownst to him), and my women’s bible study hosted a surprise engagement party for us on his feast day. Even though we don’t have a special devotion to St Joseph in our marriage, I know he is a steadfast guide and counselor in our vocation, and I have a special place for him in my heart.

Living in Baltimore, we found community and spiritual nourishment at the local parish, Saints Philip and James Catholic Church, which is run by the Dominican friars. We were blessed to have attended multiple weddings for dear friends there, and knew that once we moved to Philadelphia, Baltimore would still be the place we wanted to get married. 

The lovely mosaics, tall stained glass windows, and high-arched ceilings made the church breathtakingly beautiful and helped make Mass the focal point of the day. Elizabeth, our photographer, captured some of my favorite elements, such as the large crucifix by the Marian shrine and the dome over the altar. It was special to share this church with so many friends and family who traveled for our wedding day.

Looking back, the nuptial Mass was my favorite part. It felt like it was just Dave, myself, and the priest for most of the ceremony, especially during the consecration, because we had kneelers facing the altar directly.

We recently attended another wedding at Saints Philip and James parish, and hearing them make the same vows on the same altar was a powerful reminder that our marriage is supported by the whole Church. We made our vows along with thousands of other Catholics striving for holiness in this vocation.

Dave and I chose to incorporate a variety of traditions into our wedding. In addition to wearing my mom’s wedding gown and veil, which my aunt helped modify, I wore jewelry that belonged to my grandmother and carried my great-grandmother’s rosary around my bouquet. My matron-of-honor carried this same rosary around her bouquet at her wedding as her “something borrowed”. 

During the wedding Mass, we were joined under a wedding lazo (lasso), a traditional practice in Mexico and many other Spanish-speaking countries. It symbolizes the unity of husband and wife under the protection of the Church and their joint responsibility in living out their vows. We were blessed to use the same lazo my parents had at their wedding almost thirty years ago.

At our reception, we served Italian confetti at the dessert table, which is sugar or chocolate-coated almonds with various flavors. On a recent trip to visit family in Italy, Dave and I picked out bomboniere (wedding favors) with his mother. We selected wooden trivets that looked like potted flowers which can be displayed on a small stand. There were so many that it almost filled an entire room in their basement! My aunt also brought traditional papel picado (decorative tissue paper) from Mexico, which she customized with our names and other expressions of love. Altogether, they made our reception venue beautiful.

Looking back, our entire wedding day was filled with the love and support of so many people. Many of our family members flew in from abroad, and we know our grandmothers who live abroad (two who are 93 and one who is 88) made the greatest effort to be present that day. My mother and mother-in-law dedicated themselves for many months to make the wedding beautiful and helped with every aspect of planning. My father gave a beautiful speech in three languages that made several guests cry! My cousins helped as day-of coordinators and brought fun accessories for the dance floor. 

Our group of Catholic friends from Baltimore curated a prayer calendar for us, which now hangs in our kitchen as a reminder that we have people praying for us. They offered us sage advice, joyful encouragement, and gladly partook in the ceremony as readers and ushers. Our florist, Emma, is a close family friend who owns an amazing floral design company in the city. She was able to source giant coral peonies for my bouquet, and the colorful bouquets and centerpieces were everything I dreamed they would be. Elizabeth, our photographer, was a connection through the Catholic community in Baltimore and has captured meaningful moments for many close friends. 

In some way or another, loved ones gave of their time and talent, and it moved us deeply. We had so many guests that we struggled to make our way to every table during the reception. Everywhere I turned, there was another face who was there not just for the wedding day, but to give us love and support for our future as a married couple. I ran around giving hugs and high-fives and dragging people to the dance floor, and I still feel the joy to this day.

I knew I could never marry someone who didn’t love the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The main character, Toula, comes from a loud, crazy family that yells over each other, cooks big meals, and throws great parties. In many ways her Greek immigrant family resembled my Mexican family and the group of friends I grew up with. Additionally, Dave’s Italian family certainly knows how to feed large amounts of people and bring family together for big celebrations. 

Growing up, I loved this movie, and I always imagined my wedding day would be something like it: a dizzying day full of tradition, love, big families, and intense emotions. It is safe to say our wedding was very much like that. And even now, some nights before bed, I look at our wedding photos framed on the wall, turn to Dave, and quote one of the last lines Toula says in the movie: “Sometimes I’m afraid that it didn’t happen…but it did happen! It did!”

Likewise, the greatest takeaway from our wedding is that we did not enter into this sacrament in isolation. 

Just as we were able to incorporate family, cultural traditions, and heirlooms into our celebration, the nuptial Mass itself included readings and vows that are used by many other Catholic couples. We were blessed to enter into marriage surrounded by family and friends, and we are reminded through their love and support that we are supported by the universal Church and the community of saints, who desire fruitfulness and holiness in our marriage.

Photography: Elizabeth M. Photo | Church: SS. Philip an James Catholic Church, Baltimore MD | Reception Venue: The American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore MD | Flowers: Steelcut Flower Co. | Catering: Zeffert and Gold | Cake: Sugar Bakers Cakes | Stationary: Printed with Catprint | Hair and Makeup: Heather from Brushed Beauty LLC | Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry | Necklace: The Little Catholic | Rings: Brilliant Earth and Robbin’s Diamonds  | Suit: Men’s Warehouse (Calvin Klein) | Ties and Pocket Squares: The Tie Bar | Bride's Dress: mother's dress

Sara + Raphy | Hawaiian Paradise Wedding

Sara didn’t plan on returning to Hawaii after graduation. The friendship she had begun with Raphy looked like it was coming to an end. But when she did come back, and they picked up where they left off, the two friends realized their relationship was turning into something more.

