Rachel + Jeremy | Late Summer Roses

A love story that began in a second-grade classroom, anointed year after year by Our Lady’s grace and healing, fulfilled in a Christ-centered Mass and elegant, historic Midwest venue.

Rachel and Jeremy first met as children, in the same class at school for First Reconciliation and First Communion when Rachel transferred to the school. “The first memory I have of him is when he read for Mass in his tiny second-grader suit and tie during our First Reconciliation,” Rachel says. “I never imagined the Lord would make that moment the beginning of our love story.”

Flash forward to high school and college, when they became better acquainted through the teen ministry at their parish, each growing in individual relationship with the Lord as they passed by each other year after year. When Jeremy transferred to Franciscan University, where Rachel was attending, she invited him to dinner one night, knowing from her past experience of switching schools that the transition could be tough. “That one dinner turned into a weekly dinner, which turned into lunches, and movie nights, and game nights. By the end of the semester, we were closing out the dining halls and finding any excuse to spend time together,” says Rachel. 

Even before recognizing or admitting her feelings for Jeremy, she found herself drawn to his one-of-a-kind sense of humor, his intelligence and most of all, his utmost respect for the Lord and the desire for a relationship with Him.

From the Bride: 

When Jeremy first confessed his feelings for me, I was so surprised!

I had never been pursued by a man who willed my ultimate good. A man who loved me second because he loved God first.

I decided right then and there that before we took another step towards dating that I wanted to offer up our friendship to the Blessed Mother no matter what the outcome would be. Jeremy, being the man he is, supported this decision and we prayed together about what the Lord wanted for each of us.

Eventually, we received a green light from the Lord to begin a relationship. To say it's been a rollercoaster ever since is an understatement. We've experienced the highest of highs together, but have equally shared in the lowest of lows. We've had every adventure and can't wait for more. 

In the first year of our relationship, we consecrated ourselves to the Blessed Mother on her feast day as Queen of the Universe. We have such a love for her for all the ways she has interceded in our lives, and made it a practice to pray the Rosary often. 

We dated for four years before getting engaged and boy did the Lord bring us through ups and downs. But through it all, the Lord was good and faithful. He brought us together over and over, teaching us how to love like Him: how to apologize, and forgive, and laugh through the tears. He helped us grow year after year and nurtured our past wounds, bringing healing to each of us.

After four years that included long-distance dating, one break, and a lot of love, Jeremy popped the question. It might not sound romantic, but I’ll remember it forever!

We had booked an escape room with Jeremy’s sister and brother-in-law, Erica and Ben. About 50 minutes in, my competitive side was showing. To make it out of the room in time, one last question needed to be answered. “Rachel Marie,” Jeremy began, “Four years ago on this day was the first time I said I love you. Will you do the honor of letting me love you forever? Will you marry me?” Of course, I shouted my yes.

Thus began the exciting time of being engaged. We spent a lot of time preparing in different ways, mentally, emotionally but most importantly spiritually. We met with my Spiritual Director and our chosen Officiant, Deacon Tom Biegel, as well as with a mentor couple. Through all of those meetings Jeremy and I came to an even better understanding of and mutual respect for one another. We even made the decision to stop kissing 100 days out from the wedding, because--dang!--chastity is hard, especially when you’re so close to spending the rest of your lives together.

During our last month of engagement, we embarked on a novena I had always dreamed of incorporating into my wedding day. We prayed the 54-day Rosary Novena and chose to end it on August 22, the feast day of Our Lady Queen of the Universe--the day we had first consecrated ourselves to the Blessed Mother, and the day we had first chosen to one day get married. During the novena, the first 27 days are prayed in petition for a specific intention, and the last 27 days are prayed in thanksgiving.

This is what we prayed for:

For the binding, healing and forgiveness of all generational sin from the Fisher and Medina families and the sin we had brought into our relationship.

For our marriage and the building up of our souls as we were to become one with each other and one in Christ.

For our future children, for their sanctity and that they may follow the vocation God our Father calls them to.

On the 54th day, we prayed our final Rosary in a private Chapel just 30 minutes before saying our vows. It was such a precious moment to entrust the entirety of our relationship, our marriage, our future children and so much more into the arms of our Most Blessed Mother. She had done so much for us in our short lives and we were eager to invite her into the rest of what her Son was calling us to. Jeremy sat just one pew in front of me so that we could do a First Look--as I practically sprinted down the aisle to him.

Lastly, as we were about to say our vows, Jeremy picked up a beautiful San Damiano Crucifix. We had chosen a Franciscan crucifix because of how important of a role it had played in our lives at Franciscan University. We each placed our right hand over our Lord and made our vows to love one another as Christ had loved us.

When our officiant exclaimed the words you may now kiss the bride, Jeremy lowered his lips to Jesus on the Cross, and I followed suit. Then we shared our first kiss as husband and wife.

After the Mass had ended, we had requested that Deacon Tom set up the Chapel for a time of Adoration. For so long I had waited for this day, and I wanted Jesus to be the first person we spent our time with as husband and wife. It was absolutely perfect. 

As people filed out of the Church and made their way to the reception, Jeremy and I were in audience with Our King, thanking Him for bringing us to that very moment. After some alone time in Adoration, we opened the Chapel doors for any guests who wished to pray before Him. Afterwards, we hopped on our party bus and truly rejoiced in the rest of the day to follow. At each and every turn we wanted the Lord to be involved in our journey. 

Every moment we thought, how can we invite Him in even more?

Throughout our entire relationship, Jeremy and I have strived to keep our eyes on Christ. We haven’t been perfect by any means, yet each and every time we messed up, we helped the other run back to Him. It’s beautiful to see how the Lord had brought us from receiving our first sacraments together as children to receiving the Sacrament of Marriage. The Lord is a romantic! He had planned this from the beginning, and I am so excited to see how His story plays out in the rest our lives. He placed me here so that I could say yes to marrying my best friend, my love, my companion chosen for me on the journey home.

From the Photographer:

From the first phone call with Rachel and Jeremy, I could see how important their faith was to them. They spoke about all of the pivotal moments in their relationship where the Lord and Blessed Mother were so present, and how they were brought into their season of engagement.

When we met in person for their engagement session, they were close to starting their 54-day Rosary novena. It was the most beautiful thing to witness the final rosary of Rachel and Jeremy’s Novena on their wedding day and be a part of Adoration after their wedding mass. To see a couple so focused on getting each other to heaven was incredibly inspiring. They truly kept Christ the center of their entire wedding day from start to finish.

Ceremony Location: St. Gilbert Catholic Church, Grayslake, Illinois | Reception Venue: Upper East, Kenosha, Wisconsin | Photography: Colette M. Photography | Second Photographer: Annika Rose Photography | Videography: Rhys Ladhani Media | DJ: Silver Spoon Entertainment | Florals: Debbie’s Floral Shoppe, Mundelein, Illinois | Cake & Desserts: Culinary Infusion, Kenosha, Wisconsin | Bride’s Gown: Bon Bon Belle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Wedding Bands: Rolland’s Jewelers, Libertyville, Illinois | Makeup: Dina Forchione-Kloss of Embrace Your Face Artistry | Hairstylist: Tammie Retzke | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Azazie | Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Generation Tux

Olivia + Jackson | Heirloom-Inspired Interfaith Wedding

Pink hues and pearl-dotted details create a simple, vintage aesthetic with a modern twist. Placing an emphasis on personal touches, this wedding and reception became a true family affair.

When Olivia first met Jackson, he checked all of the boxes except one: Catholic. 

While she prepared herself for the day when it would become clear that things could never work out between them—even thinking that he might pull the trigger himself when her overwhelming Catholicism got the best of him—that day never came.

This thing that she used to think of as a full-stop dealbreaker was turning out to not break the deal at all. 

As she fell more and more in love with Jackson, marriage made its way to the very front of her mind. 

From the Bride:

I hadn’t thought much about my future wedding before, but the one thing that I always wanted was that moment when my beloved and I would both receive the Eucharist—our first meal shared together as one would be the very body and blood of Jesus! 

How could this be if the man I loved didn’t share my faith?

I eventually talked to my paternal grandmother—lovingly called Oma—whose nearly 60 years of marriage to my late Opa had always been an inspiration to me. Their marriage, like the one I would one day enter into, was a mixed-faith marriage. 

A very happy life, 12 children, and 46 grandchildren came from their marriage, so I knew it wasn’t “bad” to marry a Protestant. I just thought I’d never do it. 

Oma’s words resonated with me: “Does he love you? And more importantly, does he love God?”

My dream of receiving communion with my husband had to be altered, but I also found great beauty and humility in my husband when we both knelt at the altar on that day and received different blessings—the body and blood of Christ for me, and the prayer of spiritual communion for him.

Our wedding day was more lovely than I ever could have imagined. During the planning process, I found that there were very few things I cared about, so I ended up letting other people make decisions, unless I was forced. 

There was only one detail that I was absolutely sure I wanted to handle: Jackson’s wedding band.

When Opa died a couple years prior, he left everything to my Oma—except one thing, which was for me. 

A few days after his funeral, my Oma handed me a green jewelry box with a golden clasp. Inside was his wedding ring, which he had worn proudly his whole life. 

I’d been known by all as Opa’s favorite, so I wasn’t surprised to receive a gift from him, but I had no idea what I was supposed to do with a man’s ring. So, I tucked it away and waited until its purpose was clear.

Little did I know that less than a month after I received Opa’s ring, Jackson would come into my life. He was a smart, interesting, hard-working Christian, and he really seemed to like me! 

Not long after we began dating, he started to say to me, “You’re my favorite,” with the sweetest smile, and I started to understand what Opa’s ring had been for all along.

