Rehearsal Dinner

The Westin Charlotte

Welcome Party

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Wedding & Reception

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 

Ceremony

The Wine Vault Elizabeth

Reception

Our Wedding

Of course, there is much one could tell about how our connection developed. Though, here’s a little bit about how our two paths crossed and became one. Marcelo:&nbsp;After graduating from Holy Cross and preparing for ordination, I was “surprised by joy” when I realized that a wonderful friendship had developed into something much more profound. I have known Jennifer since 2022, when we worked together on projects for the Department of Religious Education. Jennifer: As Marcelo said, it really was a “surprised by joy” moment. I was busy working and finishing school, and the last thing I expected was the emergence of both our friendship and what came after. Marcelo:&nbsp;During the course of our friendship, Jennifer, at one point, asked me if my path to the celibate priesthood had always been my calling. I answered that my calling to the priesthood had always been clear to me, but celibacy was something I assumed to be my path. When she asked me that question, I realized at that moment that my heart’s desire was not celibacy at all, if Jennifer would want to make our paths one.&nbsp; Jennifer:&nbsp;When I asked him the question, I was genuinely curious. As our friendship grew, I noticed a connection developing that felt it could go beyond friendship. And I certainly wanted to encourage him in his calling. So I asked. As he shared his answer, the space opened up for us to be curious about each other as more than just friends. I was absolutely delighted.&nbsp; Marcelo:&nbsp;After that, it became clear that both of us were united in our love for one another and in our desire to serve Christ and His Church in ministry. I am thankful to God for the wonderful gift she is to me.&nbsp; Jennifer: It really did become clear we were united in our love for each other almost immediately. To me, it felt like a courtship that included not just us but God. Everything unfolded as naturally as breathing, and the more we breathed in each moment of getting to know each other, the more we felt nourished by each other and the vision of a shared future together. What a gift and blessing to find a home with him.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Where to Stay

We have reserved a block of rooms, complete with a discount. You can book a room from the Patterson/Souza Wedding Room Block below. Please make your reservations by Wednesday, January 24th, to ensure space and the discounted room rate.

Traveling to and From Our Wedding

LOCAL AIRPORTCharlotte Douglas International Airport is about a 25-minute drive to the Westin and our wedding location. CHARLOTTE TRANSPORTATIONUber or Lyft will be your best option for traveling from the airport to the hotel. WEDDING DAY PARKINGThere is plenty of parking at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the wedding day. However, it is recommended you carpool to the reception or take an Uber/Lyft.

Travel & Hotel

Food & Coffee

The best coffee shop and bakery that Charlotte has to offer. If Jennifer was taking you on a personal tour of Charlotte, this is the first place she would take you. It has a unique aesthetic and is locally owned. You can enjoy quality coffee, espresso drinks, tea, wine, beer, French pastries and desserts made in-house, and various soups and sandwiches for a more filling meal.

Amélie's Uptown | French Bakery & Cafe

A long-standing Charlotte favorite. Reid's Fine Foods is a high-quality deli-style restaurant and bar. Featuring Breakfast and Lunch items like sandwiches, salads, and wraps and some of the best drip coffee I (Jennifer) have enjoyed. Closes at 4:00 pm.

Reid's Fine Foods

Simple, healthy, and delicious seafood menu for pickup or delivery.

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

This restaurant has the best customer service I have experienced—a traditional Hibachi place where the chef cooks in front of you. The food and experience is wonderful.

Red Ginger Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi

Whole Foods Market

Pubs, Fine Dining, & Night Life

A long-standing Charlotte Irish pub. In addition to great beer and bar drinks, Ri Ra's offers a complete menu serving your favorite Irish food -late. If there is a soccer game on, you can count on it being broadcast here.

Rí Rá Irish Pub

Known for the most creative cocktails and appetizers in Charlotte. If you want a fine dining experience that is also fun, try out this place.

Fin & Fino

A fantastic fine dining experience connected to the Mint Museum Uptown. Visit the museum and enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails and exceptional food afterward.

Mariposa

A quaint alley reminiscent of the French Quarter from New Orleans -filled with European and Turkish-style pubs and restaurants.

Latta Arcade & Brevard Court

Attractions

The premier fine arts museum in Charlotte. Travel through time as you walk through the various galleries displaying art and artifacts from ancient times to artists still living and creating today.

Mint Museum Uptown

A fun experience where vision and reality bend as you walk through the Museum of Illusions!

Museum of Illusions - Charlotte

A beautiful spot in the middle of The Green where you can sit, reflect, enjoy beauty, and eat your lunch or coffee.

Jennifer and Marcelo

Jennifer and Marcelo

Travel & Hotel

Where to Stay

The Westin Charlotte

Traveling to and From Our Wedding