Brittney + Billy | Downtown Classic Wedding

Brittney and Bill met through the scholarship program at their university, and met their future wedding coordinators through another wedding they both participated in. They exchanged vows  in the presence of friends and family from a variety of vocations, in rich jewel tones and a timeless, classic setting.

From the Wedding Coordinators:

We were fortunate enough to have coordinated a past wedding where Brittney was a bridesmaid and Bill was a ceremony musician. We had a strong sense that at some point after their college graduation, an official engagement was likely to happen….and it did! 

The program through which Brittney and Bill met focuses on preparing students for leadership in the Church, whether their vocation is religious life or found within being part of the laity. It was no surprise, then, that both of them would go on to take positions working for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis: she as Coordinator of Evangelization and Discipleship at a local Indianapolis parish and he as Pastoral Associate in a nearby small town. 

As they planned their engagement, we were so impressed with how their wedding focused on the Church. Concelebrating the Mass were several priests: the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis (the groom’s employer), the Director of Seminarians (the bride’s employer), and a Benedictine monk and professor from St. Meinrad Seminary. The wedding party included a novice nun and a former seminary student, plus several recently married bridesmaids and groomsmen, rounding out a beautiful example of the different vocations to which God calls us!

The morning of the wedding was clear and beautiful! The church, St. John the Evangelist in downtown Covington Kentucky, is a beautiful example of German Gothic architecture. For the Mass, the couple opted for a full worship aid-style program to ensure their guests all felt comfortable with the liturgy. 

From the readings that focused on our relationship with God and His with us, to the classical musical pieces, the wedding spoke to the spirit of each guest. The Communion hymn had a very special significance for the bride--it was the theme song for the liturgical leadership conferences where she’d served as an intern in the past. 

The reception was a classic event at the Madison Event Center, a beautifully repurposed Art Deco building in downtown Covington. The ballroom looked like a marvelous supper club from the 1930s, bringing out the wedding colors of gray and raspberry, with white florals and greenery.

This wedding was such a testament to how much fun a wedding reception can be when the bride and groom bring their personalities into the event. Both Billy and Brittney are zealous fans of The Office! They walked into the reception to the show’s theme song, and each of the toasts featured a quote from the show (which was completely unplanned!). 

The best part was the toast from Brittney’s stepfather, with revealed a surprise he had been planning for a while; a hilarious and heartfelt Cameo video from an Office cast member! The dessert table was another big highlight, featuring colorful donuts and macaron towers, Brittney’s favorite. The dance floor was packed all night long--so much so that we broke out our emergency sewing kit more than we have at another wedding! Bill and Brittney also opted for one of our favorite reception traditions, a foot washing ceremony where the new husband washes his bride’s feet in a gesture of humility and care. They closed out the wedding with a bubble exit, on the streets of downtown Covington underneath the streetlights.

Bill and Brittney’s wedding held so many of the elements that make us proud to be Catholic wedding planners. It was so full of joy, representing the future ahead in marriage as they experience the things that will help them bring each other to heaven. The representation from so many different vocations was a testament to how the Catholic community is meant to function. Clergy, professed religious, married couples, and single laity, all there to support the union of new marriage and creation of a family!

This wedding meant so much to us: the celebrating clergy and their connection to St Meinrad Archabbey, the bride and groom having been part of a previous wedding of ours, the wedding party containing bridesmaids and groomsmen that have been in other weddings we coordinated, and of course, the main celebrant being the spiritual advisor of our very own Something Blue Weddings….it just doesn’t get any better than that.

Nuptial Mass Location: Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Covington, Kentucky | Reception Venue: The Madison Event Center, Covington, Kentucky | Wedding Coordination: Something Blue Weddings | Photography: Adam and Keli Photography | Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie | Men’s Formalwear: Louie’s Tux Shop | Florals: Swan Floral, Erlanger, Kentucky | Hair & Makeup: Refeyeance | Cake: Tina Turner Cakes, Union, Kentucky | DJ: Jeff Heidelberg of Party Pleasers, Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Simberly + Reese | Houston Wedding with Hispanic Traditions

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

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

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

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

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

From the Bride:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ana + Alex | Marian Shrine Wedding

Rich fall colors balanced with soft blush tones and gold accents create a portrait of elegance, exceeded only by the resplendence of the setting for their nuptial union.

When Ana and Alex first began to plan their wedding, they kept coming back to two things: their God and their people. 

They wanted their marriage celebration to mirror the wedding feast of the Lamb and witness to the true communion between heaven and earth. 

Under Our Lady’s tender gaze, the awe-inspiring atmosphere of their nuptial Mass fittingly pointed to the heavenly banquet to which each one of us is invited.

From the Bride:

Alex and I have friends and family all over the globe, and so we felt so honored and excited to bring so many of our favorite people together in joy. 

We wanted this day to serve that authentic communion as much as possible.

Even more so, we are so grateful to God for all that He is and all that He has made for and in us! 

God has worked so much in our relationship up until our wedding, and we cannot deny that our love is a gift straight from Him.

Reflecting back on our wedding day, my advice to other brides and grooms is to stay centered on each other and your love! Be gentle with yourself and trust God in the details and in the process. 

You do not have to have it all together before this big day. The flowers don't have to be perfect; you are probably going to break out a little bit (or like I did—a lot!); and our hearts do not have to be perfectly prepared in the way we think they should be. 

There is a wedding feast far greater than anything on this earth. Keep your eyes locked on Christ.

From the Photographers:

Did you know you could get married at a national shrine? We didn't until we had the honor of photographing Ana and Alex's wedding at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa! 

It was a day filled with family and friends, and the ever tender and watchful eye of Our Lady. The shrine was frequented by the brides' family who had a special devotion to this favorite Marian image of St. John Paul II.

Prayer was woven in every part of the day, from getting ready all the way through to the reception.

A significant host of priests concelebrated and bestowed blessings from both the bride's home parish and the couple's alma mater, Franciscan University.

Joy and elegance were in no short supply as the wedding party made their way to the reception.

Guests were met with details such as exquisite florals and—our personal favorite—an artist live-painting the reception space. 

With such a vibrant couple, it is no small surprise that this wedding ended with a massive celebration on the dance floor. It started with a Queen and ended with the Saints (Who Dat?).

Photography: An Endless Pursuit | Nuptial Mass Location: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA | Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, Lafayette Hill, PA | Videography: Emmaus Films

Hannah + Josh | Prayer-Filled Fall Wedding

A celebration characterized by a spirit of prayer against a backdrop of late November foliage, a grand sanctuary, and an unrivaled sunset. Earthy, red-orange tones, soft blush accents, and simple white roses comprise an elegantly understated fall wedding.

As Hannah and Josh went about planning their wedding during a pandemic, there were more than a few hiccups. 

Yet they stayed steadfast in knowing that God would come through for them, as they continued to pray for peace. 

This depth and consistency in prayer lasted from the start of their engagement, until the end of their reception, and into their life as husband and wife. 

Despite all obstacles, Hannah and Josh never lost sight of what their wedding day was about; what life is about.

From the Photographer: 

Hannah and Josh are a beautiful and inspiring couple. Their holiness is evident in the way that they present themselves, in the way that they talk to you, and in the way that they look at each other. 

You can just tell when someone is totally in line with God's will; you can almost feel that in their presence. 

There were three specific prayerful instances on their wedding day that totally took my heart and reminded me that setting time aside to pray is not just important, but an absolute necessity—and the best way to draw others into Jesus' Most Sacred Heart!

The morning of their wedding, when I arrived at the house where the girls were getting ready, I spoke with Hannah and hugged her. She seemed totally calm and deeply joyful. 

I took some of her detail items, including her lovely gown, to the backyard to start taking some photos. When I came back in to look for an item that I had forgotten, I asked the bridesmaids where Hannah was. 

They quietly pointed to a closed bedroom door. Hannah was joyfully and dutifully praying in a room by herself. 

From the moment I witnessed this intentional time of prayer in the morning, I knew that Hannah and Josh's day would be even more reverent and perfect than I had imagined.

After Hannah had gotten fully ready, with a flower crown sweetly perched on her tight curls, I headed to the church to find the men. 

I walked inside the giant, gorgeous Saint Stanislaus doors and within minutes, all of Josh's family and friends had formed a circle around him with hands on his shoulders and even more hands raised in charismatic prayer. 

For several minutes, Josh‘s family, groomsmen, and friends took turns praying aloud for him and Hannah and their glorious wedding day to be dedicated to Christ.

The nuptial Mass was truly grand. The sheer size of St. Stanislaus and its arches, pillars, and windows made a space of deep reverence and silence. 

As Hannah walked down the aisle, Josh's smile was wide and his eyes were teary. As they met, the genuine love that they have for each other was felt by everyone present. 

Music for the Mass was led by a close friend and his acoustic guitar, sweetly singing hymns that directed us to Jesus on the crucifix, even amidst a wedding. 

The long walk to venerate Mary after receiving the Eucharist together was as beautiful as you could imagine. Hannah's train lingered behind her as she knelt and Josh put a bouquet into a vase at Our Lady of Guadalupe's feet.

After the ceremony, we visited an orchard that was unnaturally orange and truly one of the most beautiful autumn sights I've ever seen.

The peace of having been married swept over Hannah and Josh's faces as they held hands and walked beneath the orange boughs. 

Their peaceful stroll was interrupted when Hannah was stung by a bee, which she bravely walked off (and luckily wasn't allergic to!). Her elegance after that was astounding, and she seemed unaffected after a few minutes of cringey pain and irritation. 

We then went across the street to a field with a truly phenomenal sunset overhead, showing off yellow and pink streaks over the entire sky.

We then gathered at a family friend's property for the reception. We made our way to the tent, with lights strung all over the place and bottles of wine placed on each table. 

The dads of both bride and groom went up to the microphone to give an introduction to everyone and thank them for their presence. They then asked their guests to raise a hand to pray over the newly married couple. 

Everyone bowed their heads, smiling with closed eyes, and prayed for Hannah and Josh again before we all lined up for tacos, churros, and horchata.

As a party favor for each guest, a Miraculous Medal was pinned alongside a prayer. The night was filled with amazing food, dancing for hours, and close friends enjoying time together under the starlit tent.

This was a day more full of prayer than most I’ve seen, and not just by one or two people, but by everyone in attendance. And not just prayer, but deep, joyful, faithful, evangelistic prayer.

Prayer as a couple and at a wedding cannot be overdone. Similarly, God cannot be outdone in generosity. 

Any couple planning a pandemic wedding should have a heart ready to go with the flow of life and its changes, and trust in the Lord's timing.

The happiest couples I've seen this year haven't been the ones whose weddings were unscathed by the inconsistencies, cancellations, and troubles of COVID-19. 

The happiest brides and grooms were the ones who looked up, even in the midst of a rocky experience planning their big days, and still held on to the joy of knowing that they were about to be united with the love of their life until “death do they part.”

Photography: Nikayla & Co. | Nuptial Mass Location: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Modesto, CA | Bride’s Dress and Veil: LaceMarry | Bridal Accessories: LaceMarry | Tuxes: Generation Tux

Michelle + Eric | “Love in the Time of Corona”

Simplicity and intention for an intimate Colorado celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At exactly 1:00 AM on the Feast of the Epiphany, God woke Eric up.