When Jackson proposed to me, he gifted me a ring that had been worn by his great-grandmother, which made it even more fitting that he would one day wear Opa’s ring. 

Together, we took it to a jeweler and had it refurbished into the wedding band that I placed on his finger on our wedding day. The new version of the ring is more modern and suits Jackson’s style better, but is still recognizable to me as the ring that symbolized Opa’s vow. 

This has helped me to associate our interfaith marriage with another that had been such a shining example in my life.

I should mention here that I am lucky. Though my husband is not Catholic, he has embraced the Catholic tradition in many ways: he willingly attends Mass with me weekly; has promised to help me raise our children Catholic one day; and agreed to a full Mass on our wedding day, knowing that he and his family would not get to receive Communion. 

Not every interfaith marriage is so blessed. But to the brides out there who have fallen in love with a non-Catholic man, I say that not only is a Christ-centered, interfaith marriage possible, but it is beautiful.

My marriage to a Protestant man has broken down many of the uncharitable prejudices that I used to have about our non-Catholic brothers and sisters. My husband’s family has been the most welcoming force in my life, and I now strive to share that virtue, while still living my Catholic faith. 

My husband’s scrupulous research about the teachings of the Church and the questions that he’s asked me have forced me to dive into the traditions of my faith. 

My faith is no longer passive, but active. I seek the reasons behind the truths of our faith, and I actively pray that what we both learn leads him to heaven.

When we set out to plan our wedding, we didn’t have much of a “vision” in mind. The perfect wedding for both of us would be simple, down-to-earth, and would be well-attended by our families and close friends. 

We came up with a concept for an heirloom-inspired, modern wedding based on what was most important to us, including being married in the same church as my grandparents.

Wanting to include our family and friends in our wedding day, we realized that the people who are close to us all had unique gifts to share, so we began to ask for help, turning our vintage, heirloom wedding into an all-hands-on-deck experience.

My mother used her talents honed as a graphic designer to create a lovely design for our wedding invitations, which we decided to engrave on lightweight wood for a classic feel. 

For the liturgy, we enlisted my aunt and uncle to organize the music and asked some other well-spoken relatives to proclaim the Word. Some cousins were recruited as altar servers, and our siblings and friends were secured as the wedding party. 

We then chose our readings and music selections. Both of us were drawn to the stories of creation, and found them very fitting for celebrating the creation of our new family. 

With this in mind, I chose to process down the aisle to the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King.” While I walked down the aisle with my dad, I heard the congregation praising God in song as I approached Jackson, the man who was created by God for me.

For us, wearing the rings of each other’s relatives was an important symbolic joining of our families.

We can now look to the long and happy marriages of those who wore our rings as an example and inspiration for our marriage.

The aesthetic of our wedding was simple and classic, with a modern twist. I wore the simplest gown I could find, which was altered by a seamstress to match the pearl details that we’d chosen for the reception. 

I chose vintage-inspired, pearl-dotted shoes, pearl earrings, and a long veil that had been worn by two of my bridesmaids at their own weddings. The bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of pink, and we all carried blush and cream flowers surrounded by lush greenery that had been arranged by the florist shop housed inside my father’s pharmacy.

The reception venue we chose was owned by a family friend. It was a historic newspaper office that had been converted into an event space. 

The building itself featured built-in bookcases and large wooden columns that played into our vintage-meets-modern theme very nicely. We added pearl accents where we could, including sheer curtains with pearl details lining the windows. 

Twinkle lights were placed on top of shelves, and the built-in bookcases were repurposed as glassware cabinets. The original newspaper front desk became our bar, where we served beers and seltzers brewed at my uncle’s brewery in Tennessee.

Wooden tables were arranged around a dance floor, and we served heavy hors d'oeuvres in a tent outside. A jazz band played a mix of standard tunes and more modern hits for our guests to enjoy. 

We were also treated to a vocal rendition of “Under the Boardwalk” performed by my dad and his brothers, a tradition at all of our family gatherings.

When the time came to cut the cake, we sliced into a beautiful two-tier masterpiece made by my younger sister and maid of honor. It was both beautiful and delicious!

The personal touches that came from our friends and family made our wedding truly unique.

Our families celebrated the first day of our life as a new family in the most fitting way: by being a family! Time, talents, and treasures were contributed by all to make our day reflect the joy of the sacrament that we received. 

We feel so blessed to be a part of a family that steps up and takes on the roles that they are most suited to—in the same way that we now fulfill our unique roles as husband and wife. 

Leading up to our wedding, I heard from so many people that the wedding day isn't that important. Though this is absolutely true when comparing the wedding to the marriage, I saw something unexpected and deep in the way our wedding day came together. 

What I saw was a microcosm of the Church herself. By giving to the Lord the fruits of our unique abilities, we can create a beautiful thing—a community that lives like a family. 

Our friends and family who attended our wedding and helped us make the day special not only shared in our joy; they gave us joy! And there's no better gift to give to a bride and groom.

Photography: Angela Brearton Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fulton, IL | Reception Location: The Old Fulton Journal Building, Fulton, IL | Appetizers & Desserts: Krumpets Bakery Cafe | Late Night Snack: Candlelight Inn | Beer & Seltzer: Red Silo Brewing | Bride's Dress: BHLDN | Bride's Shoes: Etsy | Bride's Jewelry: Etsy | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Groom's Attire: State & Liberty | Cake: Tessa Vander Bleek | Stationary: KAST Laser Creations | Music: Chicago Diamond Trio | Flowers: Fitzgerald's Flowers

Amanda + Evan | Rustic Rose-Colored Wedding

Cathedral-style summer nuptials on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, centered on Christ and the Cross.

Amanda and Evan met while on mission with FOCUS. Evan was assigned last minute to a medical mission trip to Peru that Amanda had already been working on for months. 

Despite not having any medical experience, Evan joined the trip full of enthusiasm!

During their time in Peru, they developed a new and life-giving friendship that continued for the next few months. 

During a FOCUS summer training, Evan decided to ask Amanda on a date, to which she happily said yes. Even though they were assigned to different mission locations, they invested in their long distance relationship wholeheartedly. 

Soon after discerning that Amanda was the woman for him, Evan asked for her parent's blessing.

They were thrilled and gifted him with some family diamonds to make a ring for their daughter. 

Over Thanksgiving break later that year, during a private holy hour, Evan proposed to Amanda, who joyfully agreed. Afterward, they prayed together in front of the Blessed Sacrament and celebrated with Mass.

From the Photographer:

Amanda and Evan’s wedding day was seriously one of the most joyful events I've ever been a part of!

They were united in a full nuptial Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Woodstock, GA on the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Since Amanda and Evan both have a devotion to our Lady, it was perfect for them

The church was spacious and designed in the cathedral style, which was important to the bride and groom. They wanted a space to celebrate their marriage that was big enough to hold all of their family and friends without it being crowded in COVID times.

Amanda looked absolutely elegant in her lace-backed dress and cathedral veil. Wearing earrings from her grandmother, she wrapped a rosary from Fatima around her bouquet, and wore a small embroidered icon of the crucifixion inside her wedding dress.

Evan wore an identical icon pinned inside his coat.

Amanda and Evan shared an emotional first look in the church’s adoration chapel. They prayed together and exchanged gifts. 

Amanda gave Evan a gold Sacred Heart case that contained letters from her and a prayer of consecration to the Blessed Mother. Evan gifted his bride a print of “The Wedding of Joseph and Mary.” 

Afterward, they had their close friends, family, and priest celebrant pray over them before their ceremony in the chapel.

The bridal party wore a dusty pink dress from Roolee, which complimented the white and green florals. The bouquets and boutonnieres coordinated beautifully with white roses, baby's breath, and eucalyptus leaves.

Amanda and Evan had many friends dear to their hearts, but logistically could not fit them all into the wedding party. 

They decided to honor these friends by making them "wedding party attendants," who wore the wedding colors and took photos with the bride and groom like a bridal party would. These friends also joined in the group prayer for the couple.

During their wedding Mass, Evan and Amanda incorporated traditional music and included the Croatian wedding crucifix tradition as part of their vows.

Their reception was at a beautiful, two-story, brick, all-inclusive venue in historic downtown Acworth. During the father-daughter dance, Amanda's sisters came out to join at the end as a tribute to their love for her and the closeness of their family. 

After dancing the night away on a packed dance floor, Amanda and Evan left their reception with a sparkler and bubble exit into a getaway car.

One thing I was consistently wowed by was how the Lord drew people to Himself through the witness of Amanda and Evan's relationship. 

Marriage is meant to be a living example of the domestic Church, and through two people who are absolutely in love with the Lord coming together, it can invite others into the knowledge of the intimacy Christ wants with us. 

I found myself convicted that my own marriage should be such a reflection.

Photography: Nicole Sandercock Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Woodstock, GA | Reception Location: The Conservatory at Waterstone, Acworth, GA | Bride’s Dress & Veil: A Formal Occasion | Groom’s Attire: Alaine DuPetit | Bridesmaid Dresses: Roolee | Floral Design: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Catering: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Stationary: Zola | Cake: Confection Perfection

Kathryn + Pedro | A Surreal Spanish Celebration

A long-distance love story seemingly lifted from a Hollywood film culminates in a romantic wedding abroad. A nuptial Mass in an ornate Spanish church followed by a starlit reception overlooking historic Granada.

Kathryn was living with a family in Madrid, working as an au pair while learning Spanish. After three months in Spain, she met Pedro, and they became good friends instantly. 

Pedro’s English was better than Kathryn’s Spanish, so he would sometimes help her with errands around town. He also introduced her to some of his friends to help her practice her language skills. 

Kathryn and Pedro continued to grow in friendship for months before beginning a dating relationship spanning countries and continents.

