St. Teresa Roman Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

St. Leo The Great Catholic Church

Reception

Our Wedding

Last Lent (2018), I decided to give up on the idea of randomly finding a good Catholic man in Buffalo. I decided I would spend Lent praying for my future spouse, with the hope of opening a Catholic Match account after Easter. &nbsp; &nbsp; On the day after Easter (April 2, 2018), I sat down in my apartment and created a Catholic Match account. A few people viewed my profile, and a couple people sent me a message (which to this day I still have not read). I viewed Michael’s profile and thought he was a perfect match for me. I wasn’t sure how this Catholic Match thing worked, and I did not want Michael to think I was desperate – I refused to do the “first move.” So I waited&hellip;.all day for him to message me. During the day, I had time to update my profile. I was afraid he wasn’t going to message me. Michael had a quiz on his page, so I decided to take it... with the hope it would give him a little nudge. &nbsp; &nbsp; Michael told me later that he was planning on messaging me prior to taking his quiz. Shortly after I took the quiz he sent me a message. Little did I know, I had to pay for a subscription to read his message! Now, nothing has ever come easy to me, and I’ve been disappointed in past relationships. How could this one be different!? So, Catholic Match had a special deal for a 6-month subscription. Yes, that is right. I spent $75 to open that message from my future spouse. It was honestly, the BEST purchase I made all year! &nbsp; &nbsp; Michael and I went on our first date that Friday of Easter week (April 6, 2018). I met Michael at Carrabba’s, and had a nice dinner. We then ventured off to the Boulevard Mall, just up the street. We walked through some different stores, pointing out random things and having fun. Michael had his super-duper coupon book with him, so we stopped at Auntie Anne’s for a yummy pretzel treat! As we were leaving the mall there was a display of these odd hanging lights. They were made out of recycled plastic. The second I touched one, a lady appeared out of nowhere asking if we wanted to buy one. We both were laughing, where did she come from!? Michael believes in 3 part dates, so our final stop was to the St. Greg’s perpetual Adoration chapel in Williamsville. &nbsp; &nbsp; When we arrived at Adoration, Michael said we didn’t have to stay long, he was just hoping to say the rosary quick. A little background from me: prior to this date, I had NEVER (unless saying it with others) been able to just sit and say the whole rosary through. I have trouble focusing, so I usually do one decade at a time and did things in between decades. But that night, Michael wanted to say the rosary. We knelt down right in front of the Monstrance, and believe it or not, that was the first time I was able to say the rosary straight through, without taking a break. &nbsp; &nbsp; On our second date (the following Monday or Tuesday), we went to the Grapevine Restaurant, then walked laps while talking through Walmart, and then walked outside to pray a decade of the rosary before going home. While in Walmart, Michael asked me if he could pursue my heart! I, of course, said yes! And I asked him if I could pursue his, and he said yes! &nbsp; &nbsp; Ministry is a large part of who we are as individuals and now as a couple. I am able to sing in his church choir and help him out with&nbsp;weddings. I get to be part of his youth group, and substitute teach his religious classes.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am also a youth minister of two parishes, and Michael comes to many of my meetings and helps me lead my youth! We both love hiking, riding bikes, kayaking, checking out different parks, etc. We are hoping to get some snow-shoeing in this winter. &nbsp; &nbsp; On the 4th of July in 2018, we were at his parents’ house in Syracuse. Michael and I decided to go out and maybe play a little tennis. It was a rather hot day and we found ourselves in a dugout looking for some shade. Michael told me in the dugout that he is dating me with the purpose to marry me. He said he is not proposing at that moment, but he felt I needed to hear that! I held him in my arms, and then told him I feel the same way. I am dating him with the purpose of marrying him. In that dugout, we danced with the only the music in our heads.&nbsp; &nbsp; Let’s fast forward to November. We knew we would be spending Thanksgiving at the Ruszalas’ in Syracuse. Michael had said that he could not buy a ring until he received a blessing from both sides of the family.&nbsp; &nbsp; When we arrived in Syracuse the day before Thanksgiving, we all sat around the fireplace and Mr. & Mrs. Ruszala gave us their blessing. Later that evening, Michael and I drove through the Lights on the Lake festival in Liverpool. That evening, I was about to take a shower – all those curly-haired girls know we only wash our curls a few times a week – Michael asked if I was going to wash my hair. I gave him a silly look and said “No, I washed it last night.” He told me he wanted to take selfies with me the next day. While in the shower, washing my hair again, I kept remembering that I told Michael that I hope I wash my hair before he proposes! But – we just got the blessing, so there is no way he has time to get a ring! &nbsp; &nbsp; I was very adamant about attending Mass on Thanksgiving Day. Michael and I were planning on re-consecrating ourselves to Mary after Mass. He wanted to be in a special place for it, so we went to his childhood church where he has received all of his sacraments thus far. After Mass he had us leave our jackets in the pew and we went to the Mary statue to say our consecration prayer. &nbsp; &nbsp; During Mass I was asking God to take the idea of Michael proposing to me out of my mind. I did not want to be disappointed if he didn’t do it. Of course, it would be just perfect if he proposed after we said our consecration prayer. &nbsp; &nbsp; Sure enough, when we were standing up after re-consecrating ourselves to Mary, Michael reached into his pocket while saying, “What I am most thankful for this year is you.” And then he got onto one knee and said, “Katie Frances Spadaccia, will you marry me!?” I could not believe this was happening and I kept asking, “Is this real!?” He reassured me it was real. Of course, I said yes! &nbsp; &nbsp; As soon as the ring was on my finger, I asked him who else knows. He said, everyone, even my mom. He apparently called my parents earlier that week to make sure it was okay and even talked to my dad in person before that. He also asked the priest via voicemail if the church would still be open after Mass. The priest actually watched us get engaged, and then came over and gave us a blessing! &nbsp; &nbsp; We got engaged on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018.&nbsp;