From the Bride: My husband and I met the summer of 2016, but we didn’t start talking and hanging out until December 31, the last day of the year. Shortly after a dinner at the Salt Lake Chinese Restaurant, we coordinated a day to hike the Koko Head Arch and chill at the beach down below--just as friends. 

After the new year on January 14, 2017 I received an unexpected text message from him asking me to dinner, as friends. So we shared spaghetti and meatballs at Buca Di Beppo in the Ward Center. We got boba drinks afterwards and drank them at the Tantalus lookout. And then, on the ride back to my place, we sang Disney songs for the entire drive. 

Raphy walked me upstairs, hugged me goodbye, and then I left for Portland the following day. It was a night to remember, but I thought that would be the extent of our friendship since I didn’t plan to return to Hawaii after graduation. We kept in touch through the occasional phone call and sporadic text messages. 

I ended up coming back home after graduating in May, and on June 2 we planned a day to hang out and celebrate each other's birthdays after being an ocean apart. The day started off with Raphy surprising me with the Disney Aulani Character Breakfast in Ko'olina. In turn, I surprised him by taking him to Moanalua Gardens and dancing hula for him. We ended with worship performed by Jeremy Camp at New Hope. It was another memorable time together.

About a week later on Trinity Sunday my friends threw a surprise graduation celebration for me at a friends’ home in Kapolei. There was so much food and laughter. Raphy even showed up later on, another surprise for me! The celebration went on until there was just seven of us left. There was hula dancing, singing, and guitar playing. Towards the end of the evening, Raphy asked me if I'd like to enter into a courtship with him, and I said, "yes!" 

That October, I took a trip to Europe with my mom, and we explored Switzerland and Italy. I had the amazing opportunity to go inside the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican in Rome. I knelt down to pray at one of the altars, specifically for Raphy and our relationship. After I was done praying, I saw a small sign at the front; it was the altar dedicated to St. Joseph, Raphy’s confirmation saint. I fell to my knees in tears and knew I was ready to tell him I loved him when I returned from my trip. 

I arrived home in the morning, rested, and then reunited with Raphy for date night and adoration. As we were sitting in his car at the end of the night, he asked to be vulnerable with me for a moment. That's where he professed his love for me for the first time. I professed my love for him too, and this love that we had for each other grew into the love we share today.

The next April, Raphy took me to the adoration chapel at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aiea to pray a holy hour together. Prayer is the priority and foundation of our relationship, so we always made time to pray together. 

During the middle of our holy hour, Raphy excused himself because of a stomach problem (nerves!) and asked me to meet him at the car after I was done praying. When I approached his car there were candles lit, the bible was open to the story of the Annunciation, Raphy's journal was lying nearby, and one of my favorite love songs played in the background: "We'll Be Okay" by Imagine Dragons. 

The journal entry I read shared how he felt about our relationship and led me to a garden dedicated to the Blessed Mother. That's when he started serenading me with his favorite love song, "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. After finishing, he professed how much he wanted to love and serve me for the rest of his life. Raphy went down on one knee and proposed. 

With tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face, I gave him my yes! We embraced each other and prayed in front of the Blessed Mother to intercede and guide us as a newly engaged couple. 

In preparation for marriage, we attended a weekend Engaged Encounter retreat in Kauai. After many long and deep conversations about our plans for marriage, we made a formal pledge of betrothal to each other. Becoming betrothed in the Catholic Church is a deliberate, free, mutual, and true promise, externally expressed, of future marriage between both parties. 

We understood that marriage was a sacrament and that we needed to prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. And so we committed to growing in holiness with each other. One of the boundaries we set was no wedding planning on Sundays, the day of rest.

On our wedding day, Father Peter Dumag, our celebrant, shared with everyone that there is the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering. On that day we gave our 'yes' to God to live out our vocation of marriage. 

They say the wedding day is the day when two become one, but it is the two of us becoming one in Him. They say when you get married you're settling down, but you're actually elevating! My marriage brings my soul so much joy and peace. This is my path to heaven with my husband, through our Blessed Mother who brings us to her Son, Jesus Christ. We are so blessed for the many family and friends who witnessed our union in the sacrament of holy matrimony.

Photography:  Brandon Smith's Photography | Church: St. Elizabeth’s Church - Aiea, HI | Reception: Bird of Paradise Restaurant - Ewa Beach, HI 96815 | Rings: Honolulu Jewelry Co. | Flowers: Simply Elegant - Hawaii | Invitations: Shutterfly | Dress: David's Bridal | Veil: Amazon | Shoes: Macy’s  | Bridesmaids: David's Bridal | Hair & makeup: Lynn Yee Makeup

Sandra + Shaheen | Glamorous Orange County Wedding

Sandra and Shaheen believe that their story began with the intercession of the Holy Family. Shaheen grew up with a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, and Sandra learned to love and cherish the intercession of St. Joseph.

They now look back on their love story as their “very own St. Joseph miracle.”

From the Bride: Thanks to my mother, I grew up with a deep love for St. Joseph. She would tell me to ask him to pray for me and my future husband, if that was the vocation God called me to live. As a baby I was baptized at a parish named after St. Joseph, and since then I have always felt him walking close to me. 

My husband, Shaheen, was born in Amman, Jordan. He was baptized at a parish named after our Lady, St. Mary of Nazareth, before moving to the U.S. He is a self-proclaimed “mama’s boy” because he grew up with a strong devotion to Our Blessed Mother, like he was taught by his earthly mother before she passed away. 

This is the start of how our love for the Holy Family shaped the love we have for each other--and most importantly for God. 

