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

Amanda + Evan | Rustic Rose-Colored Wedding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Photographer:

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

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

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

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

Evan wore an identical icon pinned inside his coat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emily + Jon | Rustic Seaside Wedding

A quaint white chapel set in the coastal countryside of southern Maryland, with the bride wearing her mother’s wedding gown. Bouquets of bright sunflowers and hydrangeas, the bridal party in cornflower blue, and a waterfront locale combine to create a portrait of summer nuptials.

Jon and Emily met at a friend’s birthday party while studying abroad in Europe together. They ended up on the same trip together traveling to Lourdes, France for Easter that same year. 

From the very beginning, the Blessed Mother played an important role, and answered prayers gave them confidence that the Lord was calling them into a relationship.

From the Bride:

When discerning whether to take the next steps in pursuing a deeper relationship with Jon, I decided to pray a special novena of prayers to St. Therese. I was very specific and asked St. Therese, with the intercession of Our Lady, to pray and ask Jesus for purity in mine and Jon’s heart and for a physical rose to be handed to me by the end of the novena.

After nine very intentional days of praying and discerning, Jon and I were at a classical music concert. That evening, a girl named Mary (who had no idea about the novena) came up to me and handed me a rose simply because she knew I liked them. 

That same night, a girl named Theresa also gave Jon a rose. God has such a sense of humor!

After a lot of worrying and trusting and discerning and worrying some more, God had prompted two women (named after the very saints that I was praying to!), to present roses separately to Jon and I, inviting us to embark on a serious and romantic journey together!

Just over two years after that rose-filled night, we were married in a little white chapel in the farm country of southern Maryland.

The night before our wedding, we had a special Holy Hour prior to the rehearsal dinner. We asked our family and wedding party to be there to pray with us. Jon's sister and his friend led praise and worship and confessions were available.

But later that evening, everything that could go wrong did go wrong—including frozen flowers and stranded family members. At midnight, my maid of honor forced me to go to sleep and said that everything would be perfect in the morning. Sure enough, it was!

The morning of the wedding, the bridesmaids all got ready at my parents’ house. Hair and makeup were all homemade. I had my mother’s wedding dress specially altered to remove the puff and frills of the early 90’s and added little lacy cap sleeves.

My veil had been declared unusable just days before the wedding, but Amazon came to the rescue with a replacement. Free two-day shipping was a lifesaver!

While I and the girls were getting ready, Jon was leading his special hand-picked choir in the music rehearsal for the Mass. Music has always been a big part of both our lives, and Jon asked early on if he could take the reins on the music for Mass.

He carefully chose singers and musicians from both our families and dear friends. Jon formed a choir, emailed out music ahead of time, and held a special rehearsal to make sure the music would glorify God on our wedding day.

He picked a selection of favorite hymns, a friend’s original composition for our hymn to the Blessed Mother, and a favorite contemporary piece for the offertory song.

Looking back, one of the most striking parts of our wedding day was the gift of peace in my heart. I went to bed feeling all the anxious butterflies in my stomach. Yet, I woke up with an incredible sense of peace and joy. 

I was getting married.

That was all. I was going to the one “whom my soul loves," as the repeating anthem in the Song of Songs goes.

Getting ready, traveling to the church, and putting on my dress were all moments of joy. Before the Mass, I prayed the rosary with my bridesmaids. 

Both mine and Jon’s many siblings were employed in all different roles during the ceremony: bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, altar servers and musicians. I could hear all of my friends and relatives entering the church and greeting one another.

We lined up as a wedding party and each paired bridesmaid and groomsman entered one by one, until it was just my dad and I waiting in the church vestibule.

The music changed. I grabbed my dad's arm. I remember only then did I really start to get the butterflies again. 

However, once the church doors opened, I immediately locked eyes with my beloved, and I felt myself beaming with joy.

My eyes were glued to Jon’s the entire way down the aisle. I was aware of everyone watching, snapping a picture or video as I went, but I did not look at any of them. 

The Holy Spirit's gift of peace radiated through every pore in my body and soul as I walked down to my Love.

During our wedding vows, we held together a special nuptial crucifix gifted to us by Jon’s parents.

The ever-present themes of our relationship were highlighted in the details of our wedding day, including entrustment to the Blessed Mother, roses, and a wanderlust desire for travel.

The bridal bouquets were made of white roses, blue hydrangeas, and sunflowers. The bridesmaids were all dressed in Mama Mary blue and carried similar bouquets.

Each of our centerpieces consisted of a specially made slab of wood topped with a bucket of flowers, an empty wine bottle filled with a small string of lights, and a little sign with a quote or Bible verse.

In addition to traditional table numbers, we placed the name of a city that we had traveled to together on each table. Each card also had a handwritten story of our adventures in that particular city.

For our “guestbook,” we bought a world map and had everyone who attended sign it. The map is currently hanging in our home today!

Jon and I were both in households at Franciscan University. (A household could be considered equivalent to a Catholic fraternity/sorority.) Members from each of our households were able to make it to the wedding, and each group had a special little ceremony to “induct” the spouse with a special song and a presentation of household “gear” (sweatshirt).

This little piece of symbolism was a beautiful acknowledgement of the Christian belief that the two truly become one!

Early on in our engagement, Jon asked me if he could wash my feet at the wedding reception in lieu of the garter toss. Jon had a special silver bucket made with the words “Abide with Me” inscribed on it.

In his first act as husband, He knelt down and washed and kissed my feet. That moment was nothing less than sacred.

While Jon and I were dating and engaged, we had a fun little tradition. Whenever we were on a road trip we would stop at a new restaurant and test out their French fries. We decided to have various types of meat sliders served buffet style and a French fry bar complete with toppings!

My sister is an amateur baker and created a simple, small wedding cake decorated with actual sunflowers. The rest of the desserts included bite-sized cupcakes and cake pops made by various family members.

To finish off the night, Jon had one more surprise for me. He brought together his barbershop quartet from college and had them sing two songs as our last dance of the night.

One location that Jon and I had desperately wanted to visit before our wedding was Lisieux, France. We tried twice to get there while we studied abroad, but both times there were issues with the transportation system, and we were literally turned around on the train mid-trip. 

St. Therese clearly was not ready for us to come visit.

However, two months before our wedding, I was browsing plane flights and saw the cheapest international tickets I had ever seen, and they happened to be from Baltimore to Paris. We were going to Lisieux for our honeymoon!

St. Therese clearly knew what she was doing, and God’s perfect timing ultimately allowed Jon and I to visit Lisieux in the first week of our married lives. The trip also included a visit to Notre Dame, and we were able to dedicate our marriage to Mama Mary, as well as St. Therese and her parents, Saints Louis and Zelie Martin.

Our wedding was rooted in faith, our love of the sacraments and Our Lady, and our love for each other. Every detail was carefully planned and curated to truly be a celebration of our new family.

Photography: Ren Crespo Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: Rustic Chapel at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD | Reception Location: Parish Hall at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD

Allie + Jake | Emerald Autumn Wedding

A rustic pandemic wedding, rich with the colors of fall and the love of family.

Jake proposed to Allie before an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Months later, they knelt before her in the same chapel, surrounded by a small group of family and friends and remembering the loved ones interceding from heaven.

From the Photographer:

Here’s to Jake & Allie! This couple had a huge wedding party filled with a supportive group of friends and siblings. The bridesmaids wore deep green and the leaves were at their peak autumn beauty. 

Allie and her girls got ready in a dreamy Airbnb after stopping at the St. Paul Farmers Market early in the morning for their bouquets. Yes, it was a beautiful day. Yes, it was aesthetically pleasing. Yes, it was even on time!

However, it was the simple things Jake and Allie did to attach themselves to Jesus that really made this day as special as it was to photograph and witness. There were three noteworthy and exceptional pieces I'd like to share:

First, I know most brides are super focused on making sure the day runs smoothly, but sometimes you just have to stop, breathe, pray in gratitude, and appreciate the day for what it is. Before their ceremony, having not spoken to or seen each other all morning, Jake and Allie met on opposite sides of a doorway in the church basement. Jake held his Bible and Allie's hand, and they both closed their eyes and quietly prayed, huge smiles on their faces. Then, Allie's bridesmaids prayed over her. The air was so rich. Hearts were full of love and the Holy Spirit.

Second, they venerated Mary with flowers at their ceremony. This, of course, isn't uncommon. But several months before, Jake proposed at this same church in front of a Marian icon. Not only was this a parish they both treasured and took part in, but it was where they were ultimately able to say their vows. This holy ground was where they were able to walk arm in arm, standing before Our Lady, happy tears in their eyes.

Third, after their first dance as husband and wife, Allie stayed on the dance floor. A subtle feeling of grief washed over the air. Allie's older brother stood in place of their father to dance with her, as their father passed away just a few years prior. Her dad was remembered beautifully through this moment.

There was a palpable sense of unity in the room, and a deep longing for heaven. 

Jake and Allie's entire day was so centered around Christ. It's incredible to witness these kinds of days. They last in our minds and change the world.

Photography: Nikayla & Co. | Nuptial Mass Location: Church of St. Peter, Mendota Heights, Minnesota | Wedding Reception Venue: Outdoor tent on the church grounds | Floral Design: Saint Paul Farmer’s Market | Hair: Catherine Stroh | Desserts: Muddy Paws Cheesecake, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Gretchen + Peter | Autumn in Baltimore

A TLM celebration dusted with gold and Shire-inspired charm, illuminating the Lord’s providence amid the challenges of COVID-19 and military life.

Gretchen and Peter became fast friends as plebes at the U.S. Naval Academy, bonding over a mutual love of Tolkien and Star Wars. During their second semester at the academy, Peter asked Gretchen out, and within a week of their relationship’s official start, asked if she’d consider regularly attending church together.

From the Bride:

Peter was Catholic, but I wasn’t at the time. I was raised Presbyterian and had drifted from my faith in high school, but had felt God calling me to make him more central in my life. I was thrilled, then, to have a boyfriend who wanted to make faith an important part of our relationship. 

Our differences in beliefs became a source of constant discussion and debate as our relationship progressed. I had never met a Catholic who was truly devoted to his faith before, and Peter’s complete confidence in the teachings of the Church was eye-opening. A number of common Protestant misconceptions about Catholicism that I’d held began to fall away as Peter shared his faith with me. 

I ultimately realized that God was calling me to come into the Church after I prayed a rosary for the first time, two years after meeting Peter; I’ve been thanking the Blessed Mother ever since for leading me home. 