From the Bride:

The reality is, I went to Spain without any thought of finding my life partner. Really, I just wanted the cultural experience of living in another country and to truly learn how to speak Spanish once and for all. 

I left the rest up to God and His plan for me.

Pedro and I remained close friends for months before we actually started dating. Our courtship began right before I headed back to the United States.

Despite the distance, we continued our courtship for a full year following my return. We video chatted daily, but only saw each other once when Pedro visited me during Christmas. 

At that time, he met my entire family. My mother is one of 13 and my father is one of eight, so you can imagine how big my family gets! 

During his visit, we even made a trip to Niagara Falls and saw its beauty in mid-winter. It was cold, but amazing! We attended midnight Mass with my family and truly enjoyed the holiday together.

After Pedro's visit, I knew I would marry him. It was just a matter of when. 

The entire time I kept thinking about how surreal our entire courtship felt. It seemed like something straight out of a movie. 

Six months after his Christmas visit, Pedro came back to Michigan and ended up staying. He proposed three months later, and we started planning our wedding.

We had a long engagement and ended up getting married in Granada, Spain—Pedro's hometown and a popular tourist destination. We did our Catholic marriage preparation in the U.S. and had everything sent over to the church he grew up in, Iglesia de san Pedro y san Pablo.

During our marriage preparation, Pedro and I prayed together and spoke about our future plans to have children and the importance our marriage would be as the foundation to build our family. 

Due to VISA requirements in the United States, and to make it easier to get married out of the country, we completed the civil marriage license and paperwork in the U.S. long before our actual wedding. 

However, it was important for us to get married in the Church with God as our witness because that is the marital foundation we wanted to build our family on.

On our wedding day, Pedro wore a pin showing he is a costalero with the Iglesia de san Pedro y san Pablo. A costalero is one of the boys/men who carry the statue of the Virgin of that church during Semana Santa (Holy Week). 

The traditional processions of Semana Santa in Andalusia, Spain date back to the fithteeth century and are still very important today. People from all over Spain, and the world, visit the south of Spain during Semana Santa to witness the elaborate displays of the holy figures.

Taking part in the processions is considered to be a big honor in representing the Catholic faith and the Church. 

Many other Spanish traditions were incorporated into the wedding ceremony. My suegra (mother-in-law) wore the traditional black peineta and mantilla in her hair. This is something formally worn during special occasions such as bullfights, during Holy Week, and at weddings. 

The peineta and mantilla are used as a sign of respect and to cover a woman's shoulders. The mantilla is a way to emulate Mary, our mother, who is archetypically pure and humble, a symbol of modesty. It also veils a woman's beauty so the beauty of God can be venerated instead.

We also had a traditional Spanish choir at the church called a Rociero Choir.

Finally, once Mass had finished, all the Spaniards ran outside with bags of rice to throw at the new bride and groom as we exited from the church. This custom represents abundance and symbolizes fertility and prosperity for the new couple. 

Of course, all the Americans remained in the church, as they did not get the memo and are accustomed to allowing the bride and groom to exit first as a sign of respect. This was just one of many cultural differences we discovered.

The service at the church was exquisite. I still feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in the sacrament of marriage with the love of my life in such a beautiful setting. Some tourists even came into the church to witness our commitment to God and to one another. 

After the Mass, everyone gathered in the courtyard outside the front of the church and began a nice walk along the Carrera del Darro up to the Carmen de los Chapiteles for the reception.

The Carmen de los Chapiteles dates back to the fourteenth century and was given by the Catholic Monarchs to the General who commanded their armies when they won back Spain. It sits up on a hill under the gardens of La Alhambra overlooking one of the oldest parts of the city, Albaicín and El Sacromonte.

Jamon Serrano (a Spanish dry cured ham) was served during the cocktail hour on the terrace while guests visited with one another. Dinner and entertainment followed. 

As is Spanish tradition for the bride and groom, we passed out small gifts and visited with all the guests during dinner. We also cut our wedding cake using a sword, another Spanish tradition. We had around 80 guests total, 23 of whom traveled from the United States for the occasion.

To say our wedding was from a dream would be an understatement. Just like our entire relationship, our wedding was well beyond anything I could have imagined. 

Finding the person who was right for me and for my future family was something I prayed for. 

The fact that I met the man I would later marry thousands of miles from home, in another country, makes me think there was truly divine intervention. 

God has a plan for us all and blesses us with His love and generosity daily. I thank Him every day for these blessings. 

My wedding day reminded me of how fortunate I am to have loving family and friends and Christ our Lord guiding us along our life journey.

God truly blessed us with a gorgeous day and the perfect celebration to start our life together as husband and wife.

Photography: Mazintosh Fotografia | Nuptial Mass Location: Iglesia Parroquial de san Pedro y san Pablo, Granada, Spain | Reception Location: Carmen de los Chapiteles, Granada, Spain | Music: Dry N Wet | Floral Design: Floristeria Armiflor | Hair and Makeup: Peluqueria & Estetica Manuela Dote

Carolina + Jordan | Multicultural Modern Fairytale Wedding

A love story spanning hemispheres and cultures celebrated with a renewal of vows against the lush tropical backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, bedecked with crystal chandeliers and elaborate arrangements of pink lilies, orchids, and roses.

As a teenager in her native Brazil, Carolina began praying to St. Anthony for her future spouse. Years later while studying in Savannah, she met Jordan online.

While fleeing from a hurricane, the seemingly unlikely couple found they had more in common than they originally thought. 

Despite the challenges of immigration, families on different sides of the globe, and differing faith traditions, Carolina and Jordan were ultimately able to celebrate their relationship in grand fashion in the presence of all their loved ones.

From the Bride:

I was never a girl who dreamed of her wedding, but I always knew I was going to marry a good husband.

That is because I was born on the feast day of St. Anthony (June 13th), who in Brazil is considered the patron saint of matrimony, or the “matchmaker saint.” 

(As a fun fact, that is why Brazilians celebrate Valentine's Day June 12th, a day before St. Anthony's feast, in which all the single women can lift prayers to St. Anthony to find their significant other!)

As a devout, cradle-Catholic, once I got to my teenage years, I would pray to St. Anthony every year to help me find a good boyfriend.

But I was a dreamer and a hopeless romantic, so no real boy actually met all my expectations. I would go on dates, but I never seriously “dated” anyone.

Jordan and I met when I was 21 and he was 26. It was my second year of college in the United States. 

I had only had one previous relationship, which had left me heartbroken. By then I had given up on idealizing the perfect man.

Instead, I put all my hopes and dreams on Jesus himself—He was the only one who could truly fulfill me and love me unconditionally.

Once I learned to lean into my relationship with Christ, the world around me got so much easier. 

Jordan and I met online, and our first date was in a cute coffee shop in Savannah. He was a pretty laid-back, open guy. Despite having totally different backgrounds and personalities, I discovered we had a lot in common,  

He had a military background; I was an artist. He was practical; I was a dreamer. He was from cold, upstate New York; I was from tropical Rio de Janeiro. 

But we shared the same values and had similar goals in life. We were attracted to each other in that sense—our views of the world really aligned. 

Also, his stepmom was Brazilian, and his father had lived for a few years in Brazil and even knew how to speak Portuguese! What are the odds?

A few days after our first date a hurricane hit Savannah, and we all had to evacuate the city. Jordan and I met again in Atlanta, while running away from hurricane Matthew, and spent the entire weekend together exploring the city. 

When it was time to go back, he asked if I wanted to keep seeing each other. On our following date, he asked me to be his girlfriend. And I actually said no! 

I was still getting to know him, I had just gotten out of another relationship, and I wasn't ready to commit. 

But then I realized: Isn't that what dating is for? To discern things before you're ready to commit to something bigger?

The second time he asked me to be his girlfriend, I said yes—and the rest is history.

We dated for a year, my family came to visit from Brazil to meet him, and the following year we got engaged. Jordan also went to Rio de Janeiro to meet the rest of my (big) family and see my hometown. 

Because of logistics (my family living in another hemisphere) and immigration (I was an international student when we got engaged), we had to split our wedding celebration into different steps. 

For immigration purposes, our civil marriage was completed first in Forsyth Park in Savannah. It was a gorgeous, but COLD day for us Brazilians! Our families finally met for the first time, and it was all very intimate. 

We exchanged vows in front of the beautiful Forsyth Fountain and a street musician even started playing the wedding march and “The Girl From Ipanema” (a famous Tom Jobim song) totally impromptu!

Our nuptial Mass was celebrated six months later, as soon as I graduated college, and we were ready to move in together. 

My family came from Brazil, and it was very intimate once again. We had a wonderful priest who accompanied us during marriage prep. 

To exchange our marriage vows in the Church, I wore a gorgeous, but simple, floral summer dress. We celebrated afterwards in a beautiful restaurant on River Street.

We decided to have our wedding reception and renewal of vows in Rio because, if there is something we Brazilians know how to do, it's throw a good party.

For the renewal of vows, we went as grand as it could be! I'm a huge Disney-princess fan, and I wanted to have a gorgeous and romantic ceremony.

It turned out perfect, and we finally had all my family and friends to celebrate with us.

Since our marriage, I have seen the power of the Holy Spirit blessing our relationship. Jordan, who was raised Baptist, was finally baptized just months before our second anniversary, and our marriage officially became a sacrament!

I am eager to raise a loving, bicultural family. Praise God and St. Anthony for my marriage! 

I still thank my patron saint every day.

Photography: Aszmann | Nuptial Mass Location: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Savannah, GA | Renewal of Vows and Reception Location: Casa das Canoas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Bride’s Dress: Airé | Bride’s Veil: Rosa Clará | Bride’s Crown: Ateliê Priscila Gamino | Engagement Ring: Verragio | Wedding Bands: Brilliant Earth | Hair & Makeup: Marcelo Hicho | Orchestra: Delfim Moreira Orquestra

Madison + AJ | 1920s Railway Station Wedding

A summertime Texas wedding celebrated in the historic St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, lined with stunning stained glass architecture that brightened a spacious cream interior. Bridesmaids in blush gowns held joyful bouquets of yellow, purple, and pink florals. And the reception, decorated with gold accents, was held in a landmark 1920s era train-station-turned-ballroom. 

Madison and AJ share a special devotion to the Holy Family, their example of perfect married love and faithful family life. Their wedding was a beautiful tribute to this devotion, and even the unexpected appearance of a pandemic couldn’t steal the joy of their celebration.

From the Photographer

Madison and AJ both served as FOCUS missionaries and met at James Madison University in Virginia at a Catholic ministries event. 

Madison had recently transferred to JMU from Texas A&M. One day, AJ spotted her in the quad and introduced himself. He noticed she was wearing an A&M T-shirt, so he mentioned he had completed some missionary work with students there. Coincidentally, Madison knew those students! And so their friendship began.

Over the next few weeks, AJ wanted to help Madison feel welcome in her new school. Their interactions soon blossomed into a loving relationship. Meanwhile, Madison was praying for her future spouse on the rosary her brother brought her from World Youth Day.

During homecoming weekend, Madison and AJ were praying in the chapel. Sick to his stomach from nerves, AJ wrote her a letter. He wrote how God had given him opportunity after opportunity to trust in him through the process of getting engaged. He wrote that he hoped to imitate St. Joseph in their relationship. St. Joseph had loved Mary with the gifts of security, gentleness, masculinity, obedience to God, and by allowing Mary to be who God was calling her to be. 

He knew Madison would allow him the opportunity to love her like St. Joseph loved Mary. And so, AJ asked Madison to marry him. She said yes!

They were married on August 15th, on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church in Fort Worth, Texas. It was a beautiful confirmation that the Blessed Mother had heard Madison’s rosary petitions. 

At their nuptial Mass, Madison and AJ were surrounded by their loved ones and some who watched via livestream because of COVID-related travel limitations. Despite the hiccups that came with planning a COVID wedding, the day was faith-filled, reverent, and joyful--just like the bride and groom.

In fact, every detail of their wedding expressed Madison and AJ’s love of God, Our Lady, and their families. 

The church's bright and airy feel was mirrored by the wedding party’s attire and pastel florals. Bridesmaids wore blush-pink chiffon gowns in different but complementary styles. The groomsmen wore matching pink bow ties, masks, and light gray suits that complemented the bright altar backdrop.

The bouquets and boutonnieres were arranged by Madison's grandfather with bright yellow, pink, and purple flowers. The bridesmaids held yellow roses, and when Madison and AJ spent a moment in prayer with Our Lady, they gifted her yellow roses as well.

Madison’s bridal gown was elegant and playful in all the perfect ways. The dress featured a classic boat neck, balanced by a low v-shaped back and illusion sides. The full circle skirt was dramatic but lightweight and moved gracefully on the dance floor--which Madison hardly left the entire evening. 

She also wore her grandmother's pearl ring, which each of her cousins had worn before her, as "something borrowed." She also had her mother's earrings and held the rosary from her brother around her bouquet. 

Finally, she chose a miraculous medal necklace as a tribute to Our Lady, whose Feast of the Assumption was celebrated on their wedding day.

The readings were those for the Feast of the Holy Family. This was providential, because AJ had called upon the Holy Family in his proposal to Madison, when he had asked for the grace to imitate St. Joseph's love for Mary in his love for his bride.

During the ceremony, the couple was covered with a rosary lasso by Madison’s grandparents, representing their families’ love and their lifelong union before God. Then they received the Precious Blood of Jesus for the first time as a married couple, bowing their heads in reverence for the living Christ in the Eucharist.

The reception was held in the main waiting room at T&P Station, a historic Texas landmark built in the 1930's. The interior is an extravagant example of 1920's Zigzag Moderne architecture and features stunning chandeliers and intricate gold and blue-trimmed wall and ceiling detail. 

The white stone floors were the perfect place for the bridal party and guests to dance the night away, which they did. It was also the perfect place to witness AJ wash his bride’s feet as a symbol of the loving service he vowed to provide her as her husband.

The dinner tables were set with gold plates and gold-rimmed wine glasses to match the striking details of the 1920’s era train-station-turned-ballroom. Muted greenery lined the centerpieces with white baby’s breath as the final touch to the elegant table settings.

Madison and AJ are the epitome of a Christ-centered couple. They served together as FOCUS missionaries on several campuses and participated in many mission trips. Throughout it all, they prayed together and grew together in faith toward a holy, sacramental union. They served one another while serving the Church. 

And their wedding was the perfect start to a married life lived in imitation of the Holy Family.

Photographer: Chelsea Sliwa Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church | Reception Venue : T&P Station | Videographer: @joshulmerfilms | Florist: Flowers with Love | Cake: Stephens Sweet Sensations | Catering: Angelo’s BBQ | Wedding Rentals: @partyessentialsfw | The Bar: DFW Bartending | Hair and Makeup: Kiss and Makeup | DJ: TeeJay from Be Entertained Events | Dress: Ashton Gown by Jenny Yoo | Dress Boutique: BHLDN | Suit: Express Men

Ashley + Andy | Birmingham Cathedral Pandemic Wedding

An intimate Mass celebrated in the halls of the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. Adorned with roses and blush elegance, a backyard reception became a beautiful celebration of the sacrament of marriage.

Ashley and Andy met at bible study and were immediately drawn to each other. They both shared a passion for cultivating a rich spiritual life, and this only deepened their bond. As they pursued the Lord, growing closer and closer to him through prayer, they inevitably grew closer to each other. And so, over coffee dates and Sunday Masses, they fell in love.

Then, calling upon the intercession of the Holy Family, Ashley and Andy navigated the unexpected trials of wedding planning in a pandemic. Despite new social restrictions, their nuptial Mass held within the walls of their beloved cathedral felt anything but empty and isolating. As Ashley’s brother reminded her minutes before the ceremony, “the angels and saints are filling the rows.”

From the Bride: 

Andy and I met at a Young Catholic Professionals bible study at our home parish, where we immediately connected and became friends. We didn’t notice each other in a romantic light until later, when we attended an adoration worship night during Advent. Andy was kneeling next to me, and we were caught in each other’s eyes, in awe of Jesus, and drawn to one another’s faith life. He asked me out after Mass the next Sunday, and we got to know each other over coffee.

I dated Andy for over a year and a half before we were engaged on July 28, 2019 at the Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, founded by Mother Angelica. I cherish this particular shrine because we went there on one of our first dates. I also work at EWTN, so I love Mother Angelica very much.

Like that night in adoration, Andy and I have shared many spiritual moments together. We consecrated ourselves to the Blessed Mother when we began our relationship. Now, we serve on the prayer team for our ministry and pray novenas to our favorite saints. 

Andy and I prayed consistently for our wedding day and called upon the intercession of the Holy Family throughout our engagement. We asked St. Joseph in particular to cover us in prayer as we adjusted our wedding plans due to the pandemic. 

After a nine month engagement, we married with our immediate family present at the gorgeous cathedral in Birmingham, where we both grew up. Because of COVID-19, we had a small ceremony with only our immediate family, and a dear priest-friend from Africa celebrated the Mass. 

In the moments before I entered the church, my family came to pray with me in the bridal suite. I always envisioned my bridesmaids leading the prayers, but there was something special about my father leading our family prayer. My brother whispered something afterwards that has stayed with me since. He said: 

“I know that you wanted the huge wedding of your dreams, with tons of people filling the pews, but remember that even though the church may seem empty, it’s not--because the angels and saints are filling all the rows.” 

It filled my heart with joy to hear those words, and I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in that moment. The saints have always held a special place in our hearts, and we love learning more about them. We could feel their presence in the cathedral as soon as we walked through the doors.

The organist played and the cantor sang “Come Thou Fount,” and “Oh God Beyond All Praising.”  Both our brothers read the readings. The first was from Genesis, which included Adam’s exclamation of “this one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” to Eve, his bride. The second reading was from 1 Corinthians, explaining the definition of sacrificial love. 

As we exchanged our vows, Andy and I felt closer to each other than ever before. Then came Communion. Due to COVID-19, we hadn’t received the Eucharist in over two months. We cried when we received the Body and Blood of Jesus and will forever hold those sweet moments in our hearts. 

During the “Ave Maria,” when we placed flowers at the Blessed Mother’s feet, we prayed that she would guide us throughout our marriage and help us to become holy parents, should God grace us with children. We looked over at our family as we processed back to our seats and watched them cry tears of joy. 

As soon as we exited the church, we were surprised to see many of our close family members and friends ringing bells to “wish us well!” People hung signs from their cars as they drove by. Even some of my bridesmaids were there, dressed up in their bridesmaid dresses to make it feel like they were part of our day. We were so filled with joy when we saw those faces!

We ended the night in my parents’ backyard eating cake and toasting to our marriage. Then we danced our first dances with each other and cut the cake. Through it all, God was evident in every little detail of the day.

Today we celebrate one month of marriage, and it has been the sweetest month. 

God has blessed Andy and I with so much joy for each other. Our love story was written by him, and we are so grateful to the Lord for all the blessings we have received. 

Photography: Olivia Joy Photography | Church: The Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham, AL | Reception: Private Residence | Flowers - Pink Pear Florists, Cake- Pastry Art | Dress- Bridal Bliss | Tux - Calvin Klein | Invitations - Fine Paperwork | Videographer - Rush Videos | Hair and Makeup - Kaitlin Sparkman | Planner - Carly Cline and Engaged Wedding Library | Calligrapher - Amanda Reeves

Flora + Joseph | Blush and Lace Garden Party Wedding

Flora and Joseph made it their mission as a couple “to make the invisible love of God visible and tangible” to everyone they encountered. Their vintage wedding, inspired by both the Garden of Eden and Queen Elizabeth II’s garden parties, reflected this desire. 

Their story begins a few years before that joyful day, at Joseph’s sister’s wedding. That was where Joe first noticed Flora, the woman who would become his future bride.

From the Groom: Flora and I met through my sister Katherine, who at one time was Flora’s teacher and mentor. At my sister’s wedding, Flora and her friends came to celebrate a new life forged in marriage. She didn’t know that at that very time, the Lord was preparing her for her own. 

Over a year after Kat’s wedding, I found Flora on social media and added her as a friend. I didn’t want to push a relationship; I could tell from the way Kat talked about her and how involved she seemed with her faith that just knowing this woman would bring me joy and a greater peace of mind in Christ.

From the Bride: I was not interested in a relationship when Joe messaged me. I was seriously discerning the single life and focusing on my relationship with God. The summer before Joe and I met, my friend and mentor, Kathy, was travelling to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. She asked if any of us had intentions for her to pray for during the pilgrimage. I asked her to pray for my vocation. 

Later, Joe and I met in person at St. Rita’s church in New Orleans for a night of adoration and socializing with other young adults. He asked if I wanted to “grow in our relationship with Jesus together” (be his girlfriend) at a Dave & Busters in San Antonio, at the end of the SEEK 2017 conference. After SEEK, we consecrated ourselves and our relationship to Jesus through Mary on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11th. 

It wasn’t until after we made this decision that I found out Kathy had prayed for my vocation in Lourdes, France. Early on in the relationship, the vocation of married life was very much on our hearts and in our prayers.

I was studying abroad in Amsterdam, the Netherlands when Joe decided to propose. 

Our shared love language is quality time, so we FaceTimed any chance we got while long-distance. His mom texted one day and asked what my address was because she was going to send an “Easter surprise.” I thought nothing of it because she makes Easter baskets every year for her grandchildren. 

The day before Joseph proposed, he woke up, got dressed for work, and FaceTimed me. Later in the day, when we usually talked during his lunch break, he told me the principal wanted to meet with him about lesson plans, so we wouldn’t be able to chat. That night, he planned to meet up with friends. 

I found out later he was actually on a flight from New Orleans to Amsterdam. I woke up to a call from the “mail woman” the next morning, claiming that a package for me was downstairs. I put my shoes on (still in my pajamas) and headed downstairs. She told me my package was outside, and I became very confused. I stepped out onto the street, and there was Joe with flowers in one hand and an acoustic guitar in the other. That’s where he asked me to be his wife.

Photography: Rudenko Photography

My bridesmaids and I got ready the morning of the wedding at a gorgeous Airbnb on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Joe and his groomsmen got ready at his parent’s house. I didn’t particularly enjoy planning the wedding, so creating a peaceful environment on the wedding day was important to help me enter into the sacrament with Joe.

I had begun writing “letters to my future husband” three weeks after we started dating. I wrote about small and big events in our relationship, my thoughts when we were long-distance, and many thanks for his selfless acts. Joe wrote me a sweet note the morning of the wedding, and we both read our letters in the church as we waited to see each other at the altar.

Divine Mercy parish in Louisiana is where we started going to Mass as a couple, and it’s where we were married on our wedding day.

Joe and I love a particular quote by St. John Paul II. He said, “It is the God-given purpose of our lives to make the invisible love of God visible and tangible in our material world.” It has become part of our mission as a couple to share God’s love in the world. We wanted our guests to feel and know his love through the readings, songs, vows, and intentional time with our friends and family.

I walked down the aisle to a song called “Closer” by Steffany Gretzinger. The bridal party walked out to the instrumental of the song, and when the doors opened, the cantor started singing the verses. I heard the song for the first time during adoration when Joe and I were on a retreat together. It’s about the beauty of God’s love, and it reminded me of how beautiful Joe’s love is as well. 

I was already crying before the doors opened. Joe and I dealt with hardships throughout our engagement, and in this moment I was shown how victorious love is.

We chose the “washing of the feet” as our Gospel reading because Jesus showed the Apostles how to be servant leaders. Marriage is a sacrament of service, and it is our mission to share God’s love with those we encounter every day. As we were kneeling in front of the altar, I thought about how it is a place where sacrifice occurs (think Abraham and Isaac, the moment of transubstantiation, etc.), and how Joe and I were sacrificing our own lives, wants, and needs to be joined as one.

Our main celebrant, Fr. Abraham, is a spiritual father figure to me. He has known me since I was 15 and watched me grow as a leader and a woman in the years before the wedding. His homily is one I still think about often because he emphasized God’s gift of love and how important it is to seek Jesus in the Eucharist throughout our marriage.

Joe’s maternal grandfather and namesake was his best friend growing up and would have been the best man at our wedding. He was given his grandfather’s wedding ring after he sadly passed away in 2017. During the exchange of rings, when I put Nanu’s (his grandfather’s) ring on Joe’s finger, we both felt Nanu’s presence in the moment.

We placed flowers and prayed in front of a statue of Mary in honor of our patron saint, Our Lady of Lourdes. We prayed in front of St. Joseph, who has worked overtime in intercessory prayers for us. Joe and I are so grateful to have them as role models as we strive to be a holy family.

The wedding was attended by an intimate group of family and friends. The blush and greenery aesthetic we chose was inspired by the Garden of Eden. The story of Adam and Eve was the first reading, and it is a beautiful example of living in communion with God in a paradise like the Garden. 

When I imagined our wedding, I pictured long tables with our loved ones and enjoying a celebration of love and mission, like the Wedding at Cana. We asked our female guests to wear fascinators: a small, vintage headpiece. The idea stemmed from Queen Elizabeth II’s famous garden parties she hosted at the palace with people who were recognized for their public service. Since it was an intimate celebration, these were the people we recognized as our loved ones and role models in our lives.

We have so many talented loved ones that helped contribute to the beauty of our wedding day. My sorority sister, Ariel, designed our wedding invitation and luncheon menu. Joe’s sister, Genevieve, designed the wedding crest that we used on invitations, song sheets, menus, and the seating chart. Joe’s aunt Gina baked our elderflower-flavored wedding cake. My sister, Vi, arranged all the flowers for the bridal party, groomsmen, mothers (including Mary), and the reception. Each person’s contribution made the day even more special and personal for us.

Love is victorious. As the verse goes, “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7).

When it comes to wedding planning or planning for the future, it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But when you finally come into the light, all the graces are so sweet and well worth it.

Photography: Molly Olwig | Church: Divine Mercy Parish - Kenner, Louisiana | Reception Venue: Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse - New Orleans, LA | Ring: James Allen  | Flora’s Wedding Ring: Etsy | Joe’s Wedding Ring: Joe’s Grandpa’s Wedding Ring  | Bride’s Dress & Veil: David’s Bridal | Shoes: DSW | Jewelry: Aucoin Hart Jewelers  | Groom’s Suit: H&M  | Cake Baker: Gina Paci Grunberg  | Hairstylist/Makeup: Kayla Theriot  | Photo Booth: Envog | Flowers: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods  | Engagement Photography: Rudenko Photography 

Erica | Wedding Day Tribute to Her Beloved

Erica and Christopher’s love story is powerful. It is a real-life tale of love, hope, loss, grief, and supernatural joy in the midst of unimaginable suffering. 

When they first met over ten years ago, Erica did not know the ending of their story, or that God would use their love to show, in the most radical way, that even “through death there is joy in the resurrection.”

This was the reflection their wedding photographer had Erica and Christopher answer in their couple questionnaire. Erica remembers asking him to go on a date night to work through the questions together. Their response is below, and it is followed by, in Erica’s words, how Christ continued to be the center in Christopher’s remaining moments: 

Photo courtesy: Erica Damler

“After Christopher and I met in 2007, we kept in touch long-distance between Indiana and North Carolina. We spent many long hours on the phone and visited each other a couple times. At this point, Christ was not yet a central part of our relationship. 

After ending our relationship in 2008, we each dated other people, but we kept in touch and saw each other a few times in those in-between years. In 2016 we reconnected over the internet and became friends, but I was adamant we would remain only friends. I was not interested in entering a relationship while I was trying to “find myself” and improve my spiritual and emotional life. 

But alas, when we saw each other at Christopher’s birthday in 2016, I knew I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it. I prayed about moving, and everything for my move seemed to fall into place. So I left Indiana to be in Raleigh with him in February 2017. Best decision we ever made--besides our later decision to make going to church and prayer part of our lives. 

We have definitely grown in our relationship with God as a couple and as individuals. St. John Paul II is the patron saint of our relationship. When things began to get serious last year, Christopher started the annulment process. So we lit a candle in our parish asking for St. John Paul II’s intercession to help us with patience, chastity, guidance, and healing as we moved through this time. And we asked people to continue praying for JPII’s intercession in our marriage by including prayer cards in our wedding invitations.”

From the Bride: After Christopher was diagnosed in the emergency room with cancer, the only thing I could think to do was pray. I prayed with him and for him continuously over the less than 48 hours between his diagnosis and his eventual passing. I prayed myself to sleep the second night and awoke in prayer the next morning. 

The foundation we had built, as well as my devotion to Mary, gave me the strength to get through those unfathomable times. I knew Christopher was going to be okay, and I continuously repeated that to everyone. I knew whether he lived on this earth or continued his life in Heaven, he would be okay. 

