Matrimony in Real Life

In my early 20s, I watched TLC's Wedding Story and dreamed of the day of my wedding: a puffy ball gown with a long train, 5 tier chocolate cake, and family and friends together for a blessed event.

On April 21, my husband and I received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Instead of the ballgown, it was a sheath dress with an elegant veil. Instead of the chocolate cake, we had a gluten-free white cake. There were family and friends in an intimate setting.

Unlike some of the wedding stories on TLC, the day had a deep spiritual significance.

As Catholics, we believe that the man and woman give themselves to each other in marriage.
Therefore, we decided to walk down the aisle together during the procession after his parents, the best man and matron of honor. My parents are deceased but they were remembered during the Nuptial Mass.

We decided to honor the marriage vocation fully during the Mass. The readings, homily, and prayers focused on how important it is to embrace this state of life.

This state of life comes with challenges: layoffs, ectopic pregnancies or health scares.

It also comes with joys: waking up to see each other in the morning, eating together, or going to a first Mass of a newly ordained priest.

My wedding ring has a meaningful message. The gold rings are soldered together and each them are woven to signify the unity between us. God brought us together and no person or tragedy will separate us.