I was received into the Church at the Naval Academy’s Easter Vigil Mass in 2019 with my parents, Peter, and his family by my side. 

Peter’s love and enduring patience throughout my conversion process are a testament to what an incredible man he is. He loved me as I was, was never pushy, and always pointed me toward God and the discernment of his will in any moments of uncertainty or doubt about my beliefs or about the future. 

After three years of dating, it was easy to see how powerfully God had worked through Peter to bring me closer to him--and how he had worked through me to do the same for Peter. We had been talking about the possibility of marriage since fairly early on in our relationship, but weren’t sure how to proceed when we knew we’d have to spend our first two to three years after graduation living in separate states for our training (he to be a pilot, me to serve on submarines). 

Ultimately, after many months of praying, talking, and seeking advice, we realized we’d rather face the trials of separation with the graces of matrimony at our disposal. Peter proposed in front of a statue of St. Joseph, in the garden of our local parish, and we got to work planning an October wedding.

When COVID-19 first hit, we held on to our plans for over 250 guests, hoping things would clear by October. Ultimately we were forced to reconsider when our reception venue dropped out two months prior to our date. 

As we discerned what to do next, we realized what we wanted more than anything else was simply to be married, and to enjoy the limited time we had together before the Navy sent us to our separate duty stations. 

We decided to move our date up by 5 weeks and to reduce our guest list to 50 family members and friends.By God’s grace, our church, wedding planner, and photographer were all available on the new date. Our planner was absolutely fantastic and helped us navigate all of the changes in contracts and venues that had to be dealt with. 

Peter and I have had a devotion to the Traditional Latin Mass since we first started attending together at the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Baltimore. My introduction to the rich traditions of the Catholic faith was a pivotal part of my conversion process, and Peter fell in love with the reverence and beauty of the traditional Mass the more we attended and learned about it. 

We knew we wanted to be married in a traditional Nuptial Mass at St. Alphonsus, but we wanted to be sure our families wouldn’t feel alienated by the language barrier or the unfamiliar form--after all, barely anyone in my family had even attended a regular Catholic Mass! We prioritized writing a program that gave our guests a clear idea of what to expect and how best to appreciate the beauty of the Mass. 

Music was another priority for us, as it can be one of the most beautiful aspects of the Traditional Latin Mass. While we would have loved to have a small schola sing polyphonic settings of the Mass, COVID made this dream unsafe. We were permitted one singer and an organist, however, which meant that we were still able to be married in a High (sung) Mass rather than a Low Mass (wherein everything is spoken and there is little or no music). 

On the day of the wedding, my bridesmaids and I got ready in my parents’ hotel suite and were joined by a number of close family friends. My maid of honor, an amateur makeup enthusiast, did all of our makeup beautifully. I was able to check all of the Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue boxes: I wore my mother’s wedding dress, which was beautifully preserved and fit so perfectly that we didn’t have to make a single alteration! My veil was new, I borrowed my mother’s pearl necklace, and I wrapped a blue-beaded rosary--a Christmas gift designed by Peter--around my bouquet. 

After arriving at the church, Peter and I did a “first prayer” around the corner of a wall from each other before preparing for the procession. I walked down the aisle with my father to the tune of “Thaxted”--the portion of Holst’s “Jupiter” that is used for one of our favorite hymns, “O God Beyond All Praising.”

Related: A Catholic photographer’s tips for a memorable & seamless First Prayer

In the traditional Nuptial Mass, the first thing that occurs after the procession is the actual marriage of the spouses, so Peter and I were married within the first 5 minutes of the ceremony! Since Peter has Croatian ancestry, we chose to incorporate the Croatian tradition of holding a crucifix while saying our vows (a tradition that we learned about through Spoken Bride!). 

Our priest gave a fantastic, convicting homily about the powerful witness of a Catholic marriage in today’s society; he reminded us that neither Peter nor I should ever think of ourselves before we think of one another again, and helped to explain the traditional readings (the discussion of submission in Ephesians 5 can be rather off-putting to modern ears) in the light of Our Lord’s love and sacrifice. 

Our singer was phenomenal. She chanted the traditional Mass settings with an ethereal beauty, and made some of our favorite hymns (“Ubi Caritas,” “Anima Christi,” and “O Sanctissima”) come alive for the offertory and Communion meditations and the offering of flowers to the Blessed Mother. We received numerous comments from family and friends, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, about how beautiful the Mass was. It was one of the greatest joys of the day to share the beauty of our faith in this way.

We were incredibly blessed to be able to have a small, socially-distanced reception, with dinner and dancing and all we had hoped for prior to COVID. The smaller guest list ended up being a gift--we were able to really spend time with each of our guests, and we actually got to eat our dinner! 

Peter opted to wash my feet instead of doing a garter toss; a number of family members had never seen this done at a wedding before, and commented on the beauty of the practice. Our original dream had been to have a Hobbit party-themed reception, inspired by Bilbo Baggins’ birthday party from The Lord of the Rings. While the venue change made it difficult to fully execute our initial vision, the inspiration shone through in the little details: our cake matched Bilbo’s birthday cake (on a smaller scale and without the candles!), fabric banners and paper lanterns abounded, and the food, joy, and merriment of the night were enough to match any Hobbit’s enthusiasm for a good celebration.

From the Groom: 

As all couples who were married during COVID times can attest, the planning and execution of our wedding were an exercise in trusting God and each other. What at first appeared to be great crosses ended up being great blessings: the reduced guest list allowed us to share more time with our guests, and our reception venue canceling on us prompted us to move up our date by several weeks. This change in particular was a blessing, as we found out shortly after the wedding that Gretchen's military orders had changed and required her to report to her new duty station only two days after our original wedding date. 

Embracing God's challenge by moving up our date allowed us to have those wonderful five weeks together, soaking up the joys of finally being married and preparing for our time apart. Since our wedding, our intimacy has grown, bolstered by the beautiful Nuptial Mass, the prayers of our loved ones, and the grace of the sacrament. 

A friend asked me the day after the wedding if I felt different. It's the same question I've been asked on significant birthdays or at a graduation. But unlike those times, I really do feel different.

Every day, I profoundly feel both the weight of the responsibility for my wife's soul and the graces that enable me to bear it.

Photography: Emily Karcher Photography, LLC & Katherine Elizabeth Photography | Nuptial Mass Location: National Shrine of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Baltimore, MD | Wedding Reception Venue: Gramercy Mansion Carriage House, Stevenson, Maryland | Wedding Coordination: Simply Created Events | Caterer: The Classic Catering People, Owings Mills, Maryland | DJ: District Remix, Columbia, Maryland | Floral Design: Flowers and Fancies, Baltimore, Maryland | Hair: Updos for I Do’s | Rings: Zachary's Jewelers, Annapolis, Maryland | Invitations: Paper in the Park | Bride’s Veil: The Mantilla Company | Maid of Honor Dress: Jenny Yoo Anabelle dress in Cabernet | Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal | Bridesmaids' Shawls: Mia Kraft | Bridesmaid's Veils: Veil By Tradition

Sally + Brendan | Backyard Garden Party Pandemic Wedding

A simple but sacred summertime wedding. The bride walked down the aisle with flowers woven into her hair. Afterwards, guests flocked to an intimate celebration at a backyard garden party, where under a white canopy, mason jar florals on long wooden tables brightened the joyful brunch.

Despite pandemic conditions, Sally and Brendan planned a beautiful garden party wedding. In the months leading up to their nuptials, they turned their focus to the sacrament, creating the freedom to let go of unnecessary stresses surrounding their ceremony and reception.

From the Bride

Throughout our engagement, I tried to ensure Brendan and I spent more time preparing for the sacrament of marriage than the “party” of the day. We were very aware of this deeper purpose for our wedding, and that helped prevent stress over the material things.

Before the pandemic, I actually wanted a backyard wedding reception at my parents’ home, like a graduation party, but they wanted a more traditional reception. 

The church I grew up at, next door to my parents, built a reception space that was dedicated the same day as our wedding. We were supposed to have our first reception there, but then COVID happened and everything changed.

So we moved up our Mass to 11AM and planned a garden party brunch in my parent's backyard. After the liturgy, the bridal party took pictures at Ohio State University, where I and several of my bridesmaids went to school. 

I love brunch parties, so I was very excited about the idea of a brunch reception. I even bought a beautiful white, floral dress from LoveShackFancy to change into for the garden party. 

We placed some of my favorite saints and pictures of Our Lady on the tables. We didn't have assigned seating and allowed people to spread out as much as they wanted. I preferred to “float around” while I ate, especially as I greeted our guests. 

The music suggestions I gave our DJ to play during brunch included Vampire Weekend and Glass Animals, and they delivered. 

I loved being at my parents home. I was 100% comfortable and could simply walk inside if anyone needed anything. I hope everyone had as much fun as we did!

When I was trying on wedding dresses at my appointment, I looked for a gown that was easy to move around in and was modest. I did a lot of running around in my dress on the day of the wedding and even changed into something comfier for the reception.

It really was a lovely day. It included all my favorite things and just happened to also be our wedding.

Our nuptial Mass gave me a greater appreciation for the beauty of Ad Orientem liturgies, where the priest offers most of the Mass with his back to the liturgy (and facing God in the sanctuary). 

I probably won’t be the minister of a sacrament again (since the bride and groom are actually the ministers of the sacrament of marriage). But I frequently closed my eyes to fully participate and focus on Jesus instead of getting distracted by everyone behind us. I found myself turning to look at Jesus in the tabernacle too. 

In spite of all the changing plans, Brendan and I were still married in the presence of our Lord. And that was all that mattered.

Photographer: Judith Madrid Photography | Nuptial Mass: St. Catharine's Church in Columbus, OH | Wedding Reception Venue : Sally's Parents home in Columbus, OH | Catering: Mustard Seed Catering | DJ: Sonus Entertainment | Bride & Bridesmaid Hair: Blowout Bar | Rings: TIP Jewels | Flowers: Flowerman | Rentals: Metro Cuisine

Maria + Patrick | Rustic Christmastide Georgia Wedding

This December wedding encompassed accents of lilac and roses, and the Georgia weather gifted the joyful morning with a mild winter climate. A rustic farmhouse estate housed the reception. 

The church was still decorated for the octave of Christmas when Maria and Patrick exchanged  their vows. Their photographers describe what it was like to document the day, from the intimate moments of prayer that morning to the nuptial Mass and celebration that followed.

From the Photographer

Maria and Patrick met at the Catholic Center at Kennesaw State University during an Awakening retreat. For two months they remained friends, and then they went on their first date--a pizza lunch! They were also completing a Marian Consecration during this time, and realized both of their consecrations ended on the same day.