Shaheen and I are both cradle Catholics who have experienced varying degrees of commitment to our faith. Throughout our lives, we have depended on God’s love and mercy to carry us in the areas we are weak and have failed. Consequently, our love story began in the place where we get to experience God’s love and mercy at its best: the confessional.

At that time, my husband was regularly attending confession every week. One day he got off his work shift unusually late, causing him to miss confession at his regular parish. As a police officer, being stuck on a call is not unusual, but it was unusual that the only parish offering confession instead was my home parish: St. Anthony Mary Claret. It was his first time visiting there and meeting Father Douglas. 

Shaheen went into the confessional, and after he received absolution Fr. Douglas asked him to stay. He had a question. Father asked Shaheen how old he was and if he was married. When he answered “no,” Father asked “why not?” Shaheen thought these were odd questions, but proceeded to tell him he had just not found “the right one.” At this point in his life he had surrendered to God’s will in the field of dating. He had experienced disappointment in the past when he tried to take control instead of giving it to God. 

Father Douglas then asked him to pray a nine day novena asking St. Joseph to find him “a good Catholic wife.” Shaheen prayed the novena, and on the tenth day his friend Mike came over to his house for coffee. 

At this point in my life, I spent most of my volunteer time in working with children or adults significantly older than me in religious education, youth ministry, and music ministry. I was yearning to find a group of young adults to share the faith, but had not invested the time to find activities or a group. I asked one of my good friends, Justin, to let me know if he knew of any events coming up. 

I was also working and finishing up my schooling to become a school psychologist, so free time was scarce. Justin ended up inviting me to a Young Catholic Professionals event a couple weeks later. I saw a lot of old friends there and met some new people, one of which was Mike. On the first day after Shaheen finished his novena to St. Joseph for “a good Catholic wife,” Mike went over to his house, and that was the first time I came into the picture. 

Mike told Shaheen about me and had plans to set us up if we were willing. Shaheen was not initially interested in dating because of a recurring issue; he would meet people who said they were “Catholic” (knowing it was a deal breaker), but while dating, Shaheen would realize it was not their true priority. 

My husband said he was not interested at that time unless the person was completely serious about their Catholic faith. As I let the idea marinate that weekend, I met a woman who helped me chaperone a group of youth ministry students. She told me she just “went for it” and met her husband on a blind date. 

Once Shaheen and I met, the rest was history. One of the first questions he asked me was if I had special devotions to any saints. I revealed my love of St. Joseph and how my mom told me even as a child to ask St. Joseph to pray for my future husband. 

I had no clue that Shaheen had just prayed the St. Joseph novena. He hesitated to tell me, thinking it might scare me off, but he realized that if I was who God had intended for him, I wouldn’t leave. Once he shared this with me and our family and friends, there was no denying that we had just experienced our own St. Joseph miracle! 

Three weeks later we became boyfriend and girlfriend, and six months later we were engaged. Eight months after that we were married and received a blessing from Pope Francis. We are preparing to hold our firstborn in our arms by the end of this month. Again, in the month of St. Joseph.

We chose to celebrate our nuptial Mass on the feast day of St. John the Baptist, June 24. He is one of our favorite saints for multiple reasons. He is my husband’s confirmation saint and a favorite of mine because he’s the patron of spiritual joy and Jesus’ cousin. Most importantly, he is one of two saints, along with St. Thomas More, who died protecting the sanctity of marriage. 

My mother-in-law passed right before I met Shaheen, and when my father-in-law called our parish to schedule a day they could offer Mass for her, they told him the only date available was June 24, 2017. It was nice to know she would be present in spirit during our nuptial Mass, especially because her love of the faith was what my husband admired in her the most. 

As we prepared for our wedding day, it was initially bittersweet for my mom. My parents and I have always had a very tight bond--until she had a dream that St. Joseph appeared to her, patted her back, and told her not to worry because he was taking care of us. 

On our wedding day, we had four priest friends concelebrate our Mass, including the priest who asked Shaheen to pray the St. Joseph novena after confession. Our Mass was celebrated in English, Spanish, and Arabic, to honor our family’s ethnic backgrounds. 

We wanted to incorporate our faith throughout the day as much as possible. We assigned a saint name to each table instead of table numbers, placed corresponding prayer cards on the tables, gave out rosaries as party favors, and included the washing of the feet during our reception. Afterwards, a lot of people came up to us to say how much they loved it. Our friends created the hashtag “#StJosephmadeusdoit” on social media to share our wedding photos.

My husband and I have deepened our gratitude for the sacrament of marriage, all its graces, and especially the presence of the Holy Family in our lives that led us to our special day.

Photo Courtesy: Sandra Shaheen | Church: San Antonio De Padua Catholic Church- Anaheim, CA | Reception Venue: Orange Hill Restaurant- Orange, CA | Honeymoon: Rome | Rings- Geiger Jewelers- Brea, CA | Bride’s Dress/Veil/Bridesmaids attire- David’s Bridal- Costa Mesa, CA | Jewelry/Accessories- Givenchy Jewelry | Suit/tux/Groomsmen’s attire- San’s Suit Outlet- Lakewood, CA | Cake Baker- Patty’s Cakes- Fullerton, CA | Makeup Artist/ Hairstylists- Pauline Calanoc- Orange County, CA | DJ Music- DeeJay Ayo- Orange County, CA | Zaffe Band/Arabic/dabke band- Samo’s Dabke Band- Orange County, CA | Mariachi- Mariachi Anacatlan- Orange County, CA

Fabiola + Cole | Vatican City Basilica Wedding

Gratitude, love, and faith can exist in the midst of profound suffering, through God’s miraculous grace. This is what Fabiola experienced when she faced her mother’s unexpected diagnosis, two years after meeting her future husband, Cole.

A couple years later, to her great joy, her mother sat, beautiful and glowing, at her daughter’s wedding. Fabiola and Cole’s unspeakably beautiful nuptial Mass took place in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

From the Bride: Meeting Cole was a gift from God. I met him at a time of my life when I was worry-free, in college, always smiling, and thanking the Lord for so many blessings.

Four years later, I am still striving to live that way, but life has gotten harder. Two years after we started dating, my beautiful mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I prayed for strength to help my mom fight, and, of course, for healing.

I have always been a girl of strong faith, but this was incredibly difficult. And in the midst of it, Cole was there to remind me, "Fab, hold on to your faith. God's got this." He was right. God answered my prayers and sent me strength, and that strength was through Cole. He was, and is, my rock.

Cole proposed in front of my whole family, and we got married in the most beautiful place in the world: St. Peter's Basilica. The doctors were unsure if my mother would attend our wedding, but I knew in my heart she would be there, and she was.

Our ceremony was so incredibly beautiful. During the Mass, a light shined on my mom the whole time, and the amount of love in the church was breathtaking. The Holy Spirit was alive in all of our hearts.

The celebration was in English, Spanish, and Italian, our three languages. The priest who celebrated our marriage was Father Claudio Barbut, who we met at a healing Mass for my mom. His homily was all about Christ living within us.

We had almost 200 guests attend from all over the world. There were many different beliefs and religions in one room, but every guest held the crucifix that Fr. Claudio handed around before I arrived. When I saw the cross with a beautiful prayer in the hands of my family and friends, my heart was filled with joy.

Fr. Claudio gifted us a wooden cross which we held during the ceremony. Cole and I kissed the cross and promised to keep Christ the center of our marriage forever. When I close my eyes and relive that day, I smile and thank God for every second of it.

I felt so much gratitude. For my mom and how beautiful she was. To know she was right there with me. It was the perfect start to my marriage, and it made Cole and I thankful for every blessing that comes our way.

He knew Christ was the center of my world when he met me, and now Christ is the center of our marriage. At the end of the day, instead of asking for something, I have learned to start every prayer with “thank you.”

We make plans, but God has a perfect plan, and we're ready for what he has planned for us. Marriage is not perfect, and life is not perfect, but when Cole and I look at each other and love each other as Jesus would, we can overcome anything.

Photography: Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio | Church: St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City | Reception: Casina di Macchia Madama | Flowers: Dordas Flowers

Christine + Mark | Traditional Chinese Wedding

Each day from January 13-20, Spoken Bride's distinctively Catholic wedding vendors will be featured through Instagram takeovers and contributions on the blog.

Are you recently engaged? We invite you to learn more about the gifted wedding industry professionals who partner with us through the Spoken Bride Vendor Guide.

---

Christine and Mark’s Washington, D.C. wedding was a beautiful intertwining of traditional Catholic nuptials and Chinese customs.

Their relationship began when Christine stumbled upon Mark’s profile on CatholicMatch. It had been months since Christine began praying to Blessed Karl of Austria for her future husband. Even though she had seen many interesting profiles on CatholicMatch, she felt there was something special about Mark’s.

Christine didn’t start a conversation, but instead waited to see what Mark would do, since the site allowed a him to see who had visited his profile.

She didn’t have to wait long.

From the Groom: From the first moment I saw Christine’s profile picture, I couldn’t believe my eyes. And after reading Christine’s profile, I was even more certain she was too good to be true. This was the internet version of love at first sight, and I sent a message right away.

From the Bride: Every time Mark talks about this, I can’t help but laugh. He is always so sweet. When I first saw Mark’s profile on CatholicMatch, I felt there was something special about him. And ever since then, I kept him in my daily prayers and waited for God to do the rest.

Mark: After exchanging a few messages on CatholicMatch, I invited Christine to pray together over the phone. She only had thirty minutes for our first call, but we spent most of that time praying the rosary together.

After that we started a tradition which we have continued even when in very different time zones: praying daily Compline (Night Prayer) together, usually over the phone.

Christine: Praying together always reminds me God is at the center of our relationship. I’m always excited to pray with Mark because it is such a powerful experience for us.

A few short weeks after we began speaking, May—the month of Our Lady—arrived, and it was time for me to graduate from my master’s program. My parents and sister came to D.C. to attend my graduation ceremony.

I had been telling my parents a lot about Mark, and they really liked him, or at least my descriptions of him. On May 11, a couple days before my family would return home to China, my mom suggested we set up a meeting with Mark. Although I felt a little uncertain, knowing Mark’s busy work schedule, and, more importantly, that Mark and I had never met in person, I reached out to him to see whether he would be able to meet the next day.

Mark: That was a very busy time for me at work, but I pulled a very late night and managed to meet Christine and her family for coffee the next day. Luckily, I was too tired to be nervous! I was overjoyed to meet Christine’s family and moved by how genuinely kind and joyful they were.

Christine: My family and I really enjoyed meeting Mark, too. In fact, Mark and I soon began going on dates: attending Sunday Mass together at St. Mary’s in Washington D.C., followed by lunch and activities like visiting museums and going to concerts. After Mass, we would usually pray together before the image of Blessed Karl.

As we got to know each other better, we hung out more often. We watched the Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall, went hiking in Shenandoah National Park, and visited the elderly at a nursing home. Through it all, we enjoyed every moment together.

Fast forward to October 2017. We had been discerning engagement and working through a book titled 101 Questions To Ask Before You Get Engaged. This went on until one Saturday when we visited St. Mary’s. Just as we were finishing our prayer before the image of Blessed Karl, Mark proposed.