“It’s not unusual for me to wake up briefly in the middle of the night,” he says. But usually he could fall right back to sleep. “This night was different.” After some time tossing and turning, Eric typed Catholic Match into his phone. 

Years earlier, he’d made the decision to quit online dating, yet he followed the prompting of the heart he was experiencing, and made a profile. Michelle appeared in his results, and he says, “I knew right then and there that she was the girl I was there to see.” A shooting star, seen as he was taking out the trash, caught Eric’s attention several days later.

Like for the Magi at Epiphany, the star brought the conviction that everything was about to change.

Michelle and Eric began dating soon after, and were engaged on the sandstone cliffs of Lory State Park in Fort Collins, Colorado. Michelle’s engagement ring, crafted by a Catholic jeweler, features the cross on one side, representing the sacrifice, suffering, and faith of married life, and the Tree of Life on the other, signifying growth, joy, and family.

They made plans, and then the COVID-19 pandemic began. Through prayer, Michelle and Eric decided to move up their wedding date and hold a small, intimate ceremony and reception.

From the Couple:

Once it was clear [most of our guests] wouldn't be coming--whether because of personal choice, the government's choice, or the Church's choice--we had no reason to wait! We were pumped to push our wedding up.

Planning a wedding in four days is the most incredible excuse not to sweat the small stuff and go into it for the right reasons. We were there to marry each other. In front of God. If everything else went up in smoke, that was fine. 

We were fully expecting all kinds of blunders. It was about the sacrament. And thanks to our amazing wedding planner, Emma Dolan, the only hiccups we had were getting a few lines out of order during the prayers of the faithful and a Facebook live stream that wasn't oriented properly.

It was a wedding like no other--on a Sunday in Lent, no less--and we feel incredibly blessed. We're so grateful to all the friends who made big sacrifices to help pull it together. It couldn't have felt more Catholic: if we’d already been living together or chosen not to have a sacramental wedding, the sense of urgency and gravity would’ve probably felt very different. 

We still plan on having a Mass with a special blessing and a reception at some point in the future. Our hearts go out to our vendors, in particular, and we don't want to abandon them.

For other couples holding “pandemic weddings,” these tips helped us:

Enjoy every moment.

Don't let pride get in the way! Ask for help when pivoting. Especially in these times, your few friends and family who can attend will be honored to lend a hand.

Keep a steward mentality and remember that God doesn't owe us anything, especially a big, picturesque ceremony and reception. He's already given you your future spouse's love! The rest can't compare.

Live streaming is awesome. We had tons of people tune in, including many whom we couldn't initially invites. Make sure to put your phone in landscape mode with Facebook Live!

Never panic. Never! There's never a good excuse. Healthy concern is fine, but fear is the root of all sin and is always from Satan. It also robs us of our reasoning at the moments we need it most.

We're not sure it's even possible to have a wedding with all the current restrictions, but as soon as the shelter in place orders are lifted and it's clear that hospitals are no longer overrun, we suggest going for it if it can be done safely.

Nothing is certain, but we can do our homework, pray, and do our best. Make it about the sacrament. You don't need to wait for a large audience.

From the Photographer:

I got a text from Eric that said, "So, what are you doing in four days? It looks like we are going to have to bump up the wedding."

I have always been told that my grandparents did things simply. They gathered for a simple wedding at their church, came back to the house, had cake and punch, and told good stories with their closest friends. Their priority was investing in their home and future, rather than throwing an extravagant party.

I have always wondered what it would be like to be a part of such a gathering. Little did I know that this global pandemic would afford me the ability. 

The mood of the day was hopeful even amidst great uncertainty in the world. There was a resounding joy that seemed to elevate every moment. 

Sure, they just had to effectively reduce a 200+ person wedding to just immediate family and a few good friends. 

Sure, they had their church and venue cancel on them and tell them there was nothing they could do. 

Sure, some of their closest friends could not make it.

But they had Christ and each other. And that was enough.

I always tell my couples I like to capture the day with their grandchildren in mind. Well, I'd wager that Michelle and Eric’s grandchildren will have more than a few stories to tell about this day. 

That's the good stuff.

Photography: Joshua Paul Photography | Church: Saint John XXIII Catholic Church · Fort Collins, Colorado | Wedding Reception Venue : Private residence | Dress: Unknown | Suit: Pre-Owned | Bridesmaids Dresses: Pre-owned or borrowed | Florals: Hobby Lobby & Palmer Flowers | Cake: Donated by local cake shop - @downrightsweettreats | DJ - Grooms Cell Phone, Spotify & A Google Home Max | Catering - Local Mexican Restaurant - Cafe Mex

Mary Kate + Jason | Rose & Lily-Trimmed Michigan Wedding

Mary Kate and Jason reflected deeply on the sacrament and liturgy as they prepared for their wedding day, in hopes that their guests would experience with them the true beauty of a Catholic marriage. In the end, the presence of God was felt as deeply and as plainly as the joy on Mary Kate and Jason’s faces.

From the Bride: To say I prayed for my future husband is a bit of an understatement. I said many novenas and rosaries for him while asking Jesus to make me into the wife he needed me to be. 

Eventually God brought along Jason. He had been a friend for a while but was in seminary, so I never really considered him as more than that. After Jason left seminary, we began to get to know one another more, and he eventually asked me to be his girlfriend. 

For nine and a half months we began to fall more and more in love with each other. And not in a “rainbows and unicorns” way. 

We learned about each other. We grew together. We had fun together. We had disagreements and hardships. But through it all we prayed together, and we asked the Trinity, Mother Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John Paul II to be with us. 

Then on March 27, 2018, Jason got down on one knee in our local adoration chapel and asked me to be his life companion, the phrase St. John Paul II used in his play “The Jeweler’s Shop.” And I said yes!

Our engagement lasted a little over a year, so it felt like the wedding day took forever to arrive. When it finally did, I woke up early and met my bridesmaids to get our hair done. Afterwards, we went to my parents’ house to make sure various little details were prepared. Eventually, my mom and I drove to the church. 

For a little while, it was just her and I in the basement of the church as I put on my makeup. That was one of my favorite moments, being there alone with her as she helped me prepare. Then girls started arriving, and I put on my dress. My dad saw me all dressed up, and he got a little emotional. I’m the last one in my family to get married, and I’m also the baby of the family. 

When the moment arrived, I walked up the steps to meet my dad in the back of the church. The couples we chose to be in the wedding were walking up the aisle, as were the ring bearers and flower girls. And then suddenly it was our turn. I couldn’t stop laughing at how amazing it all was. 

The moment Jason saw me, he didn’t know what to feel, but he was crying and laughing at the same time. My dad handed me to Jason at the end of the aisle and reminded him that it was now his duty to get me to heaven. We stood before the altar as our friend Fr. Andy began to celebrate the Mass. 

Jason and I had done all we could to ensure the Mass would lift the hearts of our guests to God. We had four priests who con-celebrated the liturgy, all very good friends, and one who had just been ordained the week before. Three of our good seminarian friends were altar servers, and our dads read the readings from Tobit and Ephesians. Our Gospel reading was the Wedding Feast at Cana, and we dwelt on Mary’s words: “Do whatever he tells you.” 

During our vows, Jason and I adopted a European tradition of holding on to a crucifix. It reminded us of the crosses we would face in marriage, but also that Christ would be with us in the midst of those crosses. 

Another detail that was special, that truly showed what marriage is all about, was that four of my bridesmaids were pregnant at the time. At least three little ones were being held by their parents in the party. What a show of married love! It wasn’t something we planned on, but it was beautiful to behold.

Jason’s ring was engraved on the inside with the words “Totus Tuus.” This pointed to his devotion to Our Lady and also to our patron saint: St. John Paul II. It described Jason’s fidelity to me as well, since the words translated mean “totally yours.”

One of the most beautiful moments was receiving Jesus in the Eucharist with Jason by my side. During our marriage prep, a good priest told us something amazing. The word “amen” means “I believe It is so.” And so, the very first thing Jason and I agreed on in our married life was that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. 

We presented a rose to Mary and a lily to St Joseph, to symbolize our devotion to them and to ask for their guidance in our marriage. At the end, we were presented as “Mr. and Mrs. Jason Payne,” and we walked out singing “Oh God Beyond All Praising” with massive smiles on our faces. In the back, we signed our marriage license amid hugs from both our families. 

We took lots of pictures at the church and in a local Japanese garden nearby. Jason’s best man drove us to different places we needed to be, provided us with snacks (I hadn’t eaten all day), and even snapped a picture of us sleeping in the back seat. 

When we arrived at the reception hall, we were ready to celebrate! The DJ announced our parents, all eleven couples in the party, the four ring bearers, and five flower girls. Finally, it was our turn. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Payne! We were so excited to be married. 

My sister, the matron of honor, and Jason’s best man gave their speeches. Then we all ate dinner. There’s a Polish tradition in my family where the bride and groom eat a piece of bread doused in salt to remind them of the bitterness they will experience in life, but also the joys. And during dinner, my aunt, a nun that lives in Italy, called to congratulate Jason and I. 

We performed all the usual dances including our first dance, the father/daughter dance, and Jason’s mother/son dance. Instead of the garter, Jason and I washed each other’s feet. Marriage is about laying down your life for the other and serving each other, so that’s what we wanted to convey. Jesus gave us the example of how to love, and we wanted to emulate him. 

The rest of the night was spent dancing and celebrating with friends and family. It was one of the best days of our lives.

Jason and I wanted everything about the day to point to God. It wasn’t only about us, but about the glory of God and his infinite goodness. 

Looking back, our favorite part of wedding planning was designing the liturgy itself. We loved asking four priests to con-celebrate and our seminarian friends to serve (and letting them know they should “light it up” with the incense!). God is our rock and our fortress, and we wanted that truth to shine through in every way, from the readings and songs to our actions in regard to one another and to Christ, who was truly present with us. And it truly was, in my humble opinion, a Mass that gave all honor and glory to the God who had gathered us there.

Photography: Titus Photography | Church: Holy Family Catholic Church | Reception: LFA Hall for the Reception | Attire: Unique Bridal | Catering: Alvie’s Catering. | Flowers: Enchanted Flowers. | Hair: Envy Hair Salon. | Music: Rusch Entertainment | Desserts: Sam’s Club.

Emily + Jose | Romantic Candlelit Rose Wedding

There is something so beautiful about the nuptial Mass and the heavenly celebration of two lives becoming one. There are graces in engagement and the marriage sacrament that transform broken hearts. 

Emily didn’t know what would happen next. Recovering from a previous relationship and loss of a job, she fell back on prayer. Then, through the intercession of St. Joseph and the courage to jump into community, Emily met Jose. The rest is history.

From the Bride: I made one of the hardest decisions of my life when I called off my engagement to an emotionally abusive fiancé and moved back home with my parents at 27 years old. And despite having amazing colleagues at work, I was not feeling fulfilled at my job either, which made the transition harder. 

During the following fall, I prayed constant novenas to St. Joseph asking for a purposeful, meaningful job. A few months later in December, I found out I was being laid off, and my last day would be in January. Even though I wasn’t in love with my job, I knew I needed to work, but nothing piqued my interest. 

So I kept praying. My mom knew I was developing a special devotion to St. Joseph and gave me a special bracelet with his icon on it as a little gift to cheer me up.