On their wedding day, they exchanged vows at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, and family and friends gathered to witness the beauty of the sacrament. 

The December day was perfect; rays of golden sunshine peeked through milky white clouds every hour, and the air was pleasantly warm with a light cool breeze.

That morning the bride, groom, and their bridal party met at The Grand separately to get ready. The girls gathered upstairs and the guys went downstairs to ensure there was no peeking before the ceremony. The bridesmaids and groomsmen took time to pray over each of them before Mass, and it was incredibly special to see.

Once Maria was in her dress, her father came in for a very heartfelt first look, and he too prayed over his beautiful daughter. Then it was time for Maria and Patrick’s “first prayer” together--one on each side of a door. As they held hands and read their letters to each other, the presence of the Holy Spirit became overwhelming.

After that, everyone went off to the church. Maria and Patrick were both part of Life Teen, a Catholic youth ministry, so the pews were filled with their friends from that wonderful organization. During their engagement, each part of the liturgy was carefully planned and prayed over, so once it all came together, it was awe-inspiring to witness. 

Following their ceremony and some playful bridal party photos, we whisked Maria and Patrick off to take one-on-one pictures. It was a special, romantic time for the two of them to really take in the first feelings of becoming one flesh.

As photographers, we are so blessed to journey on this beautiful sacramental path with our couples. Being able to document Maria and Patrick’s vow of love before God was incredible. Their union mirrored the image of the Divine Trinity as they each gave their “yes” at the altar. 

Their witness to the beauty of sacramental marriage is one of great responsibility, but God has given them the strength, courage, and grace to love each other like Christ for the world to see.

Photographer: Horn Photography & Design | Wedding Ceremony Location St. Catherine of Sienna | Wedding Reception Venue The Grande in Kennesaw with Waterstone Events | Caterer: Waterstone Events | Makeup: Emily Miltiades | Wedding Dress + Veil: Carrie’s Bridal Collection in Chamblee, GA | Florals: Morgan Norwood Designs | Wedding Planner & Florals: Kali Harvey of Annie Mae Weddings + Events | Groom’s + Men’s Attire: Jos A Bank | DJ/Entertainment: Greg Picciano | Wedding Cake: Mother of the Groom | Videography: Brendan Ferguson | Planner: Cheryl Base (St. Cat's)

Erin + Steven | French Country Georgia Wedding

Brightly-colored blush and peach florals adorned the dress and decor of this spring-time Georgia wedding. The reception was held in a French country-style manor, where elegant stone walls housed a rustic, candlelit celebration.

A forecast of rain didn’t stop Erin and Steven’s wedding day from being the joy-filled celebration God desired for them. From their thrilling “first touch” to the moment Steven watched his bride walk down the aisle, the graces of the sacrament were abundant. 

Their photographer describes their story, from an unexpected first meeting on a dating site, to a touching proposal that didn’t go quite as planned.

From the Photographer:

They met on a dating site. Erin had been on the site for a year and was just about to give up when Steven messaged her. He had only been on the site for 2 weeks. She agreed to a date after chatting with him for a while, and she says it was the best first date she ever went on.

Erin and Steven dated for two years before he proposed. He waited until her mother came to visit, so he could formally ask for her hand in marriage. Erin’s mother cried tears of joy, and gave him her blessing.

So Steven prepared his proposal speech. On the night he planned to propose, he cooked a pizza dinner to watch the NFL draft with Erin, something they both enjoy. The ring was set to go, and he felt his excitement growing.

Unfortunately, work asked Erin to stay late that night. When she finally showed up for dinner, Steven forgot his entire speech, began to tear up, and immediately dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him!

On their wedding day, it was forecasted to rain, but when God wants something to happen, he finds a way to make it beautiful.

As Erin slipped into her dress, with the sun shining through the hotel suite windows, joy, giggles, smiles, and bobby pins filled the room. Beauty radiated from the bride, her sister, and her mom as the zipper was zipped and the buttons closed. The finishing touch was a cross necklace her mom gently clasped around her neck. 

She was perfect!

Before their nuptial Mass, Steven and Erin approached the door at the front of the church for a “first touch.” The large door to the building swung open; on one side stood a gorgeous bride and on the other a nervous groom. Erin was out of sight, but not out of reach. Steven touched her hand and says pure exhilaration ran through their bodies. In mere moments, they would be husband and wife.

The moment finally came for Erin to walk down the aisle. Steven’s bottom lip began to quiver as he took in the elegance and grace of his bride. 

As their photographer, I had the privilege of seeing God’s loving and playful humor come out on their wedding day. Deacon Dennis, their officiant, made everyone laugh, filling the church with a sense of great joy. He was the perfect match for Erin and Steven--they too have the same beautiful sense of humor. 

Together, they were sealed with a beautiful sacrament that no man can undo.

Tiana and AJ | Franciscan University Port Wedding

Wildflowers and lace for a pandemic wedding at the couple’s spiritual home, the site of their first steps together toward their heavenly one.

Tiana and AJ were in the same year at Franciscan University, with mutual friends, classes, and the same semester abroad together, yet didn’t talk often. Until the rainy Holy Thursday of their senior year. 

Tiana was eating a bagel in the student center when AJ came over and struck up a conversation. For the first time, they exchanged more than a “Hey! How are you?”, talking about their Easter plans. “Well, what are you doing on Monday?” AJ asked.

“And then it hit me like a ton of bricks,” Tiana says. This kid was asking me out. On a date. Once I figured out what was going on, I started to internally panic. Dating was in no way a part of my plan at Franciscan. I had severely overcommitted myself to too many different things senior year, and there was no way I had any time to date.” She hesitantly agreed. On their first date, they talked for three hours over pizza. “I guess you could say it went pretty well,” Tiana deadpans.

From the Bride: It’s so funny to look back. In some ways, I don’t think I would have ever believed anyone who would have told me, “[AJ] is the man you’re going to marry.” In other ways, I can look back and so clearly see God’s hand in all of it. I remember going hiking on one of our early dates, and there was this moment where we paused and sat down on this big rock. I (very boldly and uncharacteristically) leaned my head on AJ’s shoulder and held his hand.

I felt this overwhelming sense of peace and sense of “home.” I distinctively in that moment remember the Lord telling me, you can rest here. 

I don’t often hear him so clearly, and I am not one to rest. I am often busy and anxious and overwhelmed. I am uncertain and indecisive. But I knew that the Lord was inviting me in to trust him. To rest. And to let myself be loved by him, through this man he was placing before me.

Our relationship is far from perfect. Like any imperfect humans, we can both be stubborn and selfish. We argue. We make mistakes. But we are confident in God’s grace and mercy, especially through the sacrament of marriage. We are so excited and filled with joy to enter into this vocation that Lord has called us to, so that one day we can make it home to heaven, together.

From the Photographer: On a beautiful spring day, Tiana and AJ were wed. Their wedding date was moved up over a month earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was not where, when or how they ever pictured their wedding day, but nonetheless, it was perfect and beautiful. Their small, intimate ceremony took place on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville in the simple, stunning and beloved Portiuncula Chapel.

They were surrounded by a small group of family and friends as they promised to be faithful to one another, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.

Being married in the midst of a pandemic, these vows took on an even deeper and more profound meaning. There was tangible joy felt by all who were present. 

One of the most unique and positive things that I've seen come from this pandemic is how family and friends rally around couples and find new ways to celebrate their love, all while social distancing. Tiana and AJ's friends gathered in their cars along the side of the road to surprise their newly married friends after their wedding Mass. It was so incredibly special. They held signs, threw confetti and played music to celebrate. There were even some friends on Facetime sharing virtual congratulations.

Even though their original wedding plans were good and beautiful, things had to change drastically. Tiana and AJ had to entrust our Lord and Our Lady with their new plans, knowing God is still in control, even in uncertain times. Their intimate ceremony put the focus on the sacrament taking place and allowed those present to really be immersed in the profundity of matrimony. Two lives, two souls were woven together and not even a pandemic could stop that. 

The popular saying in the wedding industry these days is "You can't cancel love." That is very much the truth--because God is Love.

Photography: Laura and Matthew | Church: The Portiuncula Chapel at Franciscan University of Steubenville | Dress: Anthropologie’s BHLDN, Portland Gown by Jenny Yoo | Bridal Bouquet: The “WhichGoose” Shop on Etsy | Rosary: West Coast Catholic | Shoes: Birkenstock’s | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | AJ’s Suit: Ryan Seacrest’s Distinction Line from Macy’s | Tie: Dazi

Francesca + David | Rustic Glam Wedding

A love bathed in prayer; the gift of music shared through original Mass compositions; and a summertime barn reception with elegant chandeliers and show-stopping florals.

The night Francesca met David at a Bible study, she found a fellow musician skilled at recording and producing. “This instantly drew me to him,” she says, “since I was actually praying about ways I could record my music for the Lord.” Francesca and David began writing music together, and David asked Francesca out not long after. 

Their first date began in a chapel, where they prayed for the Lord’s blessing on their burgeoning relationship. David asked Francesca’s parents’ blessing, as well, and they continued writing music together throughout their courtship, even building a recording studio in Francesca’s family home.

That first shared prayer, on their first date, was the start of a relationship rooted in prayer: after Francesca’s pilgrimage to Fatima, she and David composed a personal prayer they continue to say nightly, to this day.  

After a year of dating, David proposed in front of the lake near the Notre Dame Grotto, with a ring featuring a cross underneath; he desired that Christ be the foundation of their marriage. He and Francesca’s first act as an engaged couple was, once again, prayer, as they lit a candle before Our Lady. He designed a ring himself with beautiful sparkles on the outside, but underneath, there is a cross because he "wanted Christ to be the foundation of our marriage." 

From the Bride:

We prayed together [all through our engagement], as we constantly need the Lord's guidance and grace. I knew I wanted to marry David the day he took me to the Adoration chapel, and I heard symphonies of music playing in my heart. The music poured over me like it does when I read Scripture before the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. 

As we were planning our wedding, we knew we wanted to compose music for the wedding mass. This was a challenging feat, but the hard work was well worth it. I am a music director at my home parish, where we’d be married. David designed the church’s sound system--we had spent many date nights working on it! 

The students in my choir begged to sing at our wedding. I knew it would be a bit challenging to coordinate all of it, but I really wanted to have them there. I work with grade school, middle school, and high school students; as much as I wanted our wedding day to be private, I knew having them there would give them a glimpse of a godly spouse that they deserved as well. I wanted to show them real love was worth waiting for.

David and I absolutely love string quartets, and he actually composed all of the music for the quartet. It was heavenly. We promised each other that our wedding gifts to each other would be giving of ourselves to the other and our music.

Since music is so interconnected to our souls and our praise to the Lord, it seemed fitting to compose music together for the big day. It made us feel more connected to each other and to our heavenly Father.

While David wrote the music for the quartet, I wrote all of the arrangements for the choirs. We had about fifty students singing at the wedding, accompanied by the strings, as well as family and friends. 

I walked down the aisle to a song I heard in a dream from the Lord. In this dream, I was walking down a long aisle in a forest to the Lord. While walking towards him, I heard this beautiful choir of angels singing "Set Me As A Seal" from Song of Songs. I woke up from the dream and composed the choral arrangement as quickly as my hands could write. I wanted this to be the song by which I walked down the aisle to my groom.

There are two times in my lifetime I will be walking down an aisle (Lord willing): one to my husband, and the other when I walk down the aisle of heaven to meet my Lord. As I walked down the aisle on my wedding day to this song from my dream, I felt like I was walking towards both David and Jesus at the same time.

I was overwhelmed by emotion while the strings played David's music and my students sang in their beautiful voices. I will never be able to describe that moment in words, but it was such a gift. 

One of my favorite moments was having my dad, my aunt, my uncle, and my two sisters play and sing "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" during the Preparation of the Gifts, which were brought up by David's family. It was just so special to have all my family, friends, teachers, and students at our wedding as we started our marriage. The entire congregation sang during our Mass, and the room was filled with immense music and joy. 

The Holy Spirit was with us that day -just thinking about it brings me to tears. That Mass brought us a glimpse of heaven here on earth. What a gift it was to start our marriage with receiving Holy Communion. I will never forget that day.

Marriage is so deeply intertwined between God and the bride and groom. I felt the Lord tying us together with his grace and love in ways I can never describe. I loved praying with my groom on our wedding day. Kneeling beside him at the foot of the cross before receiving Holy Communion was so very special, especially since, as music ministers, we usually don’t sit next to each other at Mass. 

I felt the Lord's presence with us in every single moment of our big day. I highly encourage couples to pray together. Write your own prayer, go to Adoration, confession, Mass, all of it--together--as frequently as you can. It allows the Lord to mold your relationship in the ways he designed it to be. 

Find ways to have private moments with each other and with the Lord on your wedding day. It makes it even more what it is designed to be--a sacramental day. 

Church: St. Barnabas Catholic Church, Indianapolis | Wedding Reception Venue : The Barn at Bayhorse Inn, Greenwood IN | Caterer: Simply Served | Rentals: Men’s Wearhouse | Bartender: The Barn at Bay Horse Inn | Rings: Jared | Shoes: Nina | Groom’s Suit/Tux: Men’s Wearhouse | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Stationary / Invitations: Shutterfly | Florals: Mark Stratton | DJ: Kidron Music | Hair: Experience Hair Spa | Videography: Fiat Films | Photography: Soul Creations Photography

Shelby + Allan | Candlelight and Greenery Wedding

A journey of discernment and Divine Mercy, and a celebration invoking the purity and natural beauty of the Garden.

Shelby and Allan first met at their parish during Shelby’s middle school years, bonding over a shared love of board games, Boy Meets World, and their Catholic faith. Game nights often stretched into long conversations, and their friendship progressed to a dating relationship.

While on a group pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day, Allan heard the Lord prompting him to consider the priesthood. When he and Shelby arrived home, he ended their relationship to discern his vocation. 

“In the time spent apart,” says Shelby, “we were both given the space to bring wounds to Jesus and ask for healing. We consider this time apart the most fruitful period in our relationship though it was accompanied by great trial and sacrifice. Through prayer and discernment, we ultimately heard the Lord call us towards the vocation of marriage. We were further convicted that entering into this vocation together would both sanctify us and fill us with great joy.”

Allan proposed on the weekend of Divine Mercy Sunday after reading Shelby a poem he’d written on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. As they drove home, overwhelmed with joy, Allan said he needed to drop something off at their home parish--the one where they’d met years before. In the church were their family and friends, singing “Lord Prepare Me.” Alongside their loved ones, Shelby and Allan knelt before the tabernacle to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and celebrated with a potluck dinner. 

From the Bride:

As Christ’s love with his church is a gift extended to all, Allan and I also hope that our marital love will not only be a gift to each other but to the whole world. 

There was a special sweetness in so many of our friends and family participating in the liturgical and wedding traditions of the day. The cantor of our wedding liturgy was our dear friend Erika, whose voice lifts all people up to heaven. Our celebrant, Fr. Raymond Cook, was a priest who accompanied us on our pilgrimage to Poland. Another dear friend graciously served as our DJ and emcee, and our spiritual mentees Kaitlyn and Kevin served as our lectors. Our cakes were baked by our favorite local baker--and close friend--Marissa. 

Our wedding theme was garden-inspired, full of greenery to symbolize the original unity of Adam and Eve with God in the Garden of Eden.

Our friend Madeline Hill of Full of Grace Designs graciously brought this vision to life with dozens of eucalyptus bunches, golden votive candles, and hints of dark wood in the décor and centerpieces. The greenery and wood, combined with the golden candlelight, created the most beautiful reception space. The surroundings recalled how in the garden, light from the Lord poured out on the world’s first union of man and woman. 

Our wedding attire was focused on details. My engagement ring was custom-made with blue and red side stones representing our devotion to the Divine Mercy, 55 small diamond stones to represent the beads on a Rosary, and an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My wedding band is thin and covered in diamonds, with Mary’s Most Immaculate Heart engraved on the side. 

My bridesmaids’ bouquets featured a handmade rosary with a particular saint pendant chosen for each woman’s personality and devotions. My bridal bouquet was wrapped with a silver rosary from Italy, gifted to me by our friend and lector Kaitlyn.

My wedding dress was beautifully crafted, covered in floral lace that fit with our garden theme and made me like I was entering into something new, beautiful, and abundant. 

As we consecrated our marriage to Divine Mercy, we hoped to invite others into the Lord’s great mercy. Prior to the nuptial Mass, the lectors led our guests in a Divine Mercy Chaplet. I also made Divine Mercy prayer cards that were available to guests at the reception. 

Deepening the prayerful tone of the day was a journal Allan gave to me: a collection of letters he had written every day as he journeyed through Exodus 90. This journal, plus the most radiant beauty my bridesmaids emitted, and the appearance of my spiritual director during college, Sister Celestina of the Apostles of the Interior Life, led to many tears throughout the day

Our Liturgy was celebrated at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. We chose this church as it is stunning, grandiose, filled with natural light, and has a beautiful surrounding campus. It truly invites others into the glory and magnificence of the Lord. 

Our reception began with our first dance to the song “Bones” by Penny & Sparrow. The song speaks of the growing love of a man and woman and has been special to us for several years. 

While I wanted a garden-inspired cake, Allan wanted St. Michael’s image to be the featured on his. St. Michael is Allan’s confirmation saint, and we also have a fun story we like to tell about him: Allan once gifted Chance the Rapper a St. Michael prayer card and he has now referenced the prayer card in three of his songs, as well as on Instagram. This was a tidbit we added to the “Fun Fact” napkins we had printed!

Along with the napkins we desired to reveal our individual and shared loves in other wedding details. At the reception, Allan changed into a barong, a traditional Filipino garment, and we served lumpia (Filipino eggrolls) as appetizers to celebrate his heritage. Our wedding favors were simple bags of hand-filled, local Texas coffee to represent our great dependence on caffeine! I also hand-lettered acrylic signs of our favorite quotes from Scripture and the saints. 

The idea of a guest book became a very important detail to us. This was the space where those we love most deeply would sign their names as witnesses to our marriage and companions along our journey. Mirroring Jesus’ first miracle the Wedding at Cana, we had guests sign burgundy strips of paper and drop them into “stone” jars. A sign explained how wine is a symbol of new life and expressed our excitement to share this new life with our beloved guests. 

The reception included a group of men tossing Allan up in the air, flipping guests, and the Aggie War Hymn. The night ended with us dancing in the middle of our guests to “Sunday Candy,” a favorite of ours and our friends, and running out to a petal toss to continue with our garden theme. Allan and I left in his own car and passed by Whataburger before journeying to our new apartment together, where Allan had lit Christmas lights lit and hung a “Welcome Home” sign.

Reflecting on our wedding day, we marvel and rejoice in the great providence of the Lord. He wove our paths together, provided us the grace to journey together in the dry and joyful seasons, and most generously gave us the most loving community to share this day with. 

The words community of love repeated in my head throughout the day. We pray that our marriage extends the same gifts we have received from our friends and family as they have shown us great hospitality, generosity, and pure love. As in the garden, we pray that the seeds sown in our hearts on our wedding day continue to bear fruit, and that everyday we strive to mirror Christ's love for his bride.

Photography: Kristin Manson Photography | Church: St. John Vianney Catholic Church (Houston, Texas) | Reception: Bridal Oaks (Cypress, Texas) | Groom's Ring: Chasing Victory Wooden Rings | Bride's Ring: Custom Made with Robson's Jewelers | Flowers: HEB Blooms Design Studio | Invitations & Signs: Handmade by the Bride | Bride's Dress & Veil: Ventura's Bridal Fashions  | Jewelry: BHLDN | Bridesmaids Attire: Tulle & Chantilly / Shawls from Etsy | Cake Baker - Marissa Martir  | Hairstylist & Makeup: Bespoken Beauty | Music: Cantor Erika Erwin (friend and cantor at Church of marriage) | Decorating: Madeline Hill (Full of Grace) 

Angela + Adam | Summertime Colorado Cabin Wedding

Angela and Adam’s Colorado wedding was bathed in prayer that began months before the nuptial Mass. As they planned for their wedding, they kept their main focus on preparing for the day-to-day living of the sacrament that would begin as soon as the celebration ended. This gave birth to a peace and beauty on their wedding day that can only come from Christ.

From the Bride: From the very beginning of our relationship, prayer was at the center. In fact, Adam was so nervous to ask me out on a date that he spent an hour pacing around his apartment, praying the rosary in hope I’d say yes when he called me. (Spoiler alert: I did). 

We always prayed before meals and went to Mass together on Sundays. The first time I told Adam that I loved him was in a church. We committed to a holy hour together every week and met with our mentor couple several times after engagement in preparation for the sacrament we would be living out together. Later, leading up to our wedding, we asked religious orders, family, and friends all across the United States to pray for our special day, and we could feel the grace of their intercession. 

Adam and I were ecstatic when we found out we would have three priests con-celebrate the wedding: Fr. Joe Mclagan, a good friend of Adam’s, Fr. Mark-Mary, a good friend of mine, and Fr. Brendan Rolling, a mutual friend from my time in FOCUS. They had each played a pivotal role in our lives and in our relationship, and it was a blessing to have these young, vibrant priests at the altar as we exchanged our vows. 

When Adam and I picked our wedding date, we didn’t know it was the feast of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, parents of St. Therese of Lisieux and the first married saints with children to be canonized together. 

This was kindly pointed out to me later over a team dinner at World Youth Day by Sr. Bethany Madonna of the Sisters of Life. After that, we asked daily for their intercession as well as the intercession of St. Faustina. In fact, I had multiple ‘run-ins’ with St. Faustina leading up to our wedding day, including her relic being present for veneration during our marriage retreat. 

With our priests, families, and patron saints all aligned, we were prepared and ready to celebrate the sacrament. All that was left to do was walk down the aisle at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Many of our friends and family are fallen-away Catholics or non-practicing Christians. We wanted everyone to feel welcome, included, and uplifted during the nuptial Mass, but more than anything we wanted them to experience the liturgy in its fullest form. 

The music was performed beautifully by our friends; the piano, violins, and guitars made for a serene and reverent atmosphere. There was a profound sense of calm and peace during the ceremony, and the Mass proceeded without a hitch. Fr. Mark-Mary gave a moving homily, Fr. Joe read for the consecration, and Fr. Brendan looked so stylish with his goatee! Later on we had more people compliment the liturgy than the reception, which is exactly what we wanted.

The moment Adam and I hold most dear from our wedding day was our “first look.” It happened before the ceremony in the adoration chapel behind the church. Adam was praying in front of the monstrance before I arrived ten minutes later. When we saw each other for the first time, so many emotions flooded out of us: happiness, joy, relief, and a spirit of peace that we were beginning our lives together in the best way we knew how, in front of and with Christ. We knelt down and prayed together for a few moments, asking the Lord to be with us on that day and the rest of our days together. 

People will tell you “the day goes by so fast,” and it does. In the blink of an eye the wedding celebration begins, and then it’s over. All the toasts were funny and heartfelt, and the tacos were all-you-could-eat, but nothing moved us like those first moments in the chapel, the first moments of the rest of our lives.

Photography: Sam Regula | Church: St Thomas More Catholic Church, Centennial, Co | Reception: The Inn at Hudson Gardens | Videographer: Justin Ruiz Media | MUA & Hair: Kacie McIntosh | Flowers: Christy Joy McPherson Caterer: Y. Lo Epicure | Cake: Three Daughters Cakes

Claire + Andrew | Silver-Gilded Winter Cottage Wedding

Claire and Andrew’s wedding was planned with profound excitement, the generosity of their family and friends, and a deep desire through it all to bring praise and glory to God.

This rooted purpose, to become a “praise of glory” for God, (a beloved quote from their favorite saint) helped guide them from their earlier days as FOCUS missionaries through an intentional relationship that would blossom into marriage.

From the Bride: Andrew and I met in college through mutual friends and cultivated a deeper friendship while serving on the same campus as missionaries with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Though attraction between us was obvious, dating between teammates is usually not a prudent decision in FOCUS, so waited until the end of the year before we pursued anything serious. To say this was difficult would be an understatement, but when we were finally able to go on a date, neither of us doubted this was much more than a simple attraction.

We dated long-distance during our second year with FOCUS. Andrew was in Gainesville, Florida, and I was in Nashville, Tennessee. Countless Face-times, phone calls, and airplane tickets got us through this time--not to mention a lot of intentionality. 

In fact, Andrew was consistently clear, thoughtful, and intentional in his pursuit of me. He led our relationship by making regular conversations a priority while balancing our call as missionaries; we needed to make sure we were still being present to those around us. Prayer was also an important part of our relationship. Praying rosaries, intercessory prayer over the phone, and always making time to pray when we were together were priorities. 

Though long-distance was difficult, it was such a gift to be able to pursue our relationship without becoming overly consumed in each other’s lives or codependent. 

My father passed away on Easter Sunday my senior year, and Andrew knew this was very important to me. For months he planned an Easter weekend I would never forget. After going on retreat near Nashville, we spent Easter Vigil with my students and drove to Knoxville for Easter Sunday with my mom and sister. After Mass that morning, we went out to eat, and Andrew asked if I wanted to go to the cemetery and pray for the repose of my dad’s soul. After we prayed, we went on a walk.

At the top of the hill overlooking the beautiful Smoky Mountains, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed with my mother’s engagement diamond in a rose gold ring. Engraved in the ring were the words “Praise of Glory” after our favorite saint: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. 

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity played a curious part in our relationship since the beginning. I had been falling in love with her understanding of the indwelling of the Holy Trinity in our souls and was beginning to talk more and more about her. Andrew and I read a book about her while we were friends and missionaries to try and find out more--even though I never finished the book. 

In an attempt to move slowly and intentionally in our dating process, I asked Andrew if we could date for six months before we talked about marriage and the far-off future. I didn’t know that exactly six months after we started dating was the feast day of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. St. Elizabeth called herself “Laudem Gloriae” which means “Praise of Glory” because she believed her mission was to do just that: be a praise of God’s glory. And so, Andrew had “Praise of Glory” inscribed in my engagement ring.

He shared with me that he had been praying a 54-day rosary novena for our engagement. The graces of this were so present. We went to the cathedral to pray and thank God for this wonderful gift, and when we got back to my house our family and friends were waiting to surprise and congratulate us! 

Our engagement included two new jobs, a new city and state, and a month serving with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. Through all of this, the Lord was softening and preparing our hearts to make the radical “yes” to our vocation seven months later on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

When we chose that date, we didn’t know the second reading for the feast was from Ephesians 1, the same verses where St. Elizabeth got the idea for her name “Laudem Gloriae.” This brought such consolation and was a clear sign of God’s blessing and sovereignty over our marriage.

From the beginning of our planning, Andrew and I wanted to throw a party that would serve the many people who meant so much to us. Every detail had one aim: to be a praise of God’s glory. We wanted people to have an encounter with the living God through the revelation of his beauty, love, and grace.

I chose the Marian color of blue in a winter combination with silvers and grays to run throughout the attire and decor. Each of the bridesmaids had a unique dress that, when seen with all the other dresses, showcased a uniquely beautiful winter look. The flowers were a combination of whites, grays, and greens with fun sparkly pine cones and faux fur-tailed stems of white fluff. Attached to my bouquet was my “something blue:” my dad’s wedding ring tied to a blue ribbon and a black-beaded rosary; a rosary made by the man who creates them for the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India.

Our ceremony was held in the newly constructed Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This absolutely gorgeous cathedral, finished in March 2018, featured countless symbols, rich colors, and the faces of some of the most beloved saints in our modern day. From the marble floors, to the rich blue ceiling tiles, to the towering dome, everything about this place of worship draws your eyes and heart to the God who loves us.

Our musicians, all friends of ours, played songs that resonated deep in our hearts. “O God Beyond All Praising” was the song we chose as our entrance hymn because the purpose of the day was to give glory to God. As the violin welcomed Andrew and I into the church, he couldn’t help but break down in tears as I stood beaming beside him. Because my dad had passed away years ago, we chose to have Andrew walk me up the aisle as we prepared to enter into this sacramental covenant together.

Incense filled the altar and the entrance antiphon directed our hearts and minds to the Blessed Virgin Mary on her special feast day. Our good friend, Fr. Victor Ingalls, reminded us in the homily of my bridesmaids that Andrew had previously dated, which brought a rather comic tone to an already joyful day. He also reminded us of our most important mission: to get one another to Heaven.

My favorite part of the ceremony, besides singing with Andrew to some of our most beloved hymns, was looking into the congregation and seeing all the people who had helped us become who we are today. This included our parents, siblings, family, our friends who saw us in our most awkward times, those who served with us in FOCUS, our mission partners who had supported us as FOCUS missionaries, and our students we had labored for on various campuses. 

We were surrounded by such an incredible group of people who had given of themselves to help us try and become the saints God was calling us to be. As they witnessed to our promise of marriage, I couldn’t help but praise God for the gifts he had given us in each and every one of them.

Many people told us that the Mass was a spiritual experience, and I believe it was because God was being revealed so vividly through the beauty and liturgy of the Mass. It emanated from the building itself, through the music and community, and through the great “cloud of witnesses” who were there praying for us and united to us as we participated in the sacrifice of Christ on the altar. It was clear that the Lord greatly desired to come into the hearts of each person gathered there to celebrate.

Our reception was a blur, but from what I remember, my mom gave a long-winded speech that had people crying from laughing and crying from just plain crying. Because my dad couldn't be there, each of my ten uncles danced with me instead. We partied the rest of the night away with an amazing band that covered the classics and brought in some more modern music as well. 

Greenery hung from chandeliers, glittering Christmas trees welcomed the guests, and blue, silver, and white candles caused the whole room to glow. Our cakes were almost too pretty to eat, except for the donut covered groom’s cake. And most importantly, the smiles and laughter and joy of our guests made my heart want to burst.

It’s okay to be excited about details when planning your wedding, but it’s also important to realize that the day is about so much more than that. You want everything to be beautiful, to be special, and to be unique to you and your husband. But in each detail you choose, remember what your purpose is for that day and who you're really celebrating.

We wanted good food, a band, a large guest list, and beautiful flowers. We wanted to serve our friends and family and give them an experience of beauty. But we also didn't want to get carried away with unnecessary excess. 

At the end of the day, the whole point was that God had invited us into this beautiful sacrament to honor and glorify him. This was something that Andrew had to be constantly drawing me back to and reminding me of. This day wasn't for everyone else's approval or for our own vanity, it was for bringing glory to God.

As we started to plan and realized our budget didn't allow for certain things I wanted, it became clear that God wanted to provide in bigger ways than I could ever hope. Our venue provided incredible resources, we found lesser known, more affordable, high quality vendors, and we met people who “randomly” had connections with a band or wedding programs. Others offered to donate their time or resources to helping us make the event beautiful. Over and over again, God wanted to show his providence in every little detail of the day.

I have always struggled with trusting in God's goodness. Will he really provide? Is his plan good? Can I trust in his timing? These fears followed me throughout being single and even once Andrew and I started dating. I grasped for control every step of the way to make sure I wasn't going to be disappointed or hurt. But as wedding planning began and I had to let go of things I was grasping onto, God showed me that his plan for providing was so good. It would exceed so many of my expectations.

As Andrew and I walked down the aisle, I stood in awe of the beautiful day that God had created. It felt like so many things that day came together completely out of my control, and it's only because of God's grace to let go and let him do the work. The truth is that no matter what you think you might need on that day, God wants to be the one who makes it beautiful.

Photography: Ashleigh Jameson Photography | Videography: David Barretto | Church: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Knoxville, TN | Reception: The Reserve at Bluebird Hill, Lenoir City, TN | Planning, Design, & Florals: Windsor & Willow | Rentals: All Occasions Party Rentals | Band: Trapped on Earth  | Food: @brownbagnow  | Bar: @thepourguys | Hair: Color, Cuts, & Curls | Make-Up: @makeupbychesni | Chauffeur/Car: @regal_carriages | Cake: @sarahsstapleton | Gown: Signature Bridal

Jenny + Sam | Summertime Texas Wedding

“Through desire, [God] enlarges our soul and by expanding it he increases its capacity for receiving him.” These words from Pope Benedict XVI echoed in Jenny’s heart as she prepared to marry her beloved Sam.

Jenny and Sam’s love story is one of virtuous patience and beautiful triumph, the rich fruits of Jenny’s trust while suffering a deep desire and longing to begin her vocation--for marriage.

Through their mutual devotion to their faith and love of Mother Mary, Jenny and Sam were married on a bright, summertime day in Texas.

From the Bride: It was a struggle for me to deeply desire marriage and not enter my vocation until I was 34 (and 1/2) years old. I had already watched many of my friends get engaged, married, and start a family. I did not know why God would have me suffer with such a deep desire for the vocation of marriage and not fulfill it.

I didn’t know it, but he was working out everything for the good--it just wasn't time yet. Through my suffering, my relationship with God became stronger and stronger. I even traveled to be a missionary teacher abroad for two years in the hope that maybe God wanted to work in me more before he revealed my husband to me.

When I returned from missionary work, I dated a little and put myself out there, going to young adult retreats and social functions at my church. But it seemed that many times, as most singles will complain, "the good guys are all gone."

Finally, after a summer of getting my heart broken and many unsuccessful dates, I decided to try one last round of online dating. I had joined an app when I came across Sam's profile. I thought he was cute, and he made some funny comments. He also said he was Catholic. What?! We connected and hit it off.

I quickly discovered that our morals and values as well as our devotion to our Catholic faith aligned perfectly. We also found out we had many common interests, like running. On our first date, he told me he was looking to get married. Wow, I thought. This was a first. I knew he was special, and we quickly prayed about the next steps. Before long, we knew the Lord was bringing us together for a purpose.

What I loved about Sam was his patience with me. Throughout our courtship he showed me the man he truly was. Although we lived across town from each other, we made it a point to attend Mass together every Sunday. We enjoyed attending confession and both had a devotion to Mary, Our Mother, and prayed the rosary often. We truly believe she helped guide us on our journey.

Sam planned the perfect proposal; it was just him and I. We had gotten coffee, and I was getting stressed with work and felt unsure where our future was heading. He told me that Mary would make it all better and show us the way, so we prayed the rosary together. In that moment I knew Sam was truly the one the Lord had planned for me. I prayed “not my will but your will, Lord, but I really like him!” When I opened my eyes, Sam was on his knees, and he asked me to be his wife. God's perfect plan was unfolding in front of me, and I was overjoyed to start the next chapter with this man.

Our engagement was a whirlwind since I was a teacher who was off work in the summer. We were eager to start our lives together, and we knew we wanted a summertime wedding.

But that meant we had only six months to plan a wedding for three hundred guests! Although it was stressful at times, Sam and I really enjoyed our Pre-Cana classes and preparing for marriage. We learned so much about each other and our faith, and we know it prepared us for the sacrament.

Our wedding day was the best day of our lives.

Pope Benedict XVI, said “Man was created for greatness–for God himself; he was created to be filled by God. But his heart is too small for the greatness to which it is destined. It must be stretched. By delaying his gift, God strengthens our desire; through desire, he enlarges our soul and by expanding it he increases its capacity for receiving him.”

My entire life has been a process of God enlarging my soul and increasing my heart’s capacity to receive the gift of my marriage on July 21, 2018.

Through suffering, a lot of waiting, prayer, brokenness, redemption, and through the Eucharist, Christ was preparing me for Sam. He was preparing me to say my own “fiat” like Mary did (Luke 1:38) when he offered me the wonderful gift of my husband and our new journey together.

My mom was in charge of most of the planning for the reception, and Sam and I planned the ceremony. We wanted a beautiful, holy Mass and a joyful reception with all our family and friends. We were married in Sam's childhood church and included many Catholic traditions such as the lazo in the liturgy. We knew from the start we would also include the presentation of flowers to Mother Mary. After we prayed together and laid flowers at the foot of Mary, we gave a special rose to our mothers.

Sam and I found out during the wedding process that we have many of the same favorite Catholic hymns, like the communion hymn “Taste and See,” and incorporated them into the Mass. The priest gave a wonderful homily about the love of Jesus and the great sacrament of marriage.

When I saw Sam standing at the altar, all I remember is thanking Jesus. And as I walked with my father down the aisle, carrying my new mother-in-law’s rosary as my “something borrowed,” I smiled as I gazed at Sam, who was crying. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt so close to Christ.

The reception afterwards was a night to remember! We had delicious food and great entertainment. We did the Grand March (a German tradition) that got everyone out on the dance floor. Then came our first dance. Sam and I love to two-step to country music, and it was a special moment as all of our family and friends surrounded us to watch us have our first dance as husband and wife.

There was pure joy and peace the whole day of our wedding, and it remains even now in our marriage. Christ is so good and faithful!

Photography: Meeker Pictures | Church: Saint Mary Catholic Church-Plantersville, Texas | Bridal Portraits- Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church- Houston, TX | Reception: The Brownstone Reserve- Bryan, Texas | Food: City View Catering | Cake: Cakes by Gina | Gown: Stella York @ Whittington Bridal | DJ: DJ Mark Bobo | Florist: Trica Barksdale Designs | Hair/Make-up: Naturally Flawless | Bridesmaid Dresses: KFbridal | Flower girl dresses: Pink Princess | Men's suits: Men's wearhouse | Wedding planning: Ashley &Co. | Invitations: Dromgooles | Bridal portrait flowers: Lambrie Floral designs

Mychael + Adam | Rustic Midwest Basilica Wedding

Mychael and Adam met through mutual friends while attending weekly pop culture trivia nights. From there, a mutual collective knowledge of useless information and a similar sense of humor led to a friendship.

On their first date they attended Saturday Mass together at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Two years later they celebrated their relationship with a romantic dinner at 4Bells seafood house nearby. A little later, years after that “accidental” first date, Adam proposed on Christmas Eve.

From the Bride: I have a daughter from a previous relationship with profound disabilities. She is incredibly sweet and innocent--but not for the faint of heart.

I knew it was going to take an incredible man, a “St. Joseph” in my life, to open my heart to marriage and to embrace her as his own. Adam rose to the occasion, and I fell madly in love with him.

From the Groom: I met Mychael, as a friend, when I was going through a hard time finding "the one." I knew she was a smart and funny woman, but it was those weeks following our "first date" when I really had to decide whether to take a risk or remain just friends.

But once we chose to date each other, I knew I was all in. Mychael was an incredible woman, would be a loving partner and teammate, and I already knew her as an amazing mother. We have said from early on that we are on each others team and are in everything together.

As Robin Williams wisely said in Good Will Hunting, "You’re not perfect, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other." Mychael and I are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other.

During wedding planning, our priority was the nuptial Mass, making it as beautiful and sacred as the sacrament itself. We spent hours going through music on YouTube and reading Scripture to hand-pick every detail.  This made for some wonderful nights together.

Mychael and I were mindful of all the details, carefully choosing every aspect to reflect how we wanted to enter into marriage, and, most importantly, how we wanted to live out our marriage. We immediately began to book vendors, searching for Minnesota-created and sourced options for our big day. Every detail reflected aspects of our relationship, from the Notre Dame ticket-inspired save the date and “Marry Like a Champion” sign to clover leaves subtly placed in the greenery of our invitations, embracing the Mychael’s Irish heritage and my alma mater. In addition, the Minnesota outline appeared throughout the paper goods and reception details.

From the Bride: My vision for the dress was a blend of Kate and Pippa Middleton's wedding dresses, but I certainly didn't have a princess complex. Rather, I wanted to be an elegant bride for my bridegroom. I didn’t find any style that I really fell in love with or felt reflected my sensibility, so I opted for some alterations. The dress I chose was originally strapless with some tulle across the chest. By my wedding day, it had been altered with delicate lace, short sleeves, and an illusion neckline with a high lace collar.

My gorgeous, flowy long veil was purchased prior to the royal wedding but was nicknamed “the Meghan veil” by my bridesmaids.

My godmother, June, gave me her wedding rings to wear during the ceremony for luck. I wore Adam's maternal grandmother's pearls given to her by her father on her wedding day as a bracelet. She had previously passed in April. A navy blue rosary in my bouquet was my maternal grandmother’s, who passed away a week prior to our wedding.

The ceremony was held at the breathtakingly beautiful and historic Basilica of St. Mary’s and celebrated by the archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Most Rev. Bernard Hebda. It featured the basilica choir and Catholic musicians Tim and Julie Smith, whom I sang with growing up.

We chose a blend of contemporary and traditional music; the Irish Catholic prelude "Be Thou My Vision" and "How Can I keep from Singing.” Our entrance song was "Lord of All Hopefulness" and our final blessing and recessional hymns were "May the Road Rise Up to Meet You" and "Love Divine, All Love Excelling."

It was important to us that prayer in musical form be central to the Mass because sacred music is a large part of our lives. The archbishop was even kind enough to compliment us on how beautiful the music was, and that he expected nothing less!

For the reception, we chose 4 Bells’ rooftop for its unique and stylish characteristics in the space, but also for their craft cocktails and exquisite cuisine. It was an exceptionally intimate planned day for us and our family and friends.

Through it all, Adam and I were both involved in the planning, which made the process far less stressful, incredibly more personal, and the big day all the more celebratory.

The Thursday leading up to our wedding was the Feast of All Saints. We attended Mass together, just the two of us, and were able to celebrate a feast day we both love.