What a joy that we were engaged in the Real Presence of Our Lord!

A mutual friend played my favorite Chinese hymn on the organ (Mark had remembered I had sung the hymn while we were praying together one evening), and the proposal was filmed by Mark’s best friend and soon-to-be best man.

We learned that our archdiocese required six months of marriage preparation. During this time we would continue to grow in our relationship and discern our vocation. We also found, to our surprise and delight, that May 12, 2018—the one-year anniversary of the first time we met in person—was a Saturday, and we decided to set that as our wedding date.

The wonderful Fr. Martin Yip agreed to meet with us for monthly marriage preparation sessions focusing on the sacramental meaning of marriage. We also attended an Engaged Encounter retreat.

This provided a precious opportunity for us to spend focused time getting to know each other and diving deeply into various practical topics, all under the guidance of experienced married couples and a priest.

One month before the wedding, we visited a couple from our parish who have been married more than thirty years. They warned us of potential challenges in married life and provided advice and insights from the unique perspective of Chinese culture.

We were overjoyed when Bishop Mario Dorsonville agreed to celebrate our nuptial Mass. Another joyful surprise was that Fr. Conrad Murphy was willing to be the Master of Ceremonies when we couldn’t find another deacon available for our wedding day.

From the very beginning, we knew the nuptial Mass would be the most important part of our wedding day. So we spent a lot of time preparing the Mass program in both Chinese and English. It turned out to be very beneficial in helping us and our guests get better acquainted with the various parts of the nuptial Mass.

Our liturgy was celebrated at St. Mary’s in D.C.. Although we belong to the Our Lady of China Pastoral Mission, ours was the first nuptial Mass in ten years to be celebrated at St. Mary’s for a couple in our community. Our parish family was excited for us and showered us with so much love and joy. They celebrated our engagement in the parish hall and supported us through the wedding preparation and our wedding day.

One week before the wedding, my family travelled from Shanghai to Washington. It was so exciting because I hadn’t seen my family for a year. They helped with the wedding favors and decorating the reception venue. Meanwhile, Mark’s parents prepared heart-shaped chocolates for our guests and set up the rehearsal dinner.

In the early afternoon of our wedding day, we had a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, customary for weddings in China.

We knelt before our parents and offered tea to them, showing our respect and gratitude to them for all the years of love and care.

In return, we received gifts in red envelopes from them.

Our nuptial Mass was very beautiful and went quickly, but we enjoyed every moment. My brother and sister did the readings, and our parents offered the gifts. When Bishop Dorsonville introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. Ma,” we had our first-ever kiss on the lips at the altar. With the violin and organ playing Ave Maria, we prayed before a statue of Mary, offering our marriage to Our Lady.

Our reception was held at Phoenix Park Hotel, a historic hotel in Capitol Hill. The hotel ballroom and our honeymoon suite were lovely. They had been decorated with love and care by our families and friends. My brother made a video using a collection of our photos from childhood to the time we met, which was played at the beginning of the reception. It was received by the audience with lots of laughter and awws.

Right after we entered the ballroom, we played a violin-piano duet of Canon in D. Mark was on violin, and I played piano. My dad presented raffle prizes of his own excellent calligraphy and Chinese traditional painting.

Finding each other and taking our first steps in marriage has been so amazing, and we are excited to continue our journey together!

From the Photographers: Christine and Mark's wedding was such a joy-filled event that uniquely combined beautiful cultural and liturgical traditions.

We loved witnessing and documenting their day, and especially loved how they planned a wedding that really fit their personalities. For example, during their reception they replaced the usual dance party with a talent show and games, which was so fun.

More than anything, we loved seeing how tangible their love was and how joyful they were to be husband and wife. It felt so real during their portrait session at the Jefferson Memorial. We wish them all the best for their marriage!

Photography: An Endless Pursuit - SPOKEN BRIDE VENDOR | Church: St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, Washington DC | Wedding Reception: Phoenix Park Hotel | Ceremony Site: St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church | Florists: Louisa Sun | Reception Site & Tea Ceremony Site: Phoenix Park Hotel | Videographer: Onyxx Communications LLC | Cake: Fluffy Thoughts | Reception: MC
David Hu | Hair & Make-up: Iris Zou

Julie + Rudy | New Jersey Trail Club Wedding

In 2011, Julie was a nursing student at Villanova University who’d just signed up for a summer in Europe, including World Youth Day in Madrid. Her neighbor, who’d attended a previous World Youth Day with the Salesians of Don Bosco, recommended she travel with the Salesians’ group for her trip. Rudy was living in community in Chicago, on mission with...the Salesians of Don Bosco. At the conclusion of his service, Rudy's parish gifted him with his own ticket to World Youth Day, one that would take him to Europe with the Salesians and, ultimately, to his future bride.

Before their first conversation during the flight, Julie assumed Rudy was a seminarian. The girl from New Jersey and the young man from Miami landed in Fatima, Portugal with their group shortly before the Feast of the Assumption, where they spent the next three days with pilgrims from the world over, joined in humble prayer to Our Lady.

On the second night, following candlelit prayer in the town square, Julie decided to partake in a practice common at the holy ground of Fatima: crawling on one’s knees, the length of a football field, to the sacred spot where Mary appeared in 1917, on the day the sun danced. Rudy asked if he could join her.

For the next 45 minutes of pain and anguish, Julie and Rudy experienced the love of Jesus and Mary, through each other, in a profound way. This love between the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts became the foundation for a friendship, then romantic love, and, seven years later, for a lifetime of marriage.

From the Bride:

Little did I know that what started as my European summer vacation would turn into a life-changing pilgrimage where I not only would experience the love of Christ and Mary amid millions of college students from all over the world, but also meet the man God had been preparing my heart for. My husband.