Kate's Story

I started going to Adoration more during Lent of 2018. I was not necessarily expecting to find a future spouse, but that was one of my prayer intentions and had been for years. I finished up Lent with the Divine Mercy Novena, which concluded on April 8th, Divine Mercy Sunday. I didn’t know that the girl I would soon find was from a household dedicated to the Divine Mercy.

I first noticed Kate on Catholic Match. The first thing I noticed about her was the natural authenticity she showed in her profile picture. We started writing, and it was only a few days before I asked her out on a date.

I met Kate in person for the first time on Friday, April 6th at Carrabba’s Restaurant, in the plaza next to my apartment. I went to the gym and then took a shower right before meeting her so I would feel my best. I knew she was special. When I saw her for the first time, I knew she was my type of person. After Carrabba’s, we took a walk at the mall and then went to Adoration at St. Greg’s. I asked her if she’d like to get together again, and she said, “Of course.” But she kept me waiting a few days until our next date. It was that night that I asked her to be my girlfriend and to have the privilege of pursuing her heart. She said yes, and from then on, we were inseparable. We had such deep and meaningful conversations and kept God in the center of our relationship.

After talking, we also realized that our paths had crossed so many times, even though we had not met each other until recently. We had many mutual friends and were both on campus at Ave Maria University in Florida for the same semester. She was working on her undergrad while I was there for a Ph.D. theology program. Back in Buffalo, we even had part-time jobs briefly at the same parish and at the same time, but still never met.

A few weeks into our relationship, we started doing youth ministry together at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, where I had recently started up a middle school youth group. We complemented each other so well in doing ministry and it was a blessing to grow together in that way and through real-life situations. We had always dreamed of being part of a “ministry couple” marriage someday. I had almost given up on that dream, but Kate renewed it in me and believed in it and in me. As our relationship matured, we both became very involved at all four of our churches!

From early on in the relationship, we already knew we had something very special and that we ultimately wanted to get married. Our lives fit together so nicely. Kate is so supportive and we share our core values and can talk about anything and work anything out. There’s nothing we can’t do together. I never believed before in the idea of “being completed” by someone, but knowing Kate makes me feel that it can be real.

We have so many wonderful memories together – Chautauqua Lake, the Erie County Fair, the Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls, Glenn Falls Park in Williamsville, Buffalo Riverworks – but we spend a lot of time just “doing life” together and also have many interests in common. In addition to our faith, we also share an interest in doing music and art, biking, kayaking, and ice skating, going on walks, and even doing theology. We also share Italian heritage.