Around the same time, I found a new parish and began attending their young adult group. I’m a natural introvert, but I knew I needed to be around other people my age for support. I decided to sign up as a volunteer for a new event held at a local, historic theatre that recurred monthly,  because I knew the accountability meant I wouldn’t bail last-minute (a bad habit of mine). After the event I left on “Jesus high.” I loved feeling like I was a part of a community, of something greater than myself.

I was surprised to get a phone call the next day from a guy I had talked to the night before, asking me out to dinner, and I accepted! I had enjoyed talking to him and figured it wouldn't hurt to get to know him a little better--and yet I did not want a boyfriend. It sounds cheesy, but I didn't think I could find anyone who would make me happy and feel loved without any hidden agenda.

Jose brought the smile back to my face and the sparkle back into my eyes. We were very open and honest with each other from the start, since I learned just how important communication was from my last relationship. Most importantly, I looked forward to going to Mass with him on Sundays, something that I never thought would be so meaningful to me. 

A few weeks after I started dating Jose, I realized that Jose means Joseph in Spanish. Coincidence?

Several months later, I was hired by the organization that put on the young adult ministry event and ironically became one of the main people in charge of running it. Since Jose and I met at the theatre and spent a lot of time there, he decided it would be the perfect place to propose.

He contacted one of my colleagues who put him in contact with the event manager at the theater. The event manager then contacted me to come in and go over event details on a Sunday afternoon. I arrived for the “meeting” at the adjoining restaurant, and my manager asked if I wanted to go inside to listen to a band while they were doing their sound check. I thought, “sure, but won’t it be a little loud to talk?” After a few minutes inside the theatre, we headed back out where Jose was anxiously waiting.

He nervously turned me around and showed me the marquee where “Emily, will you marry me?” was written and got down on one knee. His whole family and my parents (along with restaurant diners across the street) were there to witness the joyous occasion. A champagne toast at the restaurant’s rooftop followed, and then we all went to the restaurant where we had our first date to celebrate our engagement! 

As a former secular wedding coordinator, I hate to admit it, but I was hesitant to have a full Mass. Only about a third of our guests were Catholic and wouldn’t know what was going on. I also worried they would complain about the length of the ceremony. I spent twelve months of our fifteen-month engagement wrapped up in other details like most brides do: flowers, color palettes, catering, and on and on.

I felt like once I had my dress, the aesthetic details would fall into place. One of my old colleagues, Brittany, worked at a bridal boutique and told me about a trunk show they were having. I sent her pictures of dresses I liked and told her what I did not want. I wanted something not as “traditional” that reflected my personality, so when my guests saw me in my dress they would say, “that’s so Emily!” 

I have heard of people (or while watching too much “Say Yes to the Dress”) trying on twenty or more dresses, so I was expecting to visit several shops before I found “the one.” I must have been an exception, because it didn’t take me long to find my dress. In fact, it was the first one I tried on! The dress was not normally for sale, but it was brought in specifically for the trunk show that weekend. It had a crocheted lace top and a loose, chiffon bottom that had vertical panels of the same lace all around. It was meant to be. 

I never imagined wearing a long veil--I thought they were for royalty getting married in castles--but the church we were getting married in had the most beautiful, long aisle. I felt it would be a disservice not to have a long veil. The one I tried on when I bought my dress wasn’t long enough, so I chose to have it custom made to the cathedral length I wanted. It was an unexpected expense, but even my frugal mother felt it was worth it for my special day. 

One of my favorite details was the broach I pinned on my bouquet. It was given to my maternal grandmother from my grandfather on their wedding day and also worn by my mother when she married my father.

Then, a few months before the wedding, something unexpected happened. All of the superficial details and feelings of self-consciousness about the ceremony went on the back burner as Jose and I began planning our liturgy. We both became enamored with choosing the readings and music. We didn’t want it to feel “predictable,” and we wanted to make it our own, which I worried would be difficult with the pre-selected readings and music limitations to choose from. So we took our time, carefully studying each of the readings and psalms to decide which ones reflected our relationship with God as a couple.

Two weeks before the wedding I was at my parent’s house, and my mom, feeling nostalgic, pulled out a few things from her own wedding. As I scanned over the program, I thought the Gospel reading looked familiar. It turned out the Gospel reading we chose (John 15: 12-16) picked up from the verse where my parents had left off (John 15: 9-12). It was such a special surprise from the Holy Spirit.

I sprained my left wrist a week before the wedding. Other than the bruising, I worried how I was going to get everything done before the big day. No matter how prepared you are, there are some things you just can’t do in advance (like buying fresh popcorn for hotel welcome bags). 

I feel like God was telling me to slow down and ask for help, two things I am not good at. So instead of dwelling in pity, I made the situation as comical as I could. My dad and I joked about buying a brace to match my dress, and my mom told me I got all the “day-of mishaps” out of the way early. 

It was such a lesson in humility. Having your almost-husband tie your shoes and people open bottles for you really puts little things into perspective. As much as my naturally independent spirit wants to believe it, I can’t do everything alone. A beautiful representation of this was stated in our first reading, Genesis 2:18: “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him.”

It also reminds me that marriage is not something I can do on my own. You need the love and support of others. You need God. You need to sit back and listen to him when the world is loud, and you want to give in to what is popular, which is often not from him.

When the big day finally arrived, we were married at the church where we met almost two years before. Jose and I opted out of a first look, but exchanged hand-written cards and prayed together before the ceremony. 

Though “Canon in D” is a very common bridal processional, I got chills when the organist first played it during our engagement. I was reminded of how I had always pictured myself walking down the aisle to that song, and I didn’t care how many other brides made it their grand entrance. Other pieces that added meaningful touches to our ceremony were “I am the Bread of Life,” “Oh God Beyond All Praising,” and “Ave Maria” when we offered roses and prayers to Mary.

Meanwhile, Jose was persistent that we would have the full sacrament, and for that I am forever grateful. I designed our programs to note when to sit, stand, and kneel, and our deacon helped explain different parts of the liturgy to our guests. 

Throughout the whole ceremony, I felt like it was just the two of us on the altar, and my last thought was what others were thinking.

One of the biggest blessings of the day was that Jose’s uncle, a bishop from Mexico, was able to celebrate our nuptial Mass. He spoke of his brother, Jose’s father, who passed away several years ago from cancer. His mother carried a rose in remembrance of him and placed it where he would have sat during the ceremony. Even though nothing could replace him being there physically, we felt his presence during the Mass and throughout the day.

Everyone says that weddings go by fast, and it did. It felt like an out-of-body experience. We were surrounded by family, friends, and most importantly, Jesus. The day was a true celebration of joining two vastly different lives and cultures into one. It wasn’t just the end of my countdown app, but the beginning of a beautiful, God-centered life together.

Photography: Megan Eidson | Church: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church | Dallas, TX | Reception: Howell & Dragon | Dallas, TX | Videographer: Chevy Chey Photography  | Flowers: Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe  | Caterer: CN Catering | Invitations: Vista | Bride’s Dress (Pronovias)/Veil (Bel Aire): Lulu’s Bridal Boutique  | Bride’s Earrings: PeonyandPearlWedding | Bridesmaid’s Attire (bill Levkoff): Molly’s Bridal  | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Banks | Rings – engagement: Shapiro Diamonds  | Rings – wedding bands: Zales  | Cake Baker: Arielle Pastry Works | Hair: Brittainy Boggs | Music – Ceremony: Michael Conrady | Music – Reception: Vida Weddings and Events  | Coordination: Stacey Williams

Anna + Greg | Southern Vintage Hometown Wedding

From the Photographer: Anna Paige is a sweet, caring Southern lady from Arkansas, and Greg is a kind man who hails from way up north in Wisconsin! The two met while serving with  Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

From the Bride: Greg and I met during a year of service with Amate House through the Archdiocese of Chicago. Greg lived in a community of volunteers on the north side of Chicago, and I lived on the south side, but we would see each other during weekly volunteer meetings and other social gatherings. 

From the Groom: Anna Paige and I were volunteers in the same AmeriCorps program. We first met at a block party where I tried really hard to be cool and interesting while I “chatted her up.”

Bride:One of my first memories with Greg happened over Labor Day weekend. Our community of volunteers from Amate House met up for the jazz festival in Millennium Park and afterwards planned to watch the fireworks on Navy Pier. On the way to the pier we “accidentally” got separated from the rest of the group and ended up watching the fireworks alone together from the shoreline. That whole year was full of special moments of excitement and growth together.  We both knew from early on that we had found the person we wanted to spend our lives with.

Greg and I would go to Mass together almost every weekend in Chicago. There are so many beautiful churches to choose from, and it was always the highlight of my week. From Old St. Pat’s to St. Clement to St. Sabina, there were many great communities to worship with. Those Sunday mornings together really solidified our relationship, and Mass has remained an important part of our week. 

After our year of service ended, Greg and I went back to our home states. I got a job back in Arkansas, and he planned to move back to Wisconsin. 

However, that summer Greg sacrificed his plans of moving to Milwaukee to move to Arkansas to be closer to me. His selflessness has always been so amazing to me. He is accepting, encouraging, and loving. Greg always says, “You get to be the face of Christ to others.” I am thankful for his wisdom.

After a year of trying out new jobs and figuring out our career paths, Greg proposed to me. He asked me to go to a state park one Saturday morning, which was a totally normal thing for us to do. We walked around a lake in the park, and I noticed that Greg’s hands were ice cold despite the summer heat. I didn’t know that his hands were cold from nerves. At a certain point on the path, Greg bent down to look at a “cool rock,” and when he turned around he had the ring in his hands. It was simple and sweet, and I said yes!

We decided to get married in the small church where I grew up in the Arkansas delta. It is the same church where my sister, brother, and grandparents married, so it made the day even more special. 

We felt so loved on our wedding day. So many of our family and friends from all over the country joined us for the ceremony. Greg’s family from Wisconsin, our friends from our year in Chicago, and my friends and family journeyed to my little hometown to celebrate with us. 

The most important part of our wedding was that God would be honored through our vows and through the intimate gathering of our family and friends in his church. We sang “Lord of all Hopefulness” during the ceremony, and when the sound of the congregation filled the church I felt a profound peace. 

Groom: Our life together is pure wonderment. She’s my best friend and partner-in-crime through thick and thin.

From the Photographer: The wedding was on a perfect fall day. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is the bride's home parish where her family members have been united in marriage for years, so it was only fitting that her and Greg chose to be married there as well. 

The church is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has old, squeaky floors that have been worn by decades of priests’ and parishioners’ prayers. The stained glass windows let in lovely light in the afternoon. The altar is center-stage once 5 PM hits, surrounded by a stunning sanctuary for Christ with beautiful representations of the Holy Family. 

Greg and Anna Paige both wanted to honor their Catholic faith, choosing a full Mass, with organ and violin accompaniment. Guests were close family and friends, while more friends awaited them at their reception due to the occupancy limits of the church. 

The bride's gown was purchased just around the corner from the church at Low's. It had beautiful ivory lace with beading throughout. The groom chose a simple black suit, allowing full attention to be on his precious bride.

What struck me throughout the entire wedding process with Greg and Anna Paige was how kind and sincere they both are. When anyone spoke to them, they listened with their full attention. While this may be part of their personality, some of this must come from their Catholic faith. 