Having Fr. Steve, the priest who led our trip to World Youth Day where we met all those years ago, celebrate our wedding Mass meant the world. He has been our spiritual mentor and support from the very beginning of our relationship, encouraging us to lean on each other--but most of all, to lean on God and on the Blessed Mother.

Getting married in Our Lady of Victories, the church where I grew up, brought me such joy. Our house was two blocks away, so each Sunday, for as long as I can remember, my family would walk to church. Our Lady of Victories, being the size of a small chapel, is known as "the little church with a big heart." Having over 200 guests crammed in the pews made the church feel so full and joyful.

Inside our wedding bands are the words "Totus Tuus," which translates from Latin to "Totally Yours." Rudy and I both have a great love for Pope Saint John Paul II, who inspired this idea. JPII, through his great love for Mary, often had his crucifixes inscribed with "Totus Tuus Maria."

Before our wedding day, we promised to write to each other the morning of. The idea of elaborate wedding gifts was silly to Rudy and I, for we felt we were already receiving the greatest gift of all that day: the gift of each other, through Christ. Despite this agreement, we did exchange small homemade gifts.

Rudy finished his letter to me with the words, "You are my home now," and gave me an inscribed key to our first home.

I gave him a small wooden box, with a gift inside that I'd been preparing long before I knew him. It held close to one hundred letters to my future husband that I had been writing since I was a freshman in high school, when I decided I wanted to practice chastity and give the gift of myself to my future husband alone. The wooden box was inscribed with a quote from an E. E. Cummings poem: "I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart."

For the communion hymn at our Mass, we chose our favorite song, "Lord I Need You" by Matt Maher. We prayed together on the altar as husband and wife, both looking at each other and then staring up at the giant crucifix. As we heard the entire church belt out these beautiful lyrics, we were reminded that as we began to take our first steps of marriage, we would need God throughout the entire journey. We continue to pursue him as husband and wife, even more so than before, as we carry out the mission he has laid before us: to get each other to heaven.

We had certain statues placed on the altar, signifying that as we begin our vocation of marriage we ask the saints to intercede for us, pray for us, and help us. We chose Teresa of Calcutta for our love and dedication to service, St. Martin de Porres for my grandfather's presence, St. John Bosco in thanks for our meeting through the Salesians, St. Padre Pio, and especially Our Lady of Fatima, for our eternal devotion to Mary. It was in Fatima that we experienced love in its purest, most humble form. We experienced the love of Christ and Mary through each other.

As part of a Cuban wedding tradition, our godmothers placed a mantilla--a lace shawl--over our shoulders before the consecration. The mantilla symbolizes the indissoluble union that has been established before God, through marriage. Just as we were wrapped in a lace gown the days of our baptisms, we are now wrapped in this lace shawl as a reminder of the promises our parents and godparents made for us at baptism to dedicate ourselves to Christ. At the altar on our wedding day, the bride and groom renew their baptismal vows and make them as one, together dedicating their lives to Christ.

When I think back to our wedding day, the beloved quote by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, which we shared on the back of our Mass programs, comes to mind:

Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.

Photography: Curtis Smith Photography | Church: Our Lady of Victories, Harrington Park, NJ | Reception: Indian Trail Club, Franklin Lakes, NJ | Rings: Diamonds Direct, St. Petersburg, FL | Flowers: Flora Gallery, Chester, NJ | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Church Programs: Morgan E. Moore | Bridal Gown & Veil: I Do I Do, Morristown, NJ | Bride's Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Tuxedos: Biltmore Tuxedo, Ridgewood, NJ | Cake Topper: Willow Tree | Cake Baker: A Little Cake, Park Ridge, NJ | Music: Hank Lane Music | Hair and Makeup: Michelle's Salon, Woodcliff Lake, NJ | Mini Ice Cream Cone Dessert: Milk Sugar Love, Jersey City, NJ | Trolley: New York Trolley Company

Maria + Santi | Buenos Aires Wedding

While earning her PhD at Stanford, Maria hosted an annual post-Easter vigil meal. One year, mutual friends invited Santi; he and Maria met again soon after at a Catholic young adults event.

Within a few months of dating, they began discussing the future. Maria knew that, with a year left before finishing her doctorate, she’d soon be looking for a job. “We both knew,” she says, “ that we had about a year to decide if this relationship was going to end in marriage. It was very quickly obvious that it was.” Santi proposed at the Fatima shrine in Maria’s Minnesota home parish.

From the Bride: Santi was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From our first discussion of marriage, we knew we would get married there. Inspired by a post I saw online, we made a list of our goals for the wedding early on in the planning process, which helped guide later decisions. They read:

1. Create a magical experience for us and our guests.

2. Take advantage of this rare opportunity for our families to meet and form relationships.

3. Reflect the sacred nature of matrimony, with an emphasis on selected, meaningful traditions.

4. Maintain a symmetric focus on both of us, our families, and our personalities.

We spent a lot of time, energy, and money on the first two goals, trying to make the long trip to Argentina as easy and fun as possible. We developed a pretty extensive website detailing visiting and traveling in South America, both to get our guests excited and to be realistic about expenses. We set up a Facebook group as RSVPs came in, giving people a chance to introduce themselves, ask questions, and make travel plans. Shortly before the wedding, we also set up three Whatsapp groups for the two sides of my family and my friends, along with a few Argentine friends and family, so they could make plans on the fly in Buenos Aires and have a local resource in the days before the wedding. Finally, we arranged a series of family dinners--first with just our parents, then our parents and siblings, and lastly with my extended family that traveled from the U.S.

We paid for one of my best college friends, who had very recently been ordained to the priesthood as an Augustinian, to fly from the U.S., and one of Santi’s family members, a Spanish priest, to fly from another province in Argentina to concelebrate the Mass. They were joined by the parish priest who had celebrated Santi’s sister’s wedding, as well as the auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, who is a friend of his family.

Coordinating three priests and a bishop--from three different countries, speaking two different languages--was very intimidating! We tried to figure out the rules surrounding bilingual services and concelebration with a bishop, although in the end the priests figured it out amongst themselves in the half hour before the wedding.

We also created a bilingual wedding program that had almost every word spoken at the Mass, along with notes on the sacrament of marriage, sign of peace, and reception of communion. The readings were in a combination of languages: the first in English, the second in Spanish, and the Gospel proclaimed with short homilies in both languages. We opted for a bilingual Psalm and Prayers of the Faithful.

For the music, we prioritized songs that had translations in both English and Spanish, including “Come Thou Font / Fuente de la Vida Eterna,” “Pescador de Hombres / Lord, When You Came to the Seashore,” and “Ode to Joy / Himno de la Alegría”, along with the beautiful Argentine Mass setting, Misa Criolla. Though an organist and a soprano were already included in the fee charged by the church, we splurged on a professional choir, which was a great choice. When I heard them sing the Gloria, I knew they were worth every peso.

For various reasons, we decided not to have a wedding party. Instead, our parents served as our witnesses. It was important to me that I not be the only one escorted down the aisle by my parents, because Santi and I were entering into marriage as equal, complementary partners, and I wanted to avoid even the appearance that I was being given away by my father, rather than entering into marriage in my own right.

We considered several options for the procession, but in the end decided to enter together, preceded by our parents as examples of faithful marriages. This decision led naturally to us getting ready for the Mass together. I’m so happy we did that, because I know I was much calmer being with Santi all day than without him. 

I carried a bouquet of white calla lilies, along with a nacre rosary that the women of Santi’s family have carried at their weddings, starting with his great-grandmother. Santi carried a handkerchief from my grandmother in his pocket. During the Rite of Matrimony, we exchanged identical rings in the shape of Möbius strips that we bought on Etsy. A Möbius strip has a half-twist, which makes it a single-sided two-dimensional figure--even more infinite than a circle! I had always wanted a Möbius wedding ring since I learned about it in high school; fortunately, I married a nerd who also loved the idea! After communion, we presented flowers to Our Lady of Mercy, the patroness of the Mercedarian order whose church we were in, and prayed for her blessing on our marriage.

Most things happen later in Argentina than in the U.S. After the wedding Mass, which started at 8:30pm, we had an all-night party. We took immediate family portraits during the cocktail hour, which was followed by about seven hours of alternating dance sets and food: an appetizer, main course, dessert, cake and a champagne toast, and ending with pizza at 6:00 A.M. for those who could still eat. I think this schedule, with built-in breaks to recover energy before dancing more, was the reason half of our guests lasted the whole night, until the final photo!

The reception music was a mix of Spanish and English from several decades. One of my favorite parts was watching our friends and family mix out on the dance floor, especially when they learned new moves from each other--like when the Argentines taught the Americans how to dance to “Meneaito” and the Americans taught the Argentines the line dance to “Copperhead Road.” 

Another special moment was when we called our grandfathers up to sing together. My grandfather is Mexican and had lived for several years in Uruguay, so he shared a love for boleros and tangos with Santi’s Argentine grandfathers. It was so special to see the joining of families in this way!

Maria’s spiritual take-away from her wedding day: We really enjoyed the process of planning our wedding Mass. We read through the Together for Life book, taking a few weeks to cover each option for the readings, along with the commentary, and discuss them. We also were very fortunate to do our marriage prep with a deacon and his wife, another couple that we knew who were also preparing for marriage.

It was so special to me having my close friend, now a priest, concelebrate our wedding Mass. He had been ordained only three weeks before, and I was so grateful the timing worked out and that he agreed to come. There were so many parallels: there we were, both in white, starting our vocations at almost the same time. I had been there on the occasion of his first vows six years before, and now he was there to witness mine. We had even chosen the same readings for our wedding as he had used in his Ordination Mass! He agreed to hear our confessions the night before the wedding, which was a very emotional and grace-filled moment.

At the end of the service, we had the opportunity to make a few remarks. After thanking everyone for being there with us, Santi how special it was for us to have had a bilingual wedding Mass, because it represented not only the nature of our relationship, but also the universal character of the Church.

Photographer's Business Name : Foto Paleo | Church: Basilica Nuestra Señora de Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina | Wedding Reception: Terry Recepciones, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Rings: Elegant Jewel Box on Etsy  | Choir: Coro para tu casamiento | Makeup and Hair: Celu Ferreira | Suits: Casa Florencia | Catering: Bennati Catering  | Hotel and Backstage photos: Hotel Alvear

Elisabeth + Salvador | Central American Destination Wedding

Elisabeth and Salvador's first meeting was straight out of a romantic comedy. They were both using the same language-learning website: Elisabeth wanted to learn Spanish and Salvador, who is from El Salvador, wanted to learn English. After connecting online, they developed a friendship that eventually led to an in-person meeting in Elisabeth's home state of California. "The day we met, we knew we were soulmates," says Elisabeth. "He asked me out the next day, and we were engaged seven months later."  After months of long distance engagement, the couple were married in El Salvador on August 13, 2016. 

In Elisabeth's words: Our wedding was simple yet beautiful. We were married in the rural parish that my husband's grandfather helped build. It was dedicated to and named for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The readings were chosen with care, as we wanted them to reflect our relationship. The second reading, 1 Corinthians 13: 1- 8, has always one of my favorite passages of Scripture, so I was happy we could include it in our wedding Mass.

Since we were married in El Salvador, during our ceremony, we made sure to do the traditional lasso cord as a symbol of our unity for life. We also exchanged arras (coins), which is also a tradition at Salvadoran weddings.

My dress was a lace and tulle mermaid-style dress, with elegant detailing at the top. I fell in love with the dress the moment I laid eyes on it, as it was unlike any other dress I had seen.

Our reception was across the street from the church at my husband's family hacienda. Delicious Latin food was served and we danced to "At Last" by Celine Dion to celebrate that the wait and distance was finally over!  A huge downpour of rain and thunder came and went during the middle of our reception - typical weather in El Salvador! It was a most blessed and unforgettable day.

Elisabeth's spiritual takeaway: When you put Christ at the center of your relationship, it will show through on your wedding day.

Photography: Rorellana Photography  | Church: Our Lady of Guadalupe, El Salvador | Reception - Groom's Family Home |  Wedding Dress & Shoes: David's Bridal

Rosanna + Matthew | Marian-Inspired Wedding

He was from Texas and she was from California, preparing to attend the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid. The first few times Rosanna and Matt talked over Catholic Match and Skype--starting on Divine Mercy Sunday--Rosanna noticed how full of life Matt seemed, filled with joy for the Catholic faith. Yet she'd been praying for guidance about her vocation. They continued having dates over Skype and in person, and in Spain that summer, Rosanna experienced peace that God was calling her to marriage--quite possibly with Matt.

Shortly after Rosanna returned home, Matt asked her to be his girlfriend at a church in San Diego, feet away from statues of Our Lady. Over the next two years, they dated according to a traditional courtship approach they felt called to and flew out to visit each other as often as they could. But monthly flights started feeling old. After a Tridentine Mass, in a candlelit chapel devoted to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Matt read Rosanna a poem he'd written and got down on one knee.

From the Bride: We got married on the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel at my home parish in Southern California, which is run by Norbertine monks. We had picked the date somewhat haphazardly. We smiled, though, when we realized that not only was it a Marian feast day, but a feast deeply loved by my great-grandmother, Dolores, a third-order Carmelite who loved Our Lady of Good Counsel so much that she named one of her daughters "Buen Consejo." I also realized the Marian image in my room growing up was one of this particular devotion to Our Lady. And lastly, I am a marriage and family counselor by profession; what better honor and title of the Blessed Mother to celebrate our marriage? When we went to Rome for our honeymoon, we attended Pope Francis's weekly audience and were blown away to find the topic he addressed was none other than the gift of "good counsel."

Matt and I decided to have a our nuptial Mass as a hybrid of an English and Latin novus ordo Mass. We chose to have a few parts, such as the Creed, sung, as we both love sung liturgy. The Norbertines utilize many traditional “smells and bells” in their Masses, and we were so happy to include those traditions in our liturgy.

Receiving the Lord together in the Holy Eucharist, kneeling side by side, for the very first time as husband and wife was even more exciting than the nuptial vows that we exchanged. Two traditions we incorporated were the Spanish lasso from my Filipino roots and a Croatian tradition where the bride and groom hold a crucifix while saying their vows. After the wedding, by a statue of Our Lady of La Vang, Matt and I shared our first kiss on the lips. It was something we'd felt called to abstain from during our courtship, and was a delightful, fun milestone moment.

The reception venue was the clubhouse at UCI, where my grandfather was a doctor and professor, and where my parents met. We wanted the theme of our wedding to be "Culture of Life." Our cake was inscribed with life abundantly, and John 10:10, with the full verse, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly," on a chalkboard poster behind it. We also designed our own monogram, an R and an M entwined with a cross, in the style of monograms that frequently adorn Marian altars. We peppered the banquet tables, laid so beautifully with coral and pink flowers by our florist, with frames featuring pictures of saints and some of their most inspiring quotes. As Matt and me come from a few different ethnic backgrounds, we chose saints from Italy, Japan, and the Philippines to reflect our heritage. In these simple centerpieces, we wanted to reflect the universality of the church, full of all kinds of people but with one powerful, singular focus: the call to holiness and the worship of Jesus, the Bread of Life. To celebrate our first kiss, we also had a sign inspired by the Song of Songs: "Kiss me, my love, that your name be on my lips. You intoxicate my being with the fragrance of your presence."

Matt washed my feet during the reception in order to symbolize how Christ, the groom, humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples: his body, the Church. I remember choosing the song "The Spirit and the Bride" by Matt Maher, days before the wedding, to be played during the washing. When I discovered the song, I broke down in tears, realizing the goodness of the Lord, and his love for me in all of my brokenness. To think that I would be marrying Matt in just a few days, my broken self and all, that God had brought so much healing into my life through Matt, and that he would continue to heal and grow both of us through our marriage, just humbled me to my knees.

I think those few minutes that Matt washed my feet etched a deep meaning into both of our hearts that day. We were saying, in a symbolic way, that we were both laying down our lives for one another; that there was no turning back, that we were "one flesh" in the eyes of God now. It's something I still flash back to when we hit rough spots. Our marriage crucifix, the one Matt and I held as we took our vows, hangs above our bed. Every day, we are reminded of the great sacrament we partake in, and the heights of holiness to which we are called.

Photography: FS Photo Studio  | Church: St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Costa Mesa, CA | Wedding Reception Venue : University Club at University of California, Irvine | Flowers: Blooming Branch | Cake: KH Bakery  | Hair & Make-Up: Make Me Up  | DJ: Ultimate Events