Mary showed me that in her sorrow the greatest joy she received was in her son’s resurrection. I held on to that then and still do today.

The day of our wedding came after Christopher passed, and it was one of the most beautiful and spiritual experiences I have ever had. My hope for the day was to honor the love that Christopher and I shared, that we could be a witness of deep, genuine love for all who were in attendance, and how special we were to one another. 

Getting ready with my mom, sisters, and bridesmaids, taking photos in the sanctuary, praying a decade of the rosary with our photographer in the Marian chapel, and the time before Mass really set the tone for the day. It truly honored the love shared between Christopher and I--the love that had been given to us by the Lord. 

Every moment of picking out our wedding details was a whirlwind, but we were very intentional. Christopher and I wanted our day to be about the sacrament and joining our lives together as husband and wife, with God as our witness. For us, it wasn’t about a big party or “glitz and glam.” It was about being together “until death do us part”. 

We chose every vendor because they were the best reviewed and the first to respond, except our florist and photographer. I knew hiring people who understood the beauty of the Mass and the sacrament was imperative. In the end, we could not have chosen better, because each of these vendors showed up for me in more ways than I ever could have asked for. Not only did they provide great products, but they prayed with me, talked with me, and shared in my sorrow too.

I remember when I picked out my dress (the day after I got engaged!), and I knew it was going to be perfect. The gown was full but fitted with an off-the-shoulder detail that Christopher would have loved. When I chose it as my dress at the store, I closed my eyes, imagining his face when he would see me walking down the aisle for the first time, and it brought tears to my eyes. 

It took me months to put the dress back on. My sister was sweet enough to call the store and tell them what had happened, asking if they would contact her when the dress came in. After I picked it up, it took a good three months to put it on. I knew I would have to have special strength on that day, but I would know when the time was right, just as I always have when hard trials come along. 

Wearing it on our wedding day was bittersweet, but I felt beautiful. 

All day long on our wedding day, I felt closer to Christopher than I have in a long time. He was there, arms wrapped tight around me, keeping me strong as I prayed for him and celebrated our love. 

I had asked our photographer if it would be okay for us to take photos of me in his suit jacket. I wanted to have a part of him physically there, and I couldn’t think of a better way. His hands had touched that fabric, and he always looked so handsome when he wore it! 

My mom helped me put his jacket on, and I felt an instant, overwhelming happiness which our photographer captured perfectly. Because he was so tall (6’5”), the jacket was huge on me, but that made the moment even better. We could laugh and remember him. The longer I had it on, the more I did not want to take it off. 

To be honest, I remember feeling like I wanted to collapse on the ground and wrap the jacket around me tighter. I didn’t, but I know it would have been totally acceptable, and everyone there would have loved me through the moment, just like they did the whole day. 

I wish I had the exact transcript of father’s homily, because it was perfect. I requested that Fr. Danda make the day about happiness and love instead of focusing on sadness and loss. He chose to do a Mass to St. Joseph and spoke about the love of the Holy Family and how we should live that love in our lives.

Our wedding could have become a day of sadness, but with the love and support of my family, it turned into a day of joy and celebration. I will remember it forever and hold it close to my heart. The validation of love and the close moments that have come from the event mean so much to me. 

I looked out that day from the pulpit while proclaiming the second reading and felt an overwhelming sense of love. I could not have asked for more. But none of it would have been possible except through faith. My faith has kept me strong and has reminded me that through death there is joy in the resurrection which we celebrate each weekend at Mass--or daily if we choose. Keeping Christ the center of my life and building community has been the rock I never knew I was going to need so desperately.

Photography: Soul Creations Photography, Spoken Bride Vendor | Church: St. Malachy Catholic Church, Brownsburg, IN | Wedding Reception: The Alexander Hotel, Indianapolis, IN | Rings: Bailey Box | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridal Gown: Marie Gabriel Couture | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amazon | Stationary / Invitations: Zola | Florist: Graceful Hands Floral Design | Hairstylist, Makeup Artist: B.Buttler Styles

Danielle + Jeff | Latin Mass Fairy Tale Wedding

We are honored by the opportunity to walk alongside you in this marriage ministry, from Yes to I Do and beyond, and we love returning to our couples' stories as they continue to unfold. If we've featured your love story in our How He Asked engagement series and you now feel called to share your wedding with us, as well, submission details can be found here.

Read more here for the story of Danielle and Jeff’s engagement, a tale of patiently growing attraction after Jeff discerned out of the seminary during their time in grad school.

Shortly after celebrating their first anniversary as husband and wife, newlywed Danielle reflects back on her wedding day with her husband, Jeff.

She says, “The memory of that special day is never far from my mind. I still recall something that our priest said during the homily at our nuptial Mass, which was, "Take this early time, this time in which despite whatever fears and anxieties you have, most everything that you dream of seems possible. And cherish that time."

For Danielle, the whole day felt like a fairy tale come true.

From the Bride: It was finally here! Friday, August 4th 2017. The day I had prayed and waited for my whole life, and it was such a beautiful day, with sun rays beaming brightly through the windows.

The bridesmaids and I got ready in the basement of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Vermillion, Minnesota. The girls donned floor-length dresses in a rose-violet shade. My wedding dress was a pure white ballgown with a layered tulle skirt. It had a sweetheart neckline, overlaid with lace, and was cinched at the waist with a crystal belt. I had help fastening my cathedral-length veil and jeweled comb in my hair. The bridesmaids put on their veils and said a silent prayer over me.

Since Jeff and I were having a Solemn High Nuptial Mass, it was fitting for the ladies to also wear a veil, according to the reverence and tradition that we wanted to uphold.

The Extraordinary Form had become something special for Jeff and I throughout our relationship, and it was exceptionally meaningful for us to have it for our nuptial liturgy.

Throughout the morning, my soon-to-be-husband and I made sure we didn’t see each other before the wedding. We wanted to save that moment for the time I approached him walking down the aisle.

At 3 PM the choir chanted Atténde Dómine (Hear Us, O Lord) for the procession of the clergy, and the organist played Canon in D for the entrance of the wedding party. Just before my turn to walk down the aisle, the ushers closed the giant double doors that led into the church.

When the doors swung open again, I saw everyone. The church was incredibly grand and beautiful to behold. I stood there with my blusher draped over my face, holding onto my bouquet of white roses with Grandma Rother’s rosary wrapped around it.

This rosary was special because Jeff’s grandmother received it from her husband. She walked down the aisle with it on her wedding day, just like I was about to do.

My dad and I started walking down the nave of the church, and I saw Jeff standing at the end of the aisle. As we got closer, his smile turned into tears of joy. When we approached the end of the aisle, my dad lifted the veil from my face.

I took Jeff’s hand, and we ascended the stairs into the sanctuary to take our vows. In the tradition of the Latin Mass, the vows are said at the very beginning of the ceremony.

It was very special to be in the sanctuary. Traditionally the sanctuary is reserved for the clergy, but during the sacrament of holy matrimony the bride and groom are permitted to enter beyond the altar rail.

In that moment I felt so close to God.

Once we exchanged consent, Jeff and I joined our right hands, and he made his vow to me. We were asked to release our hands and then join them together again. Then I made my vow to him.

This act of joining, releasing, and joining hands again signified that our vows were made individually. We each had our own responsibility to the other.

At the completion of the sacrament, Fr. Byron Hagan, our celebrant, prayed over us and sprinkled us with holy water. The ceremony continued with the Mass after the Rite of Marriage, and it was absolutely breathtaking.

After the Gospel reading, Fr. Hagan gave an excellent homily and made powerful points about how society has made our generation fearful of marriage; that people today are not rising to the occasion to live out God’s calling in the sacrament of holy matrimony. They fear it is too much of a weight to bear.

“I want to tell you something today,” Fr. Hagan said.

“It is not too heavy for you.”

“Because you are Catholic, because you are confirmed, because you have been living your life with the Church’s faith, in penance, obeying the sacraments, and humbly confessing your sins before God.”

“You now have the power to do something which otherwise cannot be done: which in the deepest heart of hearts all of us desire, and increasingly in our time feel too weak to even approach...This power now is attached to you because of the sacrament.”

He continued, “Danielle, your task is to, in virtue of the priesthood of your baptism, help prepare your husband to see God...And Jeff, you have the responsibility, in a priestly way, by virtue of your baptism, to help prepare your wife to meet God. To help mediate the Lord Jesus Christ…This is your test for one another.”

While he acknowledged that the married state would bring challenges for us, he reminded us we must always remember the Divine Third in our marital union: God Himself.

The Mass continued with chanting and incensing of the altar. During the consecration the priest faced the altar and said the words of consecration silently over the host and chalice.

It was completely silent now in the church except for the bells that were rung three times during the elevation of each of the sacred species.

In keeping with the tradition of the Latin Mass, the altar rail was used for the distribution of Holy Communion. The communion hymn we choose was Adóro Te Devóte (I Adore You Devoutly), written by St. Thomas Aquinas and used as his private prayer during Eucharistic adoration.

After Mass, we got in the car and drove to the reception venue, a golf club.

The day before, our family had gone to the venue and decorated the tables with mirror and bud vase centerpieces. All of our guests had a stick of bubbles by their place setting, which was a fun and interactive way for them to participate in the grand march and the rest of the evening.

The final moment of the night was our first dance. During our engagement, Jeff and I had practiced for hours to master the waltz. And even though we had done it many times before, I was nervous having all eyes on us.

Jeff and I looked at each other intensely, counting the beats of the music in our heads. All of a sudden, the music intensified, and we were off. It was like I was floating on air, even though I was just trying to stay balanced in my high heels. I had never danced in my wedding dress before either, so it was quite a new experience.

But it was magical. It twirled around me gracefully across the dance floor, and I truly felt like a princess.

After dancing for a few seconds, I realized we were actually doing it. All of those hours of practice had paid off. We were dancing a beautiful waltz, and everyone applauded. It only increased their desire to get out on the dance floor later that night.

Although there were a few things that could’ve gone better, the vast majority of our wedding was a fairytale-come-to-life. It was a dream come true!

To all single women out there, waiting for their prince charming, please remember that this story is a testimony of years and years of prayers finally answered. God hears your prayers and knows the desires of your heart. He will answer them in his, time in a better way than you could ever possibly imagine.

In our first year of marriage, we developed a special devotion to Blessed Emperor Karl of Austria and his holy wife, Servant of God, Empress Zita. We look to them for their intercession in our marriage and for all married couples.

A quote we both appreciate from Blessed Karl was when he told Zita on the day after their wedding, "Now, we must help each other to get to Heaven." I am very blessed and thankful to have found a husband who also desires to lead me closer to Christ each and every day.

Blessed Emperor Karl and Empress Zita, ora pro nobis!

Photographer: Amy K Photography | Church: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, Minnesota | Reception: Dakota Pines Golf Club in Hastings, Minnesota | Rings: Gittelson Jewelers in Minneapolis, Minnesota | Flowers: Flowers For All Occasions by Ginny Majeski in Hastings, Minnesota | Wedding Attire: Raffiné Bridal in Woodbury, Minnesota | Invitations / Save-the-Dates / Wedding Program: Created by the Bride, Danielle Rother | Caterer: Nicole Sindelar with Rudy’s Redeye Catering in Rosemount, Minnesota | Wedding Attire: Raffiné Bridal in Woodbury, Minnesota | Designer for Bride’s Dress: Stella York | Designer for Bridesmaid Dress: Kenneth Winston | Designer for Groom & Groomsmen Tuxedo Attire: Savvi Formal Wear | Bridesmaid Veil: The Veiled Woman | Cake / Cupcake Baker: Emily’s Bakery & Deli in Hastings, Minnesota | Hairstylist: Michelle Wilcox | Salon for Manicure and Pedicure: Spalon Montage in Woodbury, Minnesota | Disc Jockey: C & C Sound

Jenna + Michael | Italian Family-Style Wedding

Jenna had just finished her waitressing shift when she went to a bar in Providence, Rhode Island for a Catholic young adult event. There was one spot left at the table, next to a handsome newcomer to the group. They chatted and exchanged numbers at the end of the night.

Jenna and Michael’s friendship blossomed soon after, as Michael began a new journey of discernment after departing from religious life and as Jenna began the annulment process from her previous marriage. Though both sensed the Father’s hand at work in a special way, they agreed to postpone dating until the annulment decision was finalized, one way or another.

On December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Jenna received word that her annulment had been granted. Two months later, Michael asked her to be his girlfriend, and on another Marian feast, the Feast of the Annunciation, he proposed at the Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

From the Bride: We knew from the beginning that the Nuptial Mass was the most important part of our wedding. Both of us have sentimental hearts and love for details that we tried to incorporate into the day. Our Mass, for instance, was held at the same parish where my parents were married. This was particularly special to me, as my father passed away at a young age. Choosing to be married in the same location he was made me feel connected to him in a special way. The Maid of Honor was my best friend, and the Best Man Michael’s cousin.

We are in our early 30s and wanted to keep things simple, yet joyful and beautiful, for the Mass and reception--a true representation of our relationship. For the Gospel reading, we chose the Parable of the pearl of great price, a nod to my pearl engagement ring. Pearls are my favorite gem and have particular significance in Michael’s Portuguese culture. I also carried and decorated with my favorite flowers, sunflowers.

Our mothers did the readings, and my close friend sang during our dedication to Our Lady, for which we made a special consecration to her. The bright July afternoon felt so visually fitting for who we are as a couple.

Our reception was held at a family-style Italian restaurant, where we served a casual, delicious chicken dinner. Our friends Ryan and Elizabeth sang our first dance selection, “Oceans” by Hillsong United. By the time our guests joined us on the dance floor, we stayed there all evening, and it’s a time we’ll always remember.

As a new bride, I can honestly say that surrendering to God's will through dating and engagement has shaped a truly beautiful foundation for our marriage.

Pray together always, and seek his will above all. Continue to pray together once you’re married, and don't forget to laugh and forgive one another often!

Photography: Andrea Van Orsouw Photography | Church: St. Agatha Parish- Woonsocket, RI | Wedding Reception Venue : Savini's Pomodoro Italian Kitchen & Bar | Engagement Ring: Piette Jewelers- Woonsocket, RI, Wedding bands: Kay Jewelers | Bridal Hair: Hair Stage 5- North Smithfield, RI | Music Mass: Sarah Moore (friend of the bride), Vocalists Reception: Ryan & Elizabeth Tremblay (friends of the bride and groom) | Videography- Steven Jordao (cousin of the bride) of Gue Productions | Flowers: Whole Foods | Cake: Kelly St. Gelais (friend of the bride), Bridal Gown and Maid of Honor's Dress: David's Bridal, Centerpieces and other décor- DIY by the bride and family/friends.

Emily + John | Classic Virginia Wedding

Her freshman year at James Madison University, as Emily prepared to leave for a retreat called Arise, a young man approached and shook her hand, saying, “You may not know me, but I know you’re Emily. I’m John.” A friendship was formed that weekend, yet until their final semester of college, Emily only thought of and referred to John as her “Catholic guy friend.”

That Lent, Emily and John both decided to dive deeper into their faith before graduation. On Ash Wednesday morning, they sat in a Starbucks and decided they’d both attend Adoration as often as possible over the next 40 Days.

John had a key to the campus ministry building, and early in the mornings they’d sit before the Lord in silence, praying and growing in their individual relationships with him. Afterward, they’d share coffee and reflections. Unknowingly...

From the Bride: ...all the while, God was forming a rock solid bond between our two souls. It wasn't until the end of Lent--Easter Sunday to be exact--that we realized we were seriously in love.

Exactly one year later, John brought me back to the same chapel where we had prayed side by side throughout Lent. He started praying out loud, which was weird to me. I kind of tuned out because I hadn't had coffee, but I snapped out of it when I heard, "... and I pray she says yes."

He asked me to marry him, and as we drove to our favorite spot to watch the sun come up, it started snowing!

There are no words to express my gratitude to God for allowing such deep relationships to exist between people on earth and for giving us the gift of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. We were beyond excited to profess our vows to God and each other, to uphold the sanctity of marriage, and to embrace this vocation as our pathway to heaven.

My maternal grandmother passed away one week before the wedding.On the day of, I realized I’d never chosen a bracelet to wear. My mom brought my grandmother's rosary beads to the hotel where we were getting ready, and without thinking twice I wrapped them around my wrist. I held the crucifix from her beads in my hand the whole day, from getting ready through the ceremony and reception. Her beads kept me ever-mindful of the cloud of witnesses above me and the realness of the presence of Jesus Christ that day--and every day since.

We got married in John's home parish by our good friend and spiritual leader, Father Thomas Cavanaugh. Two priests from my hometown of Jacksonville flew in to concelebrate. The image of the three of them genuflecting before the altar will never leave my mind. It was unreal to see all of my worlds come together for the day and to kneel before the Lord with John beside me, our family and friends behind us, and the unseen presence of all the angels and saints around us.

John and I had consecrated our lives to Jesus through Mary the previous year, and my good friend sang the Ave Maria as, together, we processed to Mary to ask for her intercession as we began our marriage. Mary is a huge part of our story: John asked for roses from Mary to signify it was "time" to propose. She gave them to him within a few months, when the timing was perfect. We strive to trust God by way of Mary.

A dear friend's mother handcrafted 250 rope rosary bracelets that were carried down the aisle next to our rings. The bracelets were blessed just before the end of the Mass and given to each guest as they left the chapel, along with an insert of how to pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

My mother gifted us a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which sat next to our guest book. Each guest got to sign next to a prayer of the rosary. So when everyone prays the one prayer they signed next to in the book, a perpetual living rosary is prayed! This still gives me goosebumps.

Each table and place card at our reception featured the icon of a saint instead of a number. We chose these holy men and women whom we have a connection with and carefully selected whose table got which saint. We also provided a personalized description of each saint, who they are and why we selected them for each table. We wanted our reception to be tied to our ceremony and for each guest to feel intimately invited into the love of our Church, not outside of or confused by it. John and I feel called to be missionary disciples; our wedding was the perfect opportunity to begin to share the love we are blessed to enter into.

Nothing was missing from our wedding day, because Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist. He was there. Not just in my mind, my heart, or in the people around me. But there. Physically. Fully. Truly. No doubt in my mind. For his love is so full and so true it's not possible for him to remain hidden in our hearts and minds and friends.

He has to pour himself out and enter us, for there's no other way he--or we--can be satisfied.

Our openness, our conscious consumption of him into ourselves, our yes, our acceptance, is only truly possible by receiving the Eucharist. Exactly like how married love must be consummated. Not because it has to, but because it wants to be made complete. Lovers feel a lacking until the moment their love is made complete. It is no different with God, our first love.

He can dwell with us in many countless ways but only in Holy Communion can our love be complete while we're separated from heaven. It's not a requirement, but an abundance of an out of control love that can't stay small; can't hide; can't blend into the background. His love is powerful, unique, strong and physical. It's his body and his blood that are alive and with us always.