We also saw how valued they are by their friends and family. People were thrilled to see them wed and to celebrate this union with them! The entire process was very God-honoring, beautiful,  and joyfully celebratory.

Photography: McDuff Photography | Church: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Brinkley, Arkansas | Reception: Brinkley Convention Center| Dress: Low's Bridal

Bridget + KC | Traditional Christmas Octave Wedding

During a carpool to a retreat at a dinnertime pit stop, Bridget and KC met in a Wendy's checkout line as sophomores in college.

During the retreat, they bonded over The Food Network, dishwashing, and prayer. These conversations sparked a wonderful friendship. They looked forward to running into each other at their St. Paul University Catholic Center, and KC walked Bridget to her car each evening to make sure she was safe.

One afternoon after daily Mass, KC asked her on a date. Bridget thought about how much she appreciated him asking in person, and specifically "on a date" before enthusiastically saying yes. They went to a pumpkin patch and corn maze and were amazed to spend six hours together without a single lull in conversation.

After some prayer and discernment, they officially started dating a few weeks later.

From the Bride: For the next two years our “ongoing date” was trying to visit as many churches as we could. At each location we prayed in, we picked up a rock from outside the church and numbered it. Looking back on these rocks, we like to think about the churches and the prayers they represent. They are the rocks we have built our relationship with, like the reflection in Matthew 7.

During this time, I was able to spend two weeks visiting KC while he studied abroad. We went to Italy for Holy Week and spent Good Friday in Assisi. We even attended the Easter Vigil in St Peter's. Being in Rome for Easter was such an amazing opportunity for prayer, joy, and discernment for our relationship’s future.

While we were long-distance, we also scheduled holy hours together, taking into account the time difference, so that we could still pray together. Being united in prayer made the distance more bearable.

KC proposed in September 2016 at St Mary’s of Pine Bluff church. The proposal was at the end of a scavenger hunt for letters that each included a puzzle piece. When I found him in front of the altar he said, "I think you have some puzzle pieces. We work best together as a team, will you help me put it together?"

The puzzle read "Will you marry me?" and KC asked me, "Bridget, would you do me the honor of allowing me to love you into heaven?" I obviously said "yes!”

Our engagement seemed like a long one, but the whole time it was apparent that Christ was still working on our hearts and helping us to become better versions of ourselves so we could be the best spouses for each other. Every aspect of our marriage prep highlighted areas we still needed to grow personally and spiritually. We named Sts. Francis and Claire patrons of our engagement.

Planning a wedding together was so much fun, and I was very excited to have KC's enthusiastic help in the process, especially with the nuptial Mass.

Our main goal and theme of our Mass was "verso l'alto" (an Italian phrase made famous by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati that means “to the top” or “towards the heights”). We wanted everything to point to Christ and to give glory to God.

When meeting with our main celebrant, Fr. Eric Sternberg, he asked us, "What is our goal here? Have a beautiful Mass and a fun party, or knock everyone’s socks off by being a tool of evangelization and praise the Most High God?" We laughed a little, not really seeing the difference, and said "both?" He chuckled a little and responded, "right answer, I am so excited."

We knew we were lucky to be married at St. Paul’s, the university chapel where our relationship began and grew. Additionally, we told Fr. Eric the more smells, bells, and gold we could incorporate, the better. Our wedding was planned to take place within the octave of Christmas, so why not? Not only were we receiving a sacrament, we were also celebrating Christ's birth!

My family has been blessed to have many priest friends, several of whom are godfathers to my siblings, so naturally they had to be included in the Mass. The total number of celebrants came to seven, plus a deacon. We had hoped to have Bishop Morlino there too, a good friend of my family, but we were not able to extend an invitation before his passing in November. Our Mass was served by several seminarian friends and two of my brothers.  

KC and I wanted to make sure there was a lot of symbolism and tradition in the Mass, even if only the two of us noticed or knew about it.

For example, both of our rings are custom-made. KC’s ring was crafted with a band of gold from his mom's old wedding ring and set between two bands of silver from her purity ring. His growth and spiritual life was kindled by his mother. Now it is my responsibility to support and care for him in this vocation.

My engagement ring has his mom's diamond from her same old wedding band, and my wedding band has fifteen tiny diamonds that I associate with a number of spiritual references: the fifteen prayers of St Bridget, my patron saint, the fifteen original mysteries of the rosary, and the fourteen stations of the cross, plus the resurrection.

My bridal colors we also chosen for religious symbolism: burgundy for the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen's ties with gold as an accent. Not only was our wedding within the octave of Christmas (and those are both great Christmas colors), it was on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and we decided on red for those precious martyrs. Shades of red also symbolized devotion to the Sacred Heart, which runs through our family and social circle.

KC and I had a candle lit in the sanctuary with Bishop Morlino's photo in memory of him, and our recessional hymn, “O God Beyond All Praising,” was partially chosen with him in mind, since it was one of his favorites.

We also memorized our vows, rather than repeating after the priest. KC and I wanted to make sure our vows were ones that we knew forward and backward and fully understood what they meant. It was a little weird to practice our vows with each other in the months before our wedding, so we replaced "husband" and "wife" in the first line with "friend" while we practiced.

At our wedding, we both almost said “friend,” and it was funny for the two of us, even though no one else knew! But it was very worth it, and we still hold hands once in a while and repeat our vows to each other.

The Mass was celebrated ad orientem, and we incorporated many Latin responses. Readings were chosen with Theology of the Body in mind and as much foreshadowing of the heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb as possible. The gospel reading (Jn 2:1-11) is one of our favorites because it contains the last recorded words of Mary: "Do whatever He tells you." They are a good command for us to remember as we begin our life together following God's plan.

We each had a holy hour the morning of the wedding and went to confession the night before. My father walked with me to the bride and groom’s "first look." KC and I wanted to process into the church together, so in order to still give my dad the opportunity to "give the bride away," we had him escort me then.

After our first look, my parents gathered with us to share a prayer they had written for us. KC and I read our letters to each other and prayed together for a brief, special moment. Then, just before starting the processional, my bridesmaids prayed over me.  

The Mass was a dream. Everything went smoothly; our musicians (all music majors and two opera/musical theater majors) were phenomenal.  KC says that our friend Ben put Andrea Bocelli to shame with his Ave Maria for our Marian consecration, which was the final day of our 33 Days to Morning Glory renewal. There was so much joy, peace, and excitement for both of us as we knelt and prayed after communion.

One of the priests told us afterwards that seeing the joy and radiance on our faces as we prayed gave him so much hope for the future and deepened his flame of love for his own bride, the Church.

We didn't share our first kiss at the altar. Rather, we snuck off for a few moments alone in one of the spiritual direction rooms in the basement of the Newman Center. Those moments were so important for us to share our joy, prayers, and thoughts from Mass and to take a deep breath before family photos and being passed around from guest to guest the rest of the evening.

Our honeymoon was in Italy, where we made another pilgrimage to Assisi to thank Sts. Francis and Claire for their intercession in our engagement and to Rome for the Sposi Novelli blessing.

Wedding planning can be a lot of fun if you are striving to have a celebration that reflects goodness, truth, and beauty. KC and I encountered our own share of spiritual warfare, but because God always comes through on his promises, we received many, many comments from our priests and our guests about how peaceful everything and everyone was.

We could feel that peace too. When we trust the Lord, really trust him to take care of things and to have a better plan than we have, everything works out, and it brings joy and light to other people's personal and spiritual lives.

Photography: Wild Elegance LLC | Church: St. Paul's University Catholic Center | Reception: St. Paul's University Catholic Center | Rings: Diny's Diamonds (Madison, WI) | Dress: Brides N Belles (Reedsburg, WI) | Veil: JJ's House | Shoes: Amazon, Overstock | Brides Jewelry: Handmade | Groom's Suit: JC Penney | Cake: To Di For (Stoughton, WI) | Hair and MU: The Posh Beauty Bar, done by Katrina (Stoughton, WI) | Caterer: Blue Plate Catering | DJ: Midwest Sound DJs | Flowers: DIY, purchased through Costco floral | Girls dresses and mens suits were purchased on their own. Men's ties were from Amazon. | Invitation Suite: By the bride

Resi + Jason | Fairytale-Inspired Filipino Wedding

For Resi and Jason, what began as an unlikely online match turned into something so much more.

By the time they reached the altar, their courtship had transformed both their spiritual lives and taught them a more Christ-like meaning of love and marriage. Their wedding reflected the beauty of the sacrament, a deep appreciation for their families’ culture, and the beginning of their vocational path to heaven.

From the Bride: My husband, Jason, and I met in one of the most unexpected, probably “least-Christian” ways: through Tinder, the dating app! Fortunately, he was the first and only person I ever met online.

I am a “cradle Catholic,” but if it wasn’t for my husband and his family, I might not be Catholic today. After going through another breakup, I prayed to God for someone to love, but only if he thought I was ready. I felt that I was. Not long after that prayer, I met the man who would become my husband.

They say not to talk about religion on the first date, but we did. I was exploring non-denominational Christianity, and Jason was a lukewarm Catholic. In spite of this, he invited me to go to Mass with him one Sunday a few weeks into our courtship.

I had not been to Mass in a long time, but I agreed. It was the first time I had been invited to church by a man I was dating. It would be the first of many Masses together at the church where we would be married, but I didn’t know that at the time.

His older sister was also a big influence in my return to the Catholic faith. She introduced me to the book Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly that sparked a fire in my search for truth. Since then we have all been growing together in understanding and love of the faith we were raised in.

Jason proposed on Christmas Eve 2016 while we were opening gifts with his family, two and a half years into our relationship. My family was unable to make it to dinner, but I was on the phone with them immediately after it happened. About a year and a half later, we were married on May 12, 2018 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Poway, California.

The theme for our wedding was “simple, elegant, and fun.” We are both huge Disney fans, so we wanted it to have a fairytale touch without overspending on insignificant details. We both come from large Filipino families as well, so we had a grand celebration with around 220 guests!

I chose two matrons of honor, and my husband had two best men. All four were equally special to us and played a significant role in our relationship. My six bridesmaids wore floor length burgundy dresses, and the flower girls wore ivory and gold. Jason’s six groomsmen picked burgundy-patterned neckties, and our fathers wore black bow ties. My handsome groom decided on a blend with a burgundy-patterned bow tie.

I found my wedding dress on an unexpected shopping trip with my sister-in-law. It was love at first sight!

Women my size, petite (4’11”), are commonly advised not to wear ball gowns because they tend to overwhelm us. But this is not always so. I almost didn’t try on a ball gown, but my stylish future-sister-in-law insisted I try one on for fun--and how fun it was to wear! I was debating between that and a figure flattering dress when the stylist came out with a big ruffled ball gown skirt to wear over a sequined mermaid style dress. It was the best of both worlds!

I wore the overskirt for the ceremony until the start of the reception. I truly felt like a bride and a princess. It was so big that after taking pre-ceremony pictures with it, I had to remove it, take it with me, and put it on again at church.

The shoes I chose to wear were also special. They were the same ones I wore for my 26th birthday, the day Jason and I officially became a couple.

Jason is the last of his siblings to get married. We were so blessed that our celebrant, Father Mel Monreal, is a close friend of his family; he celebrated all my husband’s siblings’ nuptial Masses as well.