On our wedding day, witnessed by our family and friends, we chose to enter into the sacrament of marriage together. There was no father “giving the bride away.” Rather, we chose to have the two of us enter into the church at the same time, as recommended by the revised Rite of Marriage. It was a sacrament between the two of us and God, and we received so many compliments on this choice!

As we stood behind the grand basilica doors, Adam said he was so grateful that we had come to this moment. We both recognize how wonderful it is that we are able to walk this marriage journey together, because there is no one else I want to be doing this with.

Adam is a wonderful man of faith. He is kind and thoughtful in practical and romantic ways. He is a loving partner and embodies St. Joseph. He challenges me and supports me unconditionally.

We are both mindful that we have not come to this place alone. We have held onto our Catholic faith and our faith in each other to choose marriage. Perhaps it is our Midwest sensibility or Catholics in general, but discussing our faith outwardly does not come naturally to us. And so, our nuptial Mass and wedding was a wonderful and beautiful way for us to show our love for God and our faith to friends and family.

Over the years together we have celebrated and mourned. We have attended friends’ weddings and many funerals. We have laughed and cried. But through it all we remember the lyrics of the song we chose for our first dance, "God Gave Me You:" “God gave me you for the ups and downs, God gave me you for the days of doubt.”

The wedding was one wonderful day. Our marriage will be a lifetime, and we are excited for the journey.

Photography: Rachel Kathleen Photography | Church: Basilica of St. Mary - Minneapolis Minnesota | Reception: 4Bells - Minneapolis Minnesota | Dress: Rebecca Ingram design, heavily altered by Custom Sewing by Heather (the dress was strapless with tulle when purchased from Bella Bridal in Woodbury, MN | Grooms’ Attire: Calvin Klein, Macy’s  | Rings: Bride Continental diamond, Groom Blue Nile
Bridesmaids: Adrianna Papell & Badgley mischka  | Hair: Be Lovely by Amber Ann | Makeup: Beauty by Cort Anne
Flowers: KMB floral  | Invitations & Save the Dates & Guest sign wooden board: A Milestone Paper Co. | Details including Notre Dame inspired “Marry Like A Champion” sign created by the Bride

Sabrina + Nick | Handcrafted Jersey Shore Wedding

Sabrina and Nick have always been “adventure buddies.”

During one of their many adventures, volunteering to rebuild historic cottages in the Grand Tetons, Nick asked the love of his life to accompany him on their greatest adventure yet: marriage and family.

Their love story encompasses conversion, Padre Pio, the Jersey Shore, and beehives--all part of their extraordinary, summertime wedding bathed in sunflowers and God’s grace. And it all began in a college architecture class.

From the Bride: Our Catholic relationship was not a typical one. I am a cradle Catholic who started to grow deeper in my faith only after college. Nick's mother is Lutheran, and his dad is Catholic. He was raised primarily in his father’s faith, but he did not receive any of his sacraments beyond baptism before dating me.

Nick and I met during our first year of college at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2010. He had transferred from Hartford, and I had just graduated from high school. Looking back, I almost attended a different college.

God’s plan is perfect, though, and we both chose to attend NJIT in 2010. We were placed in the same studio room for our architecture class and quickly became good friends, especially since we were both commuters. Nick would wait for my dad to pick me up on his way home from work. He would even miss his train ride home to wait with me.

We supported each other through late nights in studio, and he always kept me laughing. We became good friends but didn’t start dating until our fourth year of college because I had been in a previous relationship until then. Nick was quick to seize the opportunity.

Three and a half years later in August 2017, Nick and I found ourselves in the Grand Tetons National Park. For the past three years, we had volunteered a week of our time annually with the National Park Service in the Grand Tetons to stabilize historic log cabins in the park. Nick proposed in the barn we were working on for the week in front of all the volunteers. It was like a dream.

We decided to get married a year later on the anniversary of our engagement. As we prepped for the wedding, Nick went through RCIA with me as his sponsor. He would come to my bible study group, and our faith grew deeper. We attended holy hours together, and I knew I was growing in my faith along with him.

We planned to get married at the church by his family’s shore house that we attended all the years we dated: St. Pio’s. After our engagement, my friend Gabriella found a St. Pio rosary and gave it to me. I prayed on it every week at adoration leading up to the wedding. I even wrapped it around the stem on my bouquet with a miraculous medal.

Nick and I developed a strong devotion to Padre Pio. We prayed his novena and asked him to adopt us as his spiritual children and be the patron saint of our marriage. We also prayed St. Josemaria Escriva’s novena in the days leading up to the wedding, which we loved.

Throughout it all, I petitioned God for Nick’s full and deep conversion to the Catholic Church. And although we both have more room to grow, I’m so proud of how far we have come, especially Nick.

The night before the wedding we went to confession with the priest who would be celebrating our nuptial Mass. We wanted to receive the marital sacrament with pure hearts, and I’m so happy Nick and I made sure we did that. Before going to sleep we called each other and said the last day of the St. Josemaria novena. It was such a beautiful way to countdown to the wedding.

The weather on the big day was hot but not too humid, and I felt like God was smiling on us the whole time. My friend Gabriella said a quick prayer as we walked into the church, but I told her it had to be a quick one because I would be too emotional. I’m such a happy crier!

I kept asking God and Padre Pio to be with me because I was so nervous to walk down the aisle. When they opened the doors, I tripped a little on my dress. This helped me focus on not falling, but I also think it was God’s way of giving me something to think about instead of becoming a crying mess. When I looked up at the end of the aisle, Nick was crying hard. He was so happy, and I felt such peace knowing I was marrying him.

As the ceremony went on, I strongly felt Padre Pio was with us as well as our guardian angels. Nick and I had picked all of the music and readings for the Mass, so it was very meaningful to both of us. When we presented flowers to the Blessed Mother, we prayed a couple of Hail Mary’s and then a prayer we had written together. It was such an intimate and special moment.

Our wedding programs included all the parts in the Mass and a beautiful quote by St. Thomas Aquinas: “The Eucharist is the sacrament of love; it signifies love, it produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.”

With that in mind, we received the Body and Blood of Christ together for the first time as a married couple. All I could do was look at Nick and thank God for giving me the man of my dreams and allowing me to lead him closer to Christ.

We had worked so hard on planning the wedding, but the work we put into our faith life was worth more than anything else that day.

After the ceremony we left on a trolley to Smithville to party! The theme of the wedding was “adventure” because Nick and I always say that we are adventure buddies. And we handmade everything for the wedding. We are both architects, so we knew we could do it.

Our invitations, made by hand, included a map of the Jersey Shore with all the significant places to the wedding and to us. Our favors were honey jars made from our own honey that we harvested the weekend before the wedding from our beehive. The table that displayed the honey also displayed birdhouses that Nick had made for me when we were dating.

I wrote all the table assignments on panes of glass from old windows, and the tables were named after different national parks. Nick and his dad built wooden crates for the centerpieces,  and we filled them with flowers and fresh peaches. We told everyone to take home a peach with their honey.

Our sweetheart table had handcrafted signs that I painted as well as more crates. Nick’s mom and I made a quilt together that had Disney’s Up house on it. That became our “guest quilt,” where everyone signed in on a balloon. And finally, we painted a mailbox like the one from Up where guests placed their cards.

My favorite flowers are sunflowers and succulents, so there were plenty throughout the whole wedding. We took photos all over Smithville, a cute, historic town with many photo opportunities. And our wedding band kept everyone dancing all night.

In short, our wedding day was amazing, and I thank God everyday for it. I couldn’t wait to live life with Nick and build on the foundation we built on Christ.

For our honeymoon a month later, we travelled to Rome and Switzerland after my friend Gabriella’s wedding with her and her new husband. In Rome, we attended the Sposi Novelli blessing at the Pope’s general audience. Again, I was praying to Padre Pio that we would get to meet the Pope, but there were so many couples there that it seemed unlikely.

They started gathering all of the couples, and we found ourselves in the wrong spot. It seemed like we wouldn’t get to meet him. I told Gabriella and our husbands that we should stand on a shorter rail that I spotted. I thought even if we wouldn’t meet him, we could at least get a better view.

That short rail ended up being the gate to let all the couples into the main area for everyone to gather. So we were the first ones through! When we got our spot, I realized I had lost my Padre Pio rosary. Gabriella told me not to worry, that Padre Pio was with us anyway. But when we looked down, I saw the rosary had somehow landed in the spot we were going to stand in!

When we met the Pope, we told him we were praying for him and that he needed to rebuild the church. Gabriella and I got pretty emotional about this, so he spent a long time with us saying that he would, and that we needed to keep praying too.

It was one of the most special experiences of our lives to receive the Pope’s blessing. Nick and I have had the most incredible year, and it is all because of God and his perfect plan.

Without a Christ-centered relationship, our entire wedding day and our marriage would've been completely different. It would never have been as fulfilling. You could feel our love for each other and for God that day. Everyone said that is what made the wedding so special.

Photography: Maryanne Photography, Kevin and Aly Photography, Meyer Photo and Video Group | Mass: St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavellette, NJ | Reception: The Smithville Inn, Absecon, NJ | Engagement Ring: designed by the groom, via Salt and Stone

Finding Your Wedding Style + Planning Your Liturgy: A Look Back on Spoken Bride Weddings

Are you recently engaged and just beginning to identify your wedding aesthetic? Did you know Spoken Bride weddings are indexed by color, style, and state?

Click the tags at the bottom of each wedding feature to see similar celebrations. It’s our honor to be invited into the unique, singular beauty of each of our couples’ special days and to share the distinctively Catholic elements that elevate their wedding days and point their guests’ senses heavenward.

Here, a collection of our past features. For our new brides, we hope they help you find your own style and introduce you to some of our incredible couples whom you might not have encountered before. For longtime readers, enjoy this look through the archives! Wherever you’re coming from we desire above all that like us, you’ll take in these stories and step back with nothing but awe, reverence, and gratitude for the Father’s fathomless love for his children.

Cultural traditions

Maria and Santi’s Buenos Aires wedding and bilingual nuptial Mass | Edith and Bomani’s Kenyan Catholic wedding | Elisabeth and Salvador’s El Salvadorian wedding | Lisa and Steve’s elegant resort wedding ,celebrating the bride’s Polish heritage

For the classic bride

Blair and Jordan’s fireside black-tie wedding | Jamie and Seth’s Baltimore wedding with astronomy-inspired details, designed by the bride | Sarah and Christopher’s Kate Spade-inspired wedding | Maggie and Ryan’s walk from literal blindness to true seeing, and their vineyard brunch wedding

Holiday weddings

Emily and Daniël’s Praise and Worship-filled Christmas season wedding | Christina and Kristian’s Austin wedding, with holiday colors and Christmas hymns | Genevieve and Dalton’s festive celebration at Rock ‘N Bowl | Caroline and Matt’s elegant cathedral wedding, rich with family heritage | Kaitlyn and John’s New Year’s wedding in blue, gold, and white | Becca and Phil’s Christmas picnic wedding

For the vintage-lover

Emma and Mark’s 1920s-inspired Arkansas wedding | Ada and Greg’s Texas celebration with her grandmother’s dress and other family heirlooms

Regional-inspired weddings

Fatima and John’s Tuscan-inspired celebration and Italian honeymoon | Brooke and Tim’s taste of Southern Virginia hospitality | Emily and Bradley’s & Katherine and Jonathan’s Louisiana weddings, inspired by French and New Orleans traditions | Erin and Andrew’s relationship guided by Our Lady of Perpetual Help, their Notre Dame Basilica wedding and reception football game | Cynthia and Chad’s Midwestern traditions and the beautiful significance of the Holy Land in their relationship | Sarah and Joseph’s Chesapeake Bay wedding with preppy and nautical details

For the rustic bride

Emily and Ben’s elegant evening on 40 acres of Nashville farmland | Chloe and Joseph’s winter farmhouse weddings and tips for spending as much of your wedding day together as possible | Jamaila and Andy’s NYC courtship and wedding filled with elements from nature

Ever ancient, ever new: unique Catholic devotions

Joan and Matt’s summer wedding, with original music composed by the bride | Kelsey and Jacob’s personal marriage prayer, and tips for writing your own | Susanna and Brad’s vineyard-inspired wedding and reflections on marriage, the priesthood, and religious life | Beth Anne and Tom’s beautiful alternative to a bouquet and garter toss | Robyn and Greg’s Divine Mercy weekend wedding and the role of this devotion in their relationship | Janae and Ryan’s foot-washing during their first look | Rosanna and Matthew’s Norbertine liturgy in English and Latin | Erica and Chris’s decision to say their vows over a crucifix | Laura and Alexandre’s fully sung Mass at a California mission | Bridget and David’s hometown Mass and decision to memorize their vows

For the DIY bride

Angela and Lucas’s farmhouse-chic Indiana wedding | Katherine and Ian’s handmade floral arrangements and reception catered by family | Amy and Jake’s Colorado Springs celebration with hand-lettered details, homemade centerpieces, and a custom crossword

City weddings

Anna and Mike’s Minneapolis nuptials | Maggie and Eric’s downtown Denver wedding | Chelsy and Ben’s portraits at the Washington, D.C. monuments during the Cherry Blossom Festival | Chelsea and Nick’s Pittsburgh black-tie evening

For the boho bride

Kelly and Peter’s high school sweethearts story and outdoor California reception | Heather and Jude’s transatlantic romance and bayside wedding day

Military weddings

Alana and Stephen’s conversion story and Air Force wedding | Hannah and Jared’s sophisticated Pittsburgh wedding, with the groom in Captain’s dress

Special circumstances and non-Roman rites

Andrea and David’s convalidation ceremony and powerful conversion story | Julia and Francis’s Byzantine liturgy | Dominika and Joseph’s & Gabrielle and Vince’s Ordinariate weddings | Victoria and David’s journey of discernment and conversion | Jenna and Michael’s Italian family-style wedding | Heather and Matthew’s witness to divine love’s healing power and their family-centered wedding with their daughters | Ashley and Ashbee’s black and white WVU wedding and advice for accommodating non-Catholic guests

For the romantic bride

Julie and Rudy’s elegant blush wedding and a love story that began in Fatima | Katherine and Dominic’s hometown wedding and rainy night reception | Elise and Hunter’s long-awaited celebration in the Maryland countryside

Feeling a call to share your proposal or wedding day with our community? Submission info can be found here.

Images by Spoken Bride Vendor Horn Photography & Design, seen in Melissa + Antonio | Springtime Ballroom Wedding

Chloe + Joseph | Winter Farmhouse Wedding

Starting on her 13th birthday, Chloe prayed daily for a man in love with the Church, who would lead her closer to Christ. Little did she know her future husband was growing up nearby, in the very same town.

Looking back, she and Joseph suspect their paths likely crossed in their early lives. Their story didn’t begin, however, until the summer before college, when Joseph participated in the mission trip Chloe was serving as a staff member. Throughout that week spent painting houses in a rural town, each found humor and honesty in the other, discussing everything from religion to places they dreamed of traveling.

Joseph returned home after the mission and found Chloe and her blog on social media. He later contacted her letting her know he’d read much of her writing, pursued a friendship, asked Chloe out on a date the night of her birthday.

Their college years were spent long-distance, with many weekend dates spent at Mass and in Adoration. Chloe loved the way Joseph strove to make Christ the center of their relationship from their first date onward. They chose Pope Saint John Paul II as the patron their relationship, praying for his intercession at the end of every date and phone call. Their call to marriage became clear.

On New Year’s Day, Joseph shared that he’d love to ask Chloe to marry him before the end of the summer. She valued his leadership and intentionality, waiting eagerly for the next step in their relationship. By spring break, after seeking Chloe’s dad’s blessing and on the final day of a backpacking retreat in Big Bend National Park, Joseph invited Chloe to climb the highest point in the park, Emory Peak. As the sun rose, he got down on one knee and asked Chloe to climb life’s peaks and valleys beside him as his wife.

From the Bride: Despite everyone’s warnings of wedding week stress, our wedding day was one of the most joyful, stress-free days of my life. Every moment was filled with blessings--as if God was smiling down, opening my eyes to beauty and whispering, this is for you.

Joseph and I wanted to spend as much of our wedding day together as possible, so we began the day by attending morning Mass and having breakfast together. Before we parted ways to get dressed for the ceremony, we visited Christ in Eucharistic Adoration for our last holy hour as an engaged couple.

Before meeting up with our wedding party, I surprised Joseph with a Papal Blessing, a gift I planned with the generous help of our seminarian friends in Rome. It now hangs in our bedroom as a daily reminder of our sacrament.

I decided to do my own makeup for the ceremony, and I wore the same makeup I wear on an everyday basis. I had thought about makeup quite a bit, but it was only when I thought back on our relationship that the answer to my inner debates became clear.

When I met Joseph, I wasn't wearing any makeup. I had on a baggy t-shirt, and sports shorts. I spent the first week we knew each other on mission covered in sweat, pancake batter, and paint chips. Joseph proposed on top of a mountain. When he asked me to be his bride, I hadn't showered in six days, my hair was greasy and stuffed under a baseball cap, and my eyes were bleary from waking up at 5:00 AM. And he thought I was beautiful.  

I don't wear much makeup on a daily basis, but it seems Joseph compliments me most on the days I wear it the least, or not at all. So when I saw Joseph on our wedding day, I wanted to look like the girl he scraped paint with two summers before. I wanted to look like the blissfully happy girl who said yes to climbing life's highs and lows alongside my husband (although I did shower for the wedding!) .

We desired to make prayer part of our preparation for that day. My bridesmaids and I spent time praying and singing together. Meanwhile, Joseph and the groomsmen prayed a rosary in the side chapel.

Then it was time to walk down the aisle. Traditionally, the last people to process into a Catholic Mass are the officiants of the sacrament. During a wedding, the bride and groom are the ministers of the sacrament to each other, with the priest and wedding party witnessing their vows. We decided to adopt this practice for our entrance.

A unique touch was the way Joseph and I sat during the ceremony. We didn’t want to have our backs facing our guests, so we placed our chairs to the side of the sanctuary instead of using kneelers that faced the altar.

We were blessed to have our wedding Mass concelebrated by six of our close priest friends. The main celebrant was a priest from the parish we spent the most time at during our relationship. We chose readings were from Tobit, Ephesians, and the wedding at Cana.

In the days before the wedding, Joseph and I prepared to consecrate ourselves to Mary, using Fr. Brian McMaster’s book Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus through Mary with Saint John Paul II. Every night, regardless of how busy we got with planning, we took time to pray the rosary and reflect on the importance of Mary in our relationship.

At a friend’s wedding we’d attended together, we were entertained the whole night by a very enthusiastic maraca player in the band. Joseph surprised me with a pair of maracas on the drive to the reception–-a car dance party ensued!

Joseph and I decided to look at the reception as a big dinner party. Our wedding week was spent cooking soup, creating a salad bar, and gathering bread. We loved cooking together when we were dating, so preparing food for our reception was a beautiful way spend time together and anticipate the big day.

Our first dance was to Ben Rector’s “Forever Like That.” We loved spending time with friends and family on the dance floor, but we also walked around to catch up with our other guests, as well.

As we walked to our getaway car and headed to our new home together, I had the lyrics from another Ben Rector song, “I Like You,” stuck in my head:

There way too many love songs, and I think they've got it all wrong. 'Cause life is not the mountain tops; it's the walking in between. And I like you walking next to me.

My prayers, first whispered at thirteen and now proclaimed in front of all my friends and family at our wedding, had been answered. God had introduced a man into my life, and now we were striving to sainthood together.

Our wedding day was joyous because we had spent so much time preparing our hearts together. Joseph and I prayed nightly, heads bowed close, begging God to strengthen us and to help us give ourselves freely, totally, faithfully, and fruitfully to each other.

We made sure to spend just as much time preparing for our marriage as we did our wedding. Although it seemed crazy to those around us, we took off a night from wedding planning during our wedding week. We threw on our hiking shoes, went on a walk, and got coffee. We didn’t talk about the wedding at all. Instead, we spent time laughing, praying, and reminiscing on how God had worked in our relationship. Now we advise each engaged couple we know to spend time on a wedding week date. It was one of the best things we could have done for our relationship during that week of preparation!

Photography: Jen Huhs Photography | Church: St. Isidore's Student Center, Manhattan, Kansas | Reception Venue: Big Gage Shelter House, Topeka Kansas | Rings: Riddle's Jewelry  | Flowers: Ecoflowers (bride's bouquet), Hobby Lobby (created by the bride) | Bride's Dress David's Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Target | Bridesmaid's Attire: Francescas, Macys, TJ Maxx | Groom's Suit: Perry Ellis | Cake: Sam's Club | Music: Friends of the Bride & Groom

Jenna + Michael | Italian Family-Style Wedding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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