Sweetest Heart of Mary Church

Wedding Ceremony

St. Mary's Cultural Center

Wedding Reception

Please park in the gated parking lot behind the church for the wedding mass.

Our Wedding

My story begins on August 1st, 2024, when I moved to Denver for my first teaching job — and to work at the same school as my sister, Bella. Fast-forward to October 4th: I was finally settling into my new life and making friends, most of whom Bella had introduced me to. One of those friends was moving away and having a going-away party, so I went with Bella and our sister Gabry, who was visiting that weekend.That night, I expected to stick with familiar faces and head home early. But then I met Brad.He was kind, talkative, and welcoming. After hearing I had just moved, he invited me to join a group that had Sunday night dinners to help me meet more people. He asked for my number so he could send me the details, then went off to play a cornhole game. Later, I found him by the bonfire chatting with Gabry, and I joined them. At some point, Gabry "mysteriously" disappeared — and Brad and I ended up talking the rest of the night.Before he left, he asked if he could take me on a date. I said yes. A couple of days later, just like he said he would, he called with everything planned. I was floored by how intentional and thoughtful he was.We had a blast on our first few dates — but I started overthinking. I worried we hadn’t had enough deep conversations yet (lol), and I called Brad to say I wasn’t sure we should keep dating. He was calm, respectful, and genuinely curious about why. When I couldn’t give a clear reason, he asked if we could meet in person to talk. That conversation helped me realize…two dates probably weren’t enough to decide anything major. So, we agreed to take things one date at a time.Our next date? Pumpkin carving, charcuterie, and wine. It was thoughtful, fun, and full of meaningful conversation. From that night on, I never really doubted we’d end up here.After a few more dates, we officially started dating — and the rest is history.

Gianna's Story

Photos from that fateful 3rd date

I met Gianna. I fell in love fast. And I never wanted to be apart from her since. More details: In the summer of 2024, I was discerning pretty heavily the call to religious life and celibacy. It had been on my heart for a long time, and I decided to give it a full chance. When nothing materialized for me to join any orders, I felt the tug on my heart to let it go and give dating a serious shot. I realized I was more afraid of putting myself out there for a woman than anything else, and that was driving most of my discernment. So I put myself out there a few times, but nothing came of it. Then, on the feast of St. Francis (my boy), I prayed hard for his intercession to bring me to a woman that I can truly lay down my life, as Christ calls us to. My friend, Joe Murphy, was hosting a going away party that night, and he invited me to go. I didn't know any of his friends, so I was nervous about it. I actually had plans with my friend Josh to go out and try to meet girls, but I needed to stop by this party first. I went to the party because I knew God needed me to meet Him halfway in trying to meet the right woman. After about 30 minutes, I saw Gianna walk in. And I immediately started to work up the courage to start a convo. We quickly got split up to play a game, and I sat by her sisters (unbeknownst to me) at the fire. Eventually, she came over and joined us again, and I knew it was my chance. I started chatting with her exclusively (sorry Gabry) and managed to get her number. I casually left her to play a game of cornhole, praying that I would have more time with her that night. After the game, I saw her sitting alone at the fire, and I made my move. We talked for two more hours, and I asked her out before I left. That moment lasted forever, until she said yes. I called all of my friends and told them about this incredible woman I was going out with. I never doubted that I wanted to be with her, and all of my questions about discernment faded into the distance. My heart felt home, and it continues to. All glory and praise be to Jesus Christ!

Brad's Story

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

Isabella Faraj

Francesca Faraj

Sofia Faraj

Gabrielle Faraj

Alexandra DeLellis

Lucia Faraj

Abby Bender

Mary Beth Felix

Elise Langlois

Groomsmen

Jack Pike

Jack Bender

Bobby Zaitz

Anthony Faraj

Chas Canfield

Nick Verdoni

Brogan McNease

Liam O'Brien

Aaron Jacobs

Clay Guerrera

Wedding Party

Q + A

Airport

The Detroit Metro Airport will be the best one to fly into if you are flying in for our wedding!

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Hotels

The Detroit Marriott Livonia is approximately 3 miles from the venue and about a 20-minute drive from Detroit Airport. You can click on the link below to directly access our hotel room block for booking. And if you decide to reserve your room over the phone, please make sure to mention the Faraj Pike Wedding Room Block to secure the group rate available to us.  You do not have to book both Friday and Saturday night, but it is available if desired. If 25 guests reserve rooms at this hotel, a complimentary shuttle will be available to and from the reception at St. Marys Cultural Center. Please contact Brad and Gianna with any questions or concerns. They truly appreciate your efforts to celebrate this blessed sacrament with them.

Detroit Marriott Livonia

Travel

Things to Do