Choosing how to walk down the aisle was another decision that took some thought. I wanted my entrance to represent coming to the altar of my own free will, but I also wanted to have both my parents walk beside me. We decided to, literally, meet in the middle. I went solo for the first half down the aisle and was then accompanied by my parents the rest of the way.

Jason and I did not do a pre-ceremony “first look.” While neither of us shed a tear during the procession, the moment we said our vows was a different story.

Our priest allowed us to step into the sanctuary so the entire congregation could more easily witness our vows. As I looked across to the man who was about to become my husband, my throat began to tighten. Realizing that this was the moment we would become one flesh, I was barely able to talk. I could see the emotion in my husband’s eyes as they began to water, just like mine. It was truly a beautiful moment.

At the beginning of our engagement, I learned about Theology of the Body. This completely changed my understanding of marriage and sexuality. My husband was reluctant to accept the theology at first, but after our Engaged Encounter retreat his heart opened, and we vowed to follow the life Christ wanted for us in marriage.

And so, we came to the altar on our wedding day with a deeper understanding of the vows were making to each other and to God. We still remind each other often of these vows and what they mean as we continue to grow deeper in our faith and in our marriage.

Jason and I had a traditional, Filipino Catholic wedding, which means we included coins, a cord, and veil ceremonies. I don’t think many people knew this, but the cord and veil we used were the same ones my parents used in their wedding 31 years ago! The thirteen coins, which are shiny, gold Philippine currency, were given to us by one of my matrons of honor; she had an extra set from her wedding. All of these are symbolic of the everlasting bond, unity, fidelity, and wealth and prosperity (in all forms) that we promise to each other.

After the nuptial Mass, when our coordinators showed us the ballroom before the reception began, I surprised my husband with my form-fitting dress. It was like having another “first look!”

I surprised everyone else during our grand entrance as we shimmied down the hall to Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” After our entrance, Jason’s aunt led us in a thoughtful, extemporaneous prayer before dinner. We wanted food to be served during everyone’s toasts so our guests wouldn’t be hungry.

The most memorable thing about the speeches was that they all recognized how God has been at the center of our relationship. My dad even recognized my sister-in-law for playing such a significant role in my spiritual growth. By the end, there was no dry eye left in the reception hall.

Unlike most weddings, our first dance didn’t immediately follow our grand entrance. We decided to wait until after all the toasts and father-daughter/mother-son dances so we could open the dance floor to everyone. It was a nice transition to go from formal dining to dancing.

Before the wedding, Jason and I took dance lessons and modified the choreography to match the music cut by our DJ. We had two different songs: a slow song, “Beautiful As You” by Jim Brickman ft. Wayne Brandy, followed by the upbeat song, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. My husband is known for his dance moves, and he surprised me with a solo dance in between the transition of the two songs. After all the stressful planning, it was fun to have a little surprise!

Our wedding day was such a meaningful, joyful occasion, and it was only the beginning. It went far beyond the aesthetics and making a promise to love one person for the rest of our lives; our wedding wasn’t just about choosing another person to “get through life with.” It was the first day we vowed to lead each other to heaven.

Additionally, our wedding wasn’t just about us. It was about our community and our faith. Our families are now joined together, and we have a whole army of people to lift each other up! In choosing a sacramental marriage, we promised to be an effective sign of God’s love, and we are constantly learning how to love each other as Jesus loves us. In doing so, we hope that when people see us, they are directed towards Jesus and his love for each of us. It is my hope that our faith in God will continue to be deeply reflected in our marriage.

Videographer - Blue Tiger Films

Photography: True Photography | Church: St. Michael's Catholic Church - Poway, California | Reception: Maderas Golf Club | Wedding Dress (& Veil) - Enzoani & Ysa Makino via Here Comes The Bride | Wedding Planner - Lavish Weddings | Rings - San Diego Jewelry Brokers | Hair - Mish Mucho | Lashes - Kailani Blue | Makeup - Kristine Davis | Florist - Tessfresh Flowers | Videographer - Blue Tiger Films | DJ - DreMotion Entertainment | Cake - Jessie's Bake Shop | Bridesmaid Dresses - Mori Lee via 2000 Dreams Bridal

Brooke + Austin | Timeless Autumnal Nebraska Wedding

“If there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

From the beginning of their romantic relationship into their new marriage, Brooke and Austin have strove to live in the wisdom of Scripture and the beauty of the sacraments. They know that saying “yes” to a strong relationship with the Lord is a “yes” to greater intimacy as husband and wife.

Their elegant, timeless wedding, centered around the sacrifice of the Mass, shows the joy of a community celebrating the union of this abundantly blessed couple.

From the Bride: Austin and I travelled in the same college friend group for three years. During our junior year, he showed up at my front door and asked to take me out on a date. He wanted to get to know me better.

I knew in that moment that Austin was something special, because you don't see men pursue a woman like that too often.

It was important to incorporate our faith from the very beginning. Throughout our relationship, we went to Mass together on Sundays and at least once during the week. Austin even shared his testimony with me one night and explained that I inspired him in his faith, and that I made him want to be a better man of God. I told him he inspired the exact same aspiration in me.

And so, we got engaged.

Austin and I wanted the Mass to be the center and most important part of our wedding day. I had not been living in Omaha long before we got engaged, so I had not yet found my home parish. I was looking for a place that felt like home and radiated God's presence. I knew after the first Mass I attended at St. Robert's that it was the church community I had been seeking. It would also be the parish where Austin and I would be married. They welcomed us with open arms.

Before the wedding began, the bridal party and parents gathered for a prayer led by our celebrant, Fr. Matya. The readings we chose were not common readings for a nuptial Mass, but were readings that spoke to our values as a couple that we wanted to build our married life on.

The gospel was Philippians 4:4-9, which includes a verse we both love: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

The most special part of the Mass was our time after communion praying and asking for Mary’s intercession. We truly felt the presence of God in that moment and prayed that Mary would guide us along our new path as husband and wife.

Our wedding style was elegant and classic. Chic while remaining traditional. I am not all about glitz and glam, but I love a simple, timeless look. Because the wedding was in the fall, I chose a color theme with darker tones and greenery touches. I focused on the "burnt mauve" color and gold accents.

Looking back, our wedding day was another huge reminder of how much God has blessed Austin and I. One memorable thing we did happened during the reception. We stood in the back of the room and looked out at everyone celebrating our marriage. It was a day spent with all our loved ones supporting us during this special time.

Austin is the man I have prayed for my entire life. Actually, he's even better than the man I prayed for. I asked God for a faithful, loving husband, and God sent me that in Austin--and more. We are constantly striving to be better stewards of God’s grace and learning how to carry out his plan for us every day. We have learned the challenges it brings, but Austin and I have fought through them together.

The biggest challenge we have encountered is figuring out how to pray together, not settling for less in our faith lives, or becoming distracted away from time with God. We pushed past this challenge by reading a spiritual resource every day together and reflecting on it. Our favorite readings include the Bible (of course!), Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen, My Daily Bread, and Fr. Mike Schmitz’s podcast.

Austin and I know if we choose to say "yes" to having a strong relationship with God, we will also feel closer to one another and become better versions of ourselves.

Photography: Kelli Dornbos | Church: St. Robert Bellarmine, Omaha NE | Wedding Reception Venue : Embassy Suites in the Old Market, Omaha NE | Bride's Wedding Gown: Ready or Knot | Bride's Veil: Ready or Knot | Alterations: Livia Designs | Graphic designer for all wedding stationery (invites, programs, placecards, etc): Brooke Sankey | Bridesmaid Dresses: Ready or Knot (Jenny Yoo collection in Cinnamon Rose) | Groom's Suit: Jerry Ryan | Groom's Tie: Tie Bar | Groomsmen suits: Jerry Ryan | Groomsmen/Ring Bearer Ties: Tie Bar
Makeup artist: Kate Johnson | Hair Stylist: Emily Jackson | Florist: iBloom (Lincoln, NE) | Reception Wedding Planner: Adrianne Lescanic
Flower petals for throwing: Sam's Club | Videographer: Tom Hoxmeier | Party Bus: Emerald Limosine | DJ: Complete Wedding and Events | Cake: Whisk + Measure | Biscotti: Enjoy Biscotti Company (based in Colorado) | Jeweler: Wrights Jewelry (Lincoln, NE)

Christine + Mark | Traditional Chinese Wedding

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

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

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

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

She didn’t have to wait long.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renae + Steven | Winter Clubhouse Wedding

Renae and Steven met shortly before Renae entered into a dating fast. During this time, she grew to know and love Steven as a brother in Christ, sparking a desire in both of them to get to know each other on a deeper level.

And so their courtship began. Through the intercession and guidance of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, Steven and Renae were engaged and then married in God’s peaceful and perfect timing.

From the Bride: Steven and I met in a young adult church group. We got to know each other better over the next year--during which I began a dating fast. I knew at the time that I needed to start treating the men in my life as brothers in Christ instead of potential suitors. This profoundly changed the way I interacted with the guys around me.

Just days after my dating fast ended, I returned to the young adult group. I was still treating the men in the group as brothers in Christ, confident my new perspective was both healing and consistent. Steven later told me this was the time he started desiring to know me better.

It truly is by God’s grace that we grew interested in each other when we did. Once we started dating, we quickly discovered our confirmation saints, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, worked together. This led to great discussions about our individual spiritualities, which greatly aided our relationship discernment.

On April 10th, I began my preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary using 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley.

I didn't know that in just twelve days, my future fiancé would be driving to my parents' house to ask their permission for my hand in marriage.

After thirty three days of prayer, I made my consecration to Jesus through Mary. That same day, May 13th, Steven and I finished our novena to Our Lady of Fatima. It was the 100th anniversary of the famous Marian apparitions in Portugal.

Steven chose that day to propose, in an antique mall from our first date.

Our engagement showed how in tune Steven was with my spirituality.

His loving awareness and connectedness allowed us to intentionally pray through the discernment process. And while I waited for a proposal, God taught me to trust in his timing.

I received the engagement ring Steven intended to propose with weeks after he’d initially asked. He had created a design of three infinity symbols merged into a cross. This was etched into the inside ridge of the ring. The main diamond came from my mother’s engagement ring, which originally came from my grandmother’s engagement ring. It has become a family heirloom.

We knew weddings traditionally took place in the bride’s hometown church, but Steven agreed to a wedding in the church that has spiritually impacted me the most: St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anderson, Indiana, connected to the school where I worked for four years. During my career, I have spent many days of prayer there at school Masses and in Adoration.

Even the building itself reflected who we are as a couple: the old church had been well worn over time, just like the times Steven and I had fallen and turned to God’s grace. Likewise, St. Mary’s has long relied on the intervention of caring parishioners to keep it a living and growing parish.

My classroom was where the bridal party got ready the morning of the wedding. I was ecstatic to see that my students had written “Congrats, Mrs. Cox” on the the chalkboard! The groom and groomsmen got ready in the library. Spending this precious time with our bridal parties before the ceremony calmed our nerves and allowed us to be in community with those who truly cared about our future. Steven played a board game with his groomsmen, and my sister brought tea and scones for the ladies.

Taking time for prayer with my bridesmaids before the ceremony allowed me to deeply understand the support they desired to give me, on our wedding day and throughout all the years to come.

They are still my rock when grief strikes because they are so firmly rooted in Christ.