Kate said yes to becoming my fiancée on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018, just after we renewed our Marian consecration at my home parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Liverpool, NY. I am so blessed to have Kate in my life and even more blessed to have a lifetime to look forward to with her. I know that together and with God, we can do anything.

Michael's Story

Our Story

Details

Photos

&nbsp;Fr. Dan is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, and former college roommate of the groom. Fr. Dan was ordained a priest in 2013 for the Diocese Greensburg in Pennsylvania. He loves being a priest and will be a co-celebrant at the Spadaccia/Ruszala Wedding this August.&nbsp;

Rev. Daniel Ulishney

Nora is a graduate of Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida, a household sister (Vessels of Mercy), and former college roommate of the bride. Nora, is happily married with three wonderful boys and&nbsp;one on the way, and is a stay-at-home Mom!&nbsp;

Honora Fisher

&nbsp;Cara is the elder sister of the Bride. She studied at&nbsp;Hartwick college in Oneonta, NY, and received a degree in Music Education. Having been a music teacher,&nbsp;Cara&nbsp;now&nbsp;works from home as an Usborne Book Consultant, enabling her to be a stay-at-home mom.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is happily married to a Navy Seal (Jeff) and has two wonderful kids.

Cara Beckenbach

&nbsp; Joe is a graduate of Franciscan University, and former college roommate of the groom. Joe lives in Louisiana and is a registered nurse. He is very athletic and is a long-distance runner.

Joseph Farley

Roselyn is a graduate from Ave Maria University, household sister (Vessel of Mercy), and former roommate of the Bride. She is working on her M.A. Degree at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, as a certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT), and a certified Assistive&nbsp;Technology Instructor Specialist (CATIS).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Roselyn Batista

Ryan is a graduate of Franciscan University, a household brother (Conquer Through Love), and fellow Philosophy major of the groom. He is an English teacher who lives in Texas&nbsp;and recently returned from a service year in&nbsp;Vietnam with the Salesian Missionaries.&nbsp;

Ryan Griffin 

Debbie is a graduate of Ave Maria University, and former housemate/roommate of the Bride. When the bride moved to St. Louis, Debbie opened her room and welcomed her in. Debbie has been a dear friend of the bride for these last few years!&nbsp;

Deborah Farley

Dave is a graduate of Franciscan University, a household brother (Conquer Through Love), and always shared a passion for writing with the groom. Dave became a writer and now works for Ascension, as an online content editor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dave is happily married with his wife Maria and a beautiful new son Sam.&nbsp;

David Kilby

Matthew Fontana has been a friend of the groom since their parish youth group trip to World Youth Day in 2002 with Pope St. John Paul II. Also during high school, Matthew played the clarinet in music ministry at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Liverpool, NY, while the groom was a cantor. Matthew earned a Ph.D. from MIT and now works in computer management at Disney World in Orlando.

Matthew Fontana

Emily will be a Sophomore in high school in the Fall of 2019.&nbsp;She is the former roommate, dear friend&nbsp;& current pen-pal of the bride. She is also the younger sister of the Matron of Honor.&nbsp;

Emily Harkins

Peter Fontana has been a friend of the groom since their parish trip to World Youth Day in 2002. Also during high school, Peter played the flute in music ministry at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Liverpool, NY, while the groom was a cantor. Peter earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and now works in computer management for the federal government in Maryland.&nbsp;

Peter Fontana

Katie is a friend of the groom, of groomsman Joe Farley, and of Justice Gibson Blankenbaker, from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Katie is a long-time high school Theology teacher and is now married to Rev. Joseph Matlak, a Ukrainian&nbsp;Catholic Priest who has also received faculties in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. Originally from northwestern Pennsylvania, Katie now lives with her husband in Charlotte, North Carolina.&nbsp;

Katie Patton Matlak

Grace is an Honorary Bridesmaid who graduated Ave Maria University, household sister (Vessels of Mercy), and former housemate of the Bride. Grace is happily married with her first child due a week after our wedding!&nbsp;

Grace De Salvo

Skyler is the nephew of the bride, and elder brother to the flower girl. He loves books, Star Wars, and legos.

Skyler B.

Lily is the niece of the bride, and younger sister of the ring bearer. She loves books, princesses, and the color purple.&nbsp;

Liