LOVE IS ALL AROUND the Catholic Church — especially on a couple’s wedding day.
While church campuses across Orange County can serve as a meeting place for ministry events, a sanctuary for life’s storms or simply Mass on Sunday, it can be even more for some couples starting a brand-new chapter of their relationship.
Orange County Catholic chatted with five couples who chose to get married in an Orange County Catholic church.
Their wedding memories and faith journeys as couples are something to fall in love with all year long.
JESSICA AND MATTHEW VASQUEZ
Married by Fr. Joe Justice at St. Martin de Porres in June 2022.
Jessica and Matthew remember feeling an “indescribable comfort” with one another as they exchanged vows at their church’s altar. More than two years after their ceremony, the couple continues to bring Christ along for their love story.
“Our Catholic faith is the center priority that helps us better each other, sacrifice for one another and promotes respect and communication,” the couple said. “We met through the Catholic community in college, which set us up for a mutual understanding of our goals and values. The combination of tough conversations and life’s greatest joys together make for a real and fun marriage that is full of laughs, tears and memories!”
MATT AND ALEXA DICKMAN GET MARRIED AT ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA IN LAGUNA BEACH. PHOTO COURTESY OF @EMK.WED
MATT AND ALEXA DICKMAN
Married by Fr. Steve Sallot at St. Catherine of Siena in August 2023.
Before driving off into the sunset as husband and wife, Matt and Alexa knew they wanted to begin their marriage at a special home in Laguna Beach.
“St. Catherine of Siena is a beautiful church and provided a perfect setting for our wedding,” the couple shared. “Being surrounded by friends and family as we celebrated our marriage together [was unforgettable].”
Ahead of their second wedding anniversary, Matt and Alexa continue to incorporate faith in this chapter of their lives.
“It continues to bring us closer together,” the bride and groom shared, “and forms a strong foundation upon which we hope to continue to grow our family in the future.”
LEAH AND GERARDO BUTALID
Married by Fr. Aristotle Quan at San Francisco Solano in July 2021.
Although many aspects of their wedding celebration remain unforgettable, Leah and Gerardo will never forget one part of their church ceremony.
“It was getting to spend our last moments as single people and our first moments as a married couple worshiping Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,” the couple recalled. “We made the last minute decision to do a first look in the Blessed Sacrament chapel and it was such a tender, special moment we got to share right before the Mass. We also spent time in extended worship following Communion during the Mass, and it was a profound gift to worship the Lord, surrounded by so many people we love so dearly as we stepped into our vocation as a married couple.”
As their love story takes on moves, job changes and babies, the couple is grateful for their Catholic faith.
“God has given us so much grace,” they shared, “and we trust He will continue to supply His grace as we press on in this adventure in pursuit of holiness!”
LEAH AND GERARDO BUTALID BECOME HUSBAND AND WIFE AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIKA AT E. PHOTOGRAPHY
NICOLE AND DERRICK SUMAMPONG CELEBRATE THEIR WEDDING DAY AT HOLY TRINITY IN LADERA RANCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAY RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY
NICOLE AND DERRICK SUMAMPONG
Married by Fr. Riz Carranza at Holy Trinity in June 2022.
After standing before Holy Trinity’s painting of Christ on the cross, Nicole and Derrick officially became husband and wife and were reminded of “Christ’s infinite love for us.”
“Our Lord, through the Catholic faith, is constantly inviting us to draw closer to Him through so many facets of our life together,” the couple shared. “For us right now, that looks like serving in music ministry together, praying as a family daily with Mama Mary’s intercession, frequenting the sacraments, cultivating Christ-centered friendships through things like church groups and book clubs and just learning and reflecting together on the daily moments that invite us to grow in virtue.”
OSANA AND TEAK LEE
Married by Fr. Aristotle Quan at St. Edward the Confessor in October 2024.
Before exchanging vows in the Catholic Church, Osana and Teak participated in marriage preparation classes, which brought them even closer together.
“One thing our marriage counselor Mark said to us, which we took to heart, is, ‘No matter what happens in the noise of wedding planning, the most important thing that happens on our wedding day is that we get married with God.’ Luckily for us, the day went beautifully, and it all started when we said our vows at the church.”
As they continue their first year of marriage, Osana and Teak say the Catholic faith plays an important role in their love story.
“We were always very close in our relationship throughout our years of dating, however when bringing God into the center, it helped us become even closer in ways we didn’t even know existed,” they explained.
“Just as it is important to exercise your body and mind, it is just as important to exercise your spirit. As we wish to grow spiritually with God.”
OSANA AND TEAK LEE CELEBRATE THEIR MARRIAGE AT ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR IN DANA POINT. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDI SAGER PHOTOGRAPHY