The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph played a huge part in our courtship. Our Lady of Fatima was present and represented in my handkerchief, and my sister brought a small statue of her for the time before the ceremony.

I had a family friend design a choker necklace with the Miraculous Medal attached to the clasp. For me, this represented how Mary has always “had my back.” The idea came from a friend who always wore a Miraculous Medal on the clasp of her cross necklace.

I wore my sister’s veil. She was the first of the girls in my family to get married. My twin sister also wore the veil on her wedding day; it has quickly became a family tradition.

We met in the annex of the church before the ceremony, with Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Pieta both in the room with us. These moments felt powerful and prayerful, even as I also felt the jittery nervousness of the morning.

At the reception, we had our father/daughter and mother/son dances. My father and I danced to a Dean Martin song--one I always remembered my dad dancing to when he felt happy. Steven had tissues prepared for his mother, and they still joke about the joyful tears she shed as they danced together.

Throughout the entire process, Steven and I strove to understand that our marriage wouldn’t be all sunshine and roses.

So we gathered an amazing support system filled with the Christ-centered people in our lives.

We truly felt the love of Jesus in those around us during our engagement and on our wedding day. Now that we are united in Christ through the sacrament of matrimony, we feel we can endure whatever life throws at us.

We both feel peace knowing the other will keep each of us focused on God. And I often remind Steven our marriage is a means to help each other to heaven. We strive for this through the hardships we experience together, forgiving the sins of the other, enduring the selfishness we both exhibit, and being thankful for the beauty we witness in our marriage.

Photography: Soul Creations Photography • SPOKEN BRIDE VENDOR | Church: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Anderson, IN | Reception: Indianapolis Yacht Club, Indianapolis, IN | Cake: A Slice of Heaven | Bridal Gown: A Moment in Time Bridal | Engagement Ring: Reis Nichols | Wedding Bands: Shane Co. | Bridal Necklace: Brenda Jarrett | Shoes: Modcloth | Florist: Joann Ryan | DJ: Midwest Sound | Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie | Menswear: Jos A. Banks | Videography: Fiat Films

Victoria + David | Antique Glamour Wedding & a Conversion Story.

Victoria and David were a 100% match for religious values on an online dating site. And yet, she was a faithful Catholic who worked for the Church and had spent many years discerning religious life, while he was the minister of a Non-Denominational Evangelical community. Though each wondered if their differences could lead to a successful relationship, they were intrigued by their many similarities, and decided to at least go on a date.

“I thought it would be fascinating to talk about Jesus with a devout, joyful Protestant minister,” says Victoria. “I was right! We had incredible conversations, deep and very spiritually energizing, as one date led to another and another. David's theology seemed very close to Catholicism, and I was surprised how his own study and prayer had led him away from certain doctrines typically associated with Protestantism.

Hesitation took over, however, as their theological differences posed obvious barriers that would make marriage problematic. Victoria and David broke up as the difficulty of how they’d raise future children became increasingly evident.

“We both felt like martyrs,” Victoria says, “laying our growing love for each other at the Lord’s feet in order to be faithful to him.”

She continued to marvel, though, at how wonderfully paired they seemed in every other way. The Lord wasn’t finished working in their relationship.

From the Bride: A short time after our breakup, I contacted David with a high stakes invitation that seemed doomed to fail: perhaps we could date if David earnestly explored the possibility of becoming Catholic.

At first, David rejected the offer as impossible, but later agreed, believing that by seeking the truth we would land on the same page (he was convinced I would become Protestant). He also asked that I pray to see the beauty in Protestant communities. Over the next weeks and months, God did bring us to the same page, and answered both of our prayers!

David’s prayer and study, particularly of the Catechism and the Church Fathers, led him to the decision to enter full communion with the Catholic Church. God had also brought me to see beautiful workings of the Holy Spirit in Protestant communities, and to long even more for the unity of the Church.

We see our marriage as a sort of microcosm of the call to Christian unity. Our relationship is a source of great joy and growth as we are strengthened by the gifts we each bring.

Before meeting, John 17 was a favorite Scripture passage of each of us individually. It contains Christ's prayer to the Father for the unity of all who believe in him: “...that they may be brought to perfection as one…” This passage now has a double meaning for us in marriage as we allow the grace of Christ to make us more perfectly one, as husband and wife. We chose this passage the Gospel reading at our Mass, and David had ut sint consummati in unum engraved in his wedding ring.

David and I are both musicians, so the Nuptial Mass music was a high priority for us. We hired a professional choir and a few instrumentalists. Since David is not accustomed to Latin, we opted to seek out beautiful English settings and pieces. We chose a mixture of motets (including a beautiful Magnificat by Chris Mueller), the Heritage Mass sung in parts, a polyphonic introit, alleluia, and communion antiphon, and several congregational hymns. It turned out gloriously! David and I also made our vows over a crucifix that now hangs in our home.

We’d agreed early in our relationship to save our first kiss on the lips for our wedding day. This decision was always left open to discussion and revisiting if needed, but we continued to discern that we wanted to wait. To be clear, it’s not something we think is necessary for all couples, but it was something we prayerfully determined. Both of us had past relationships in which kissing was permitted, but we now desired to keep this special level of intimacy reserved for a lifelong commitment. We had a very affectionate relationship otherwise, and most people didn’t know this was a choice we had made.

Since some close friends were unable to attend the wedding, we decided to keep our bridal party simple, with one Matron of Honor (my sister) and one Best Man (David's brother). Our beloved nieces and nephews were the flower girls and ring bearers, and one nephew was an altar server.

We wanted the style of the wedding to be floral and antique-inspired, with burgundy, dusty rose, ivory, deep greens, and antique gold. The men’s vests and bow ties were burgundy, with David’s being champagne. My sister wore burgundy and gold.

As for my dress, I’d originally bought a more vintage-looking dress that needed substantial lace additions, but at the last minute, the wrong lace came in and I had to get a back-up dress! My second option was more of a princess style, which I had first avoided, but I couldn’t shake how beautiful I felt in it. By a providential turn of events, I was able to return the first dress and purchase the other for a discounted sample price. It turned out to be lovely and matched our flower girl dresses beautifully.

It was important to us that we honor my mother at the wedding, who passed away 9 years ago. I had a 10th anniversary ring of hers (from the year I was born) made into a cross necklace and into my wedding band. For the bridal procession my uncle (my mom’s brother) processed in holding a rose to represent my mother. At the reception, we also had an “in loving memory” table, and David and I sang a duet in her honor.  

We wanted a reception venue with lots of light that was big enough for a larger number of guests. We found a lovely one, where the owner even had a small chapel on the premises with a crucifix and stained glass window of the Wedding at Cana. For our first dance, we had a friend choreograph a waltz to “Clair de Lune.” Other fun details included a singing flash mob David planned with many of his performer friends. It was a medley from Fiddler on the Roof ("Sunrise, Sunset," "Wonder of Wonders," and "To Life L'chaim")! David and his mother also sang Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer." It was a joyful and entertaining evening.

I look back and reflect on how beautifully marriage is celebrated by the Church, and how even one couple’s marriage is a special blessing to the whole Body of Christ. I was so moved by the way the Church prayed for us in the prayers of our Nuptial Mass, and simply desiring us to be deep vessels to receive all the graces of the sacrament. We were also touched by how our wedding was a source of joy--not only for us but for our friends, family, and even the priests who celebrated the Mass. We now pray for the grace to live our vocation faithfully and grow continually in love for God and one another.

Photography: Stephanie Messick Photography | Church:  Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, VA | Wedding Reception Venue : Morais Vineyards in Bealeton, VA | Day-of wedding coordinator: MayJune events ; Rings and cross necklace: Yas & Co. Jewelers in Fairfax, VA | Flowers: Bella Floral in Front Royal, VA | Catering: Caroline Street Catering in Fredricksburg, VA | Hair and makeup: Yiselle Santos in Bristow, VA | Cakes: Gateau cakes in Warrenton, VA |  DJ: Voss Weddings | Music Conductor/Organist: James Senson from St. John the Beloved in McLean, VA

Blair + Jordan | Fireside Black-Tie Wedding

Blair is from Washington state. Jordan is a native Texan. Through the Father’s providence, they both ended up in the Catholic Studies program at the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota. After three short months of friendship, Jordan asked Blair on a date. She agreed, but still felt like she didn’t know him well.

When Jordan picked her up for their date, however, bringing a gift of an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and encouraging Blair to look into total consecration to Mary, as he had recently done, she knew she was in the company of a man pursuing sincere holiness. “Throughout the time we dated,” she says, “he proved this to me again and again.”

Around a year later, Jordan proposed at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

From the Bride: Jordan and I were married at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Washington--my home parish before moving to Minnesota. We both hoped our wedding liturgy would, in every aspect, reveal the richness and beauty of our ancient faith. We hoped, too, that it could be a moment of evangelization--as every Mass is--through the Scriptures and the witnesses to the sacraments and the truth.

We were grateful the cathedral’s choir, organist, and trumpeter were able to provide beautiful music for the liturgy. The Mass was chanted, and among other pieces, the choir sang Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus” and Palestrina’s “Alma Redemptoris Mater” and “Sicut Cervus”.

We chose to say our vows over a crucifix, symbolizing the marriage covenant made and sustained not through our own merits, but through the grace of God. After honoring our Blessed Mother with a bouquet, we each took a flower from the vase and surprised our earthly mothers by presenting the flowers to them, along with a hug.

The liturgy was reverent and beautiful. This is such a blessing of marriage in the Church: the sacrament is not just about the couple (and certainly not just about the bride!), but about their union and how that union may reflect the glory of God. We do not write our own vows, for instance, to highlight the uniqueness of our relationship. Instead, we recite the words that have been said by countless Catholic couples before us. We then hear these vows at every Catholic wedding we attend in the future, we're reminded of the promises we ourselves made. Though it can seem that Catholic weddings are less “personal” this is actually a gift given to us by the Church--just one more way for us to be a witness to the true purpose of marriage: to glorify God and help each other, and all we encounter through our marriage, to achieve salvation.

Our reception took place at a local 19th-century mansion. With the fireplaces roaring on that chilly November day, it was a glowing, cozy evening. We requested a black-tie dress code; it was so lovely seeing the women in formal gowns and the men looking dashing in tuxes and suits. Sticking to a traditional reception format, after dinner and beautiful speeches by our closest family and friends, we all danced the night away.  

Our reception was a beautiful time to reflect on what the heavenly banquet might be like. For here we encountered family and friends from all over the country, whom Jordan and I grew to love in all the varied stages of our life, all feasting together.

As Jordan thanked our guests he noted this fact, and prayed this brief day of joy and unity might reflect that unending happiness we will one day encounter in eternity, in the presence of the Lord. Though our wedding day seemed much too short, it is meditating upon the idea of a much greater feast to come that allowed us to end the day with great joy.

Though many suggest that your wedding is the best day of your life, I think it’s important to remember that the wedding day is only a gateway to even more beautiful, blessed days with your spouse.

Ultimately, I encourage brides to not to be pressured to “feel” a certain way on their wedding day. Rather, try to take in all of the peace and grace the Lord offers.

Jordan and I had a blast on that wonderful day and we both count it as the most beautiful, grace-filled day we’ve yet encountered. What a beautiful preparation our wedding has been for receiving many graces in the days that have followed!

As an engaged woman working daily on wedding details great and small, I had to constantly remind myself that these details do matter. Though each bride handles wedding preparation in her own way, it’s okay to take the time to make the day beautiful for you, your future husband, and your guests. It is through this great care that can reveal your respect and care for the sacrament into which you will enter.

Of course, I had to carefully make sure I didn’t cross the line into frivolity or lose sight of the greater picture as to why this carefully planned event was taking place in the first place.

If you, like me, can become obsessive over details, I encourage bringing prayer into your planning.

Before working on any aspect of the wedding, it brought me great peace to pray to my patron saint, asking her to grant me both a spirit of care and attention to the wedding details, but also a spirit of poverty into my planning.

A few months after the wedding a priest friend questioned us: “So, did you memorize the vows?” We had not done so for the wedding day. “Great!” he said, “now is the perfect time to learn them!” What a beautiful set of words to take to meditation (especially when encountering struggles in marriage) and to repeat again each anniversary:

“…I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

This is the promise that all Catholic couples make, and that they will keep, if only through the grace bestowed by our Lord.

Photography: Joanna Traeger Photography http://joannatraegerphotography.com | Church: Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes – Spokane, WA | Reception: The Glover Mansion – Spokane, WA | Day-of planning: http://www.hayloevents.com | Florist: https://www.specialtouchfloristandgifts.com | Makeup & Hair: https://www.kissandmakeupspokane.com | Dress: https://www.celestialselections.com  | Tailoring and Custom Veil: http://www.ninacherie.com | DJ: https://completewedding.com  | Catering: http://www.redrockspokane.com 

Becca + Phil | Christmas Picnic Wedding

In the past, Becca and Phil had both discerned religious vocations. By the time they both felt ready to date and pursue marriage, they met online. Becca shared in her profile that her dream man wouldn’t be unlike Ebeneezer Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, in A Christmas Carol.

A few days later, she received a message from Phil, sharing that he was an actor currently playing the role of Fred. Their conversations began flowing nonstop. One week later, they met face to face, and began officially dating the following month on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who has since become their patroness.

From the Bride: We both knew pretty quickly that this was serious and we began to talk about marriage and family a few months in. During our courtship, we, who are both teachers, were both directing theatre shows at the same time that I was working and in grad school. Through all of the hectic scheduling and stress, we were still able to support each other through prayer and were able to attend every one of each other’s events.

After our engagement, things were crazy: I got a new job, Phil took on summer work to help with our expenses, and we decided to do all of the wedding planning ourselves. Yet through it all, there was so much growth and so many insecurities in us uncovered, so many new steps taken in our faith and so much joy shared in the chaos. With every step, we were extremely blessed. So many times we thanked the Lord for someone who was willing to help us or do something for the wedding for manageable rates. God continued to pull people out of the woodwork that consistently blessed us with financial gifts, emotional support or practical help. The Lord was so present there with us, and our celebrant and Pastor, Fr. Dan Leary, was a vital part of showing us or leading us into God's presence.

We got engaged at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland, a place rich with meaning for us. We both feel very devoted to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and still visit the Shrine often. During our dating and courtship, we prayed the St. Andrew Novena and Fr. Michael Gaitley’s 33 Days to Morning Glory Consecration to Mary. We followed that with Fr. Gaitley’s Consecration to Merciful Love. Right before our wedding, we wrote a novena that included all of our patrons.

The Mass was the most important part of planning for us. Though we were frequently told we needed to focus more on reception items, attire, or favors, both of us felt strongly that the Mass shouldn’t be on the back burner. We wanted the day to be focused on the sacrament and desired that the Mass would draw our friends and family closer to the Lord and the Church.

As musicians ourselves, the music for the liturgy was very important to us. We were blessed by eight of our close friends singing as a choir and by 3 priests who concelebrated the Mass. The liturgy opened with "Jesus, All for Jesus" and ended with "God, We Praise You," because this was the reason we decided to get married: to offer ourselves as a gift to God, to do His will, love Him and love each other.

The readings were from Song of Solomon 2:8-10, 14, 16; Psalm 34, Romans 12 and John 17. Fr. Dan's homily was focused on the reality of the sacrament, not just the symbolic gesture. His theme was 1+1=1, which quickly became our wedding hashtag. He focused "this body, broken for you" and our sacrifice for one another, in flesh and spirit. One of the most moving moments of the Mass was during the Communion meditation, set to the song "Even Unto Death" by Audrey Assad. It was, and is, our continued commitment to God and each other. There was a great witness during that moment that has been echoed by several of our guests, some of whom are not even Christians. We are confident that their testimony is the fruit of prioritizing the liturgy above everything else.

The day was full of trust and peace. We both took the morning pretty slowly and enjoyed some quality time with friends and in prayer. The celebration itself was also pretty simple. Because we paid for most things ourselves, we kept expenses to a minimum.

We used the December Christmas season to our advantage, calling our reception our "Christmas Picnic". We used chalkboards, biodegradable snow, white lights, curtains, pine and holly to decorate. We used pine and cedar disks as centerpieces, with lanterns on top. Phil even built a s'mores bar where guests could roast marshmallows. The meal featured picnic items: sandwiches, salads, lemonade, and chips, followed by hot chocolate, tea, hot cider and coffee. The casual theme allowed for a peaceful and fun atmosphere, where everyone could really relax and celebrate.

My dress was a beautifully unexpected choice. I went shopping with ideas in my head, but ended up with something totally different than I’d originally imagined.

At the reception, people continually came up to us raving about the ceremony. That was so wonderful after our frequent prayers that our Mass would be the focus of the day.

Despite cake getting on both of us (Phil had asked me not to, but some seminarians sitting by the cake pressured me into it at the last minute!), we were both overjoyed. We made lots of rounds to see everyone and remember the reception flying by. It truly was everything we thought it would be.

It was truly so meaningful as Catholics. The Mass was a milestone and because I'm a convert, it was so beautiful putting the whole thing together and seeing every part's meaning; the intention behind every word and motion. Our day was so special because the highlight, truly the "source and summit" was the Mass, the Eucharist and the sacrament of Matrimony. Having almost 200 people there to share this amazing occasion was so overwhelmingly beautiful and moving. We feel so blessed by Fr. Dan, by our family and what our wedding was and is for us now.

Photography: Amy Leigh Horan Photography http://www.amyleighhoran.com/ Church: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Emmitsburg, Maryland | Reception Venue: Thurmont American Legion, Thurmont, Maryland | Engagement ring by Wholesale Diamond Consultants: http://www.wdc14k.com/, Flowers by Freesia & Vine: https://favflowers.com/, Invitations designed by the Bride and printed by Vistaprint: https://www.vistaprint.com/?rd=1, Decor Rental by I Do, You Do Wedding Decor Rentals: http://www.facebook.com/idoyoudo.wedding.rentals and Freesia & Vine: https://favflowers.com, Catering by Wegman's: https://www.wegmans.com/, Bride's dress from I Do I Do: https://www.idoidoweddinggowns.com/, Bride's veil from Your Heirloom Veil: https://www.etsy.com/shop/YourHeirloomVeil, Bride's shoes from Cinderollies: https://www.cinderollies.com/, Bride's jewelry from Lizardi Bridal: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LizardiBridal, Bride's fur bolero from Meshka Bridal: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeshkaBridal, Groom and Groomsmen tie clips from SiBelle Jewelry: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SiBelleJewelry, Bride's Ring from Pompeii3: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Pompeii3, Groom's Ring from Manly Bands: https://manlybands.com/, Groom's suit, tie and shoe, and groomsmen ties by JcPenney: https://www.jcpenney.com/, Cake baked by Kelly Clabaugh, Fairfield, PA; Bride's makeup by Kim Sykes, Mary Kay Rep; DJ by Greffen Audio Visual: https://www.facebook.com/Greffen-Audio-Visual-232231706827995/; Reception Coordinator: Linda O'Brien, Mass Music provided by local musician friends, Cake Topper by Momo Rad Rose: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoRadRose

Jamaila + Andy | Nature-Inspired Wedding

Jamaila and Andy’s story began with the Frassati Fellowship of NYC, a young adult group inspired by the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Andy's experience with the group began the year he moved to New York to discern a life with the Community of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal. He later discerned out and moved back to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, but stayed in contact with the order’s vocations director, Fr. Gabriel, CFR, who invited him to his first Frassati Fellowship retreat.

Andy left the retreat with a renewed desire for community. Soon after, he returned to the city, became a regular at Frassati, and later led the group's music ministry.

Meanwhile, Jamaila had begun working in the city around the time Andy was with the CFRs, attending one young adult event to another in search of other faithful professionals. But it would be five years before her path brought her to Frassati, and to Andy.

In 2015, Jamaila signed up for a mission trip to Peru with Frassat. Despite her reservations about making the trip from New Jersey to Queens, felt the Holy Spirit nudging her to attend a party for the missionaries prior to the trip. Like her, Andy also initially planned not to attend. At the last minute, he hopped on a bus from Manhattan to Astoria.

That night, Jamaila and Andy spent the entire party talking about their families and shared love of the outdoors. To Jamaila’s disappointment, Andy didn't ask for her number, and she left that night thinking she’d never see him again.

Much to her surprise, she received an email from Andy the following month, telling her about a hike with the group. Neither ended up going, but that note was the start of a correspondence, You’ve Got Mail-style, with constant emails throughout the day.

Three months after their first meeting, the two went on their first date to the New York Botanical Gardens. Soon after, atop a small mountain reserve upstate, Andy asked Jamaila to be his girlfriend as the sun was going down.

She took a picture of sunset with her instant film camera, writing on the film, "Lead me to adventures. Lead me to Christ. I'll follow."

Eight months later, at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Lindenwold, New Jersey, Andy proposed.

From the Bride: During our first conversation, we learned we shared the same “Top 3” loves: God, family, and the outdoors. We planned for all three to be a part of our wedding day.

We chose to marry on the Feast of St. Jude to honor my devotion to him, the patron of hope and impossible causes. Our nuptial Mass was concelebrated by six priests, with our hope that our wedding witness not just to the sacrament of marriage, but also to the various vocations God calls us to, by having our religious brothers and sisters attend the wedding.

Starting the night before the wedding when we decorated the venue together, we were surrounded by our family and friends throughout. We used various greens as décor, from ferns tossed between our candlelit jars to the ivy hung as our photo booth backdrop to the eucalyptus in my bouquet.

My rings are inspired by God and his creation. They’re a sign of love: for God, His love for us, Andy’s and my love for each other, and our shared love of nature. My engagement ring has three stones, a reminder to keep him at the center of our relationship: in the center is a pearl, delicate like our hearts, always in need of his purifying grace. It was kept in its natural shape, unfinished, just like us. God isn't finished with us. The side stones reflect the silence of mountains and shadows of the setting sun. They appear pink and purple under the evening sky, and when the morning light hits, they turn blue-green like the ocean. My branch-like wedding band holds our memories of wildflower fields, giant trees, and times spent in awe of his creation. 

The night before our wedding, we had our rehearsal and more importantly, a Holy Hour. It included Praise & Worship led by Andy, confession, and Adoration. We desired to be in the presence of Christ in those last moments preparing for the sacrament. In the hours leading up to our Mass, various friends and family members asked how we felt. We could only describe it as peace.

From the get-go, we knew God made us for each other, so only his peace consumed us that morning. Our First Look before the Mass reminded me of Alice von Hildebrand’s words: she likens seeing your spouse as their true self for the first time to how the Apostles first see Christ in His Glory. She says,

“Trust this bright Tabor vision you’ve been given. Daily rekindle it in your heart and let it nurture your love. If you let it form the cornerstone of your faithfulness to your husband your marriage will be rich, indeed.”

It was truly a glimpse of Andy about to fulfill his vocation as my husband.

It was important for Andy and I to incorporate both Church traditions and cultural traditions into our wedding mass. We walked down the aisle together to signify our partnership and journey to God as one. During the Offertory, our cantor sang the Litany of Saints to invoke their prayers for our marriage. In the Filipino culture, the bride and groom are draped with a veil and cord. I had my aunt bring a veil and cord from her trip to the Philippines to incorporate into our Mass. The veil represents being clothed as one under the protection of God, and the cord symbolizes our bond. Before the final blessing we processed to a statue of Mary and laid a bouquet of flowers at her feet. As we knelt in front of our Mother, we prayed for her intercession for a holy marriage.

Leading up to the wedding, Andy and I prayed St. Josemaria Escriva's Novena for a Happy & Faithful Marriage. It helped us to stay focused on our marriage instead of the wedding itself. During our marriage prep, our priest recommended we appoint tasks to trusted friends and family during the wedding so we didn't have to worry about them. This truly helped us stay calm on the day of. Every time I look at our photos or watch our wedding video I am reminded of God's love for us.

Photography: Laurel Creative | Church: Church of Immaculate Conception of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Montclair, NJ | Reception Venue: The Woman's Club of Ridgewood - Ridgewood, NJ | Rings: Ken & Dana Designs | Veil: Twigs & Honey for J. Crew | Dress: Bijou Bridal of Philadelphia | Caterer: Leonardo's Restaurant (Lawrenceville, NJ) | Band During Mass: Scott Tran Music | DJ/Emcee During Reception: Derek Hall of The Block Party

Amy + Jake | Midwinter Mountain Wedding

Amy says she would have laughed out loud if, back in middle school, she’d been told she would marry the shy young man who asked her to dance at their school’s cotillion. But providence delights in revealing to us the most wonderful surprises.

Amy and Jake became fast friends in high school when they found themselves on the same speech and debate team, making each other laugh and offering support through breakups and debate competitions. The next thing they knew, they were dating.

The two attended the same college and same semester abroad in Rome, where their faith and relationship deepened. It was in the Eternal City that the realization hit: their vocation was marriage, to each other.

During Amy’s summer job in Alaska, Jake flew out to visit and brought her to a mountain lake. In true Harry Potter fan style, he presented Amy with a golden Snitch, saying, “since you’re such a catch, will you marry me?”

 From the Bride: The beginning of our engagement was indescribably precious. At the time, I was living with a priest and his wife--they were former Methodists who’d converted to the Catholic faith after marriage. Immediately after Jake proposed, we received a blessing from the priest and were able to worship in the perpetual Adoration chapel at his parish. Throughout our engagement, we prepared through a weekly holy hour and guidance from our college chaplain, who would marry us. We celebrated Valentine’s Day with an Engaged Encounter retreat. Although our 18-month engagement often felt endless, it allowed us to prayerfully prepare every moment of our wedding day.

 When planning the wedding, we knew certain trends related to vendors, timing, and dress weren’t entirely our style. We opted for a morning wedding with a brunch reception in the parish hall, with a wall of windows letting in the daylight. We were married in the same church my parents had met and married at, and which Jake’s grandparents had attended throughout their lives in Colorado Springs. We chose bright colors and shorter bridesmaids dresses, despite the midwinter date.

I knew I would cry throughout the day, but I didn’t realize just how much! It all started when Jake and I met to pray together before the Mass. As I held his hand, behind his back so he couldn’t see me, we both teared up. Fortunately, I was carrying a handkerchief from his grandmother, who had passed away earlier in the year, as my Something Old. My tears continued as my bridesmaids and sister-in-law prayed over me before the Mass, showering me with their love.

As my dad and I walked down the aisle in the glorious morning sun, the truth of the moment hit me: we were finally entering into our vocation. To do so in the church we’d grown up in felt like home, and each part of our liturgy reflected that. We used chalices that were donated in Jake’s grandparents’ names and had family share their musical gifts throughout the Mass. Nothing was more precious than being surrounded by our loved ones as we made our vows--ones I could barely finish through more happy tears.

Two moments from our wedding Mass stand out in my memory. First, as our priest recited the nuptial blessing over us, he asked each attendee to offer up their intentions for us and ask for any graces they wanted us to receive in marriage. I have never felt the Holy Spirit more powerfully than in that moment of silence.

Second, to honor our Blessed Mother, Jake and I offered her roses as my sister sang the Ave Maria. Choking up with tears from the beauty of the moment, we prayed a Memorare to Mary, asking that she bless our life together.

 Along with tears came wonderful laughter throughout the day. As we signed the marriage license, our wedding party was cordoned in the confessional. One of our groomsmen popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate and spilled nearly the whole bottle on the floor, leading to some wonderful photos of our horrified and cracking up bridesmaids.

For the reception, I’d learned calligraphy for invitations and place cards and handmade them with my sister. We painted wine bottles for centerpieces and printed crossword puzzles for guests to complete. Jake’s cousin created a beautiful wooden cake stand with our initials on it, which now sits at our front door.

After Jake’s dad blessed the food, we greeted our guests at the head of the buffet line. I highly recommend this –nobody skips out on food, and this lets you forego a receiving line! Our brunch included our favorite foods: breakfast burritos, crepes, grilled cheese and cinnamon rolls.

 In lieu of a first dance, we chose to include a scavenger hunt and musical chairs game for the wedding party. They competed to determine whether the Maids of Honor or Best Man would give their toast first. As the Best Man and my sisters alternated singing and sharing memories, I couldn’t help but cry again. My sweet sisters stole the show, and our guests talked about their speech for weeks after.

We emerged from the reception to cheers of joy and a shower of confetti, captured perfectly by our photographer. Since we were leaving early the next morning--New Year’s Day--for our honeymoon, we stayed at the hall to clean up and attend evening Mass. What a blessing it was to spend that first peaceful hour after our guests departed in prayer and thanksgiving for the gift of marriage!

Venerable Fulton Sheen writes, “The vocation to marriage is a vocation to happiness, which comes through holiness and sanctity,” something I think about when I’m asked how married life is. It is both new and familiar in ways I never expected. On one hand, it is a natural continuation of our relationship. Day-to-day chores are the same; our relationship and love for each other are not drastically changed. However, there is an incredible intimacy which wasn’t there before. We continue to grow--spiritually, emotionally and physically--together as we’ve developed habits of prayer, tradition and sacrifice, all reflecting the beauty of our vocation to true happiness that began on our wedding day.

Photography: Lionhearted Photography | Church: St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Colorado Springs, CO | Wedding Reception Venue: Julie Penrose Hall, St. Paul Catholic Church, Colorado Springs, CO | Rings: Shane Co. (Bride), Hurdles Jewelry, Boulder, CO (Groom) | Caterer/Cake/Flowers: Bon Appetit Catering | Dress: Leanne Marshall | Shoes: Sseko Designs | Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Photobooth/Emcee: HEPS DJ and Photobooth

Erin + Andrew | Notre Dame Morning Wedding

Erin met Andrew her freshman year at Notre Dame, but despite their many mutual friends, they didn’t get along immediately--she perceived him as too much of a bookworm! Two years later, though, when Erin’s basketball rec league needed another male teammate, she asked him to join. Their friendship grew, and over Christmas break they both attended a Notre Dame bowl game in New York. At Mass together after the game, Andrew decided he should ask Erin out. Their first date was on his birthday, and it was clear early on that they were called to marriage.

Andrew proposed ten months later and they set a wedding date for the following year, yet shortly before the wedding, they discerned that they should take a break. Though the time apart was painful, it was purifying. Erin and Andrew found themselves together again after a period of prayerful discernment, and on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Andrew asked Erin, for the second time, to be his bride.

From the Bride: While Andrew and I were broken up, I took a trip to D.C. to visit my sister at Catholic University. While there, I visited the Basilica and, where there are many alcoves dedicated to images of our Blessed Mother throughout the world and history. I felt very drawn to the alcove of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. While there, I prayed for clarity and direction regarding my relationship with Andrew.

When we began dating again, I told Andrew about my trip and he mentioned that he had a devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, including an icon of her on his desk at work. We also remembered that the first time Andrew visited my family in Philadelphia, my mom had enrolled us in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mass League at the Shrine of St. John Neumann.

As if Mary needed to drop another hint, there was a prominent image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at the front of the chapel where we got engaged. We set our wedding date for June 25, as close to her feast day on June 27 as we could. Andrew and I first announced the date at my grandma's bedside just two days before she died. All of my aunts exclaimed that June 25th was my grandparents' wedding day. Grandma smiled. On the shelf of her headboard cabinet was a tri-fold wooden icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Because of this, we decided to get married at Notre Dame, Our Lady's University, under the arms of the one who has been watching over us in good times and bad, and will continue to be a powerful intercessor for our life together.

Leading up to the wedding, we invited all of our family and friends to join us in praying a novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We wanted to include those who’ve played a role in our sacramental journeys in the wedding, so we asked our godparents to be lectors and our Confirmation sponsors to be Eucharistic ministers. The presiding priest was my spiritual director during college, who helped both Andrew and I significantly throughout our engagement. Our ringbearer and flower girls were the children of two different couples who really encouraged us and showed us what a great Catholic marriage can look like. Of course, no one has been a better example of loving marriage to us than our parents and grandparents. I chose to make my headband out of lace from my mother's wedding dress and wore my grandmother's pearls.

Our wedding was at 9:00 A.M., so we had a brunch reception following our nuptial Mass. Despite the time of day, we still included dancing, cake and all the typical wedding traditions. Instead of a garter toss, we had a football toss! In fact, after the reception, all of our family and friends joined us for a game of touch football on the campus quad. Andrew's family has a tradition of playing touch football on Thanksgiving morning, so we wanted to honor that ritual.

When it came to our big day, we were just so excited to get married that none of the details seemed to matter. Throughout the planning process, I would frequently say, "I don't care what happens as long as the church doesn't burn down, and the priest and Andrew show up." It helped us keep the focus on our marriage, as opposed to just the wedding day.

We chose the Gospel reading for our Mass from Luke 1:26-38, the Annunciation. It is not commonly used as a wedding reading, but it held great significance to us for a few reasons. First, we felt it was fitting to honor Our Lady since she has been so crucial throughout our relationship. Secondly, we felt that Mary's fiat was perfect to reflect upon as we began our marriage together. Saying yes to God's will is what each of us are called to. Andrew and I saying Yes to our vocation to marriage is our fiat. Mary's trust in God is something we all can aspire to and she is our perfect example.

Photography: Peter Ringenberg Photography | Nupital Mass or Engagement Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Indiana | Wedding Reception Venue : Morris Park Country Club | Flower: Lemler Valley Farm | Bride's dress: Jefre's Bridal | Groom's and Groomsmens' Tux: Mens Warehouse | Make Up Artist: Clearly Clare Makeup  | Cake: Martins  | Music: Acoustic Generation