Photography: Jen Harkleroad Photography | Church: St. Theresa Catholic Church - Ashburn, Virginia | Reception: Lansdowne Resort & Spa - Leesburg, Virginia | Rings: Ketterman's Jewelers | Bridal Gown: Love: A Bridal Boutique Jacksonville, FL (Dress: Essence of Australia) | Cake: Connie's Cake Creations  | Flowers: Rick's Flowers  | Planner: Lynn Iannizzi -The Finer Points  | DJ: Kurtis Cross | Video: Vu Nguyen - nVu Films  | Favors: Jill's Jellies and Jams | Rentals: Imperial Decor | Hair/Makeup: Alison Harper & Company - Ali (makeup) and Ilda (hair)

Bridget + David | Summer Picnic-Style Wedding

David and Bridget grew up in the same town, lived in the same neighborhood, and went to the same high school. They met during a high school theater production of Little Women, but didn’t fall in love until several years later. Once these two decided to date, the common response from friends was, "FINALLY!"

On June 27, 2015, David proposed to Bridget by incorporating one of Bridget’s favorite plays, The Jeweler’s Shop by St. John Paul II, and a little over a year later, the couple was married in the neighborhood where their love story began.

From the Bride: During the year of planning, David and I intentionally focused on the preparation for our marriage. David was in his senior year of college and living in household with Saint Paul’s Outreach, and I was in my first year of my master’s program and had recently joined events with the Catholic Advance Movement through Pro Ecclesia Sancta. Due to our busy schedules, we had limited time and wanted to use it well to spiritually prepare ourselves for marriage, but we still participated in half-day retreats once a month for engaged and newly married couples, which introduced us to a wonderful parish community and friends. We looked forward to the meetings each month and watched the Beloved DVD series by the Augustine Institute, which was very helpful in our preparation.

I put together a document of resources and information that I found online for us to do as a couple. We read books together and would go out for coffee to discuss and check in with each other, prayed together, and generally tried to do more than the basics of marriage preparation.  

In planning the wedding, we took care of the details with input from our parents, who were a tremendous help and so understanding throughout the process. David and I wanted to have a beautiful Mass to highlight the importance of our vocation and a fun, relaxing ceremony that everyone could enjoy. We decided on blush, light green, and gold for outfits and decor. We were blessed with generous family and friends who offered their time and help in putting together everything so we could stay on budget. The wedding flowers were faux and put together by my mom, aunt/Godmother, and sister. My bridesmaids' dresses were purchased at Target. One of the bridesmaids mom’s purchased beautiful pearl jewelry on a trip to gift to all the women, which matched everything perfectly. The men wore black suits and ties and were gifted with fun-colored socks to add some pizzazz to their outfits and photos. Music was done by a friend of ours. The cake was purchased at Byerly’s, and the topper was from a local artist on Etsy. David and I tried to find local artists and venues to purchase items and kept everything simple for the day.

On the morning of August 20, 2016, David and I were both nervously pacing our childhood homes as we excitedly got ready for our wedding. My friend Andrea graciously offered to do my hair and that of the bridal party; she did a stellar job! Everyone did their own makeup and helped each other with the finishing touches.

As I put my dress on, all the ladies present gathered together, including my aunts who came to help, to pray over the bride and to join together in faith. It was such a beautiful moment that brought tears of joy and hugs.

David got ready with his brothers and family, enjoying his final moments as a single man in his childhood home.

We met our photographers at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (which is right across the street from my house) and it was raining. It’s said that a rainy wedding day is good luck! We did first look photos in the church and took photos with our family and wedding party.

David and I wanted intentionally involved family and friends in the preparations of the wedding, Mass, and festivities of the day. The Mass involved friends and family in readings, music, handing out programs, bringing up the gifts for Holy Communion, and ushers. One of our friends organized the decor at the reception hall and my girlfriends helped in putting together the space. It was absolutely stunning and couldn't have been accomplished without all of their help! 

We were blessed with seven priests on the altar. The priests involved in the wedding had touched our lives in many ways, and we were grateful to have such holy men on the altar to celebrate and share our vocation with our guests.

David and I wanted to be sure to have three elements added to their ceremony: roses for the Blessed Mother, the Litany of Saints, and the blessing of a crucifix from Jerusalem. The Mass was beautiful and we memorized our vows. It was an absolutely beautiful and humbling day for both of us!

After the wedding Mass, we held a reception line and greeted our many guests. It was so incredible to see individuals from so many facets of our lives and to and share our joy with so many neighbors and friends David and I both grew up knowing.

The reception was held at Silverwood Park, which is also in our hometown. It is a beautiful wooded park that boasts a gorgeous events facility, grounds, and lake. The sun was shining by the time the party arrived and photos were taken with all the guests. After photos, the grand entrance took place with a little help from Justin Timberlake (“Can’t Stop the Feeling!”). The meal was blessed by Fr. Alvaro Perez, a dear priest and friend from our current parish, Saint Mark’s in Saint Paul. The meal was catered by The Lookout Bar and Grill and was picnic style, with burgers, brats, beans, chips, coleslaw and fruit.

The evening consisted of beautiful speeches by family and friends, a sweet video that David put together for me, dancing, drinking, and long conversations. The reception hall had an outdoor space with a bonfire that allowed guests to chat outside while others could be dance indoors. David and I stayed until it was time to clean up and danced and talked with family and friends; it was a beautiful night!

The biggest thing I have learned is that you can prepare and know so many different aspects of marriage, but it is in surrendering and entrusting yourselves to God to and the mystery and graces of marriage that you begin to enter into the vast love and deep knowledge that this vocation brings.

Photography: Dan Zeller Photography | Church: Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Saint Anthony Village, MN | Wedding Reception Venue : Silverwood Park, Saint Anthony Village, MN | Wedding dress: The Wedding Shoppe, Saint Paul, MN | Belt: Etsy | Shoes: DSW | Bride's Jewelry: Grandma's pearls | Bridal party dresses - Target | Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds (bride), Etsy (groom) | Hairstylist: Andrea Stalewski | Cake: Byerly's | Cake top: Etsy | Invitations: Online invitations designed via Paperless Post | Caterer, bartender: Lookout Bar & Grill | Music: Mitchell Gutenberg | Decor: Emma Strub, Mary Pokorny

Sarah + Christopher | Kate Spade-Inspired Wedding

Sarah and Christopher first encountered each other on a charismatic retreat at Franciscan University, where they both were students at the time. For two years after that, they were best friends, spending hours watching movies, going to Mass and praise concerts together, and having breakfasts with friends.

From the Bride: Fast forward to the spring of 2012, after a couple starts and stops of not wanting to ‘ruin’ our friendship, Chris asked me to be his girlfriend after the 7:00 AM daily Mass at one of our favorite spots. We should pause our story here to note that this Mass was the end of a 12+ hour third date that included a trip to the ER. We knew from then on that we were in this for the duration. We each moved back to our respective hometowns after graduation a month later. After two years of dating long distance, traversing between Dallas and Dunedin for weekend visits, Chris moved to Florida. Ten months passed, we added Bosco the husky to the mix, and Chris proposed.

Back on that retreat where they first met, Chris had given Sarah her first brown scapular, a sacramental given to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite priest, by Our Lady. He proposed on the Feast of Mount Carmel.

From the Photographer: For Chris and Sarah, the Mass was the most important part of their day. Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin, FL, where the ceremony was held, is Sarah's home parish where she currently serves as the Director of Faith Formation. It is a more modern church with a lot of natural light, which added to the airy feel of the entire day. The two priests who presided at the wedding are close with both the bride and groom. Sarah and Fr. Chuck became friends on a retreat a few years back, and he actually made the kneeler that Christopher and Sarah used during the Mass as a wedding gift. Fr. Chuck also delivered a touching and personal homily and presided over the vows. Fr. Gary, who serves as the pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes has a tradition of taking a selfie with his couples...and Sarah and Chris were no exception! 

Sarah and Christopher are both from close-knit families with five children each. All of their siblings were included in the wedding party. Sarah and her sisters are particularly close, sharing matching tattoos even! Both of her sisters were honored as the Maid and Matron of Honor. Sarah also wore her older sister Mandy's pearl earrings.

Sarah has a love for bright colors and the Kate Spade brand. Her natural choice for a wedding day scent was Kate Spade's Live Colorfully, and she also wore sequined Kate Spade Keds that Chris gave her as a gift. She donned her signature bright red lipstick, which made her beautiful blue eyes pop against her fair skin. This couple has style for miles! Chris wore a slim fit gray tux from J. Crew to compliment Sarah's timeless dress from Athena's Bridal. 

In between the mass and the reception, the wedding party explored downtown Dunedin for photos. We stopped at Rosie's Tavern, a favorite watering hole for Chris and Sarah, as well as the marina and park off of Main street. 

At the reception, Sarah and Chris incorporated a wealth of personal details, including their own wedding coloring book and custom caricature cookies of themselves! For place cards, they alphabetized guests' names on post cards with some of their favorite destinations, including various towns in Florida, places in Chris' home state of Texas, and Franciscan University, where they met.

Photography: Elizabeth Mahon | Church: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Dunedin FL | Reception: The Conmy Center | Florist: Carrollwood Florist | Stationary: Minted | Catering: Delectables Catering | Bride’s Dress/Veil - Athena's Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Keds x Kate Spade New York | Jewelry/Accessories - Something Borrowed-Sister's pearl earrings, Tiffany's pearl bracelet (gift from Chris), Something Blue - Godmother's Ring | Rings: International Diamond Center | Bridesmaids' Attire: David's Bridal | Groom's Suit: J. Crew | Groomsmen Attire - Combatant Gentleman | Cake Baker- Publix Bakery | Hairstylist: Jenna Donovan | Makeup Artist - Jessica Montalvo, Makeup by Jess | DJ: Grant Hemmond Disc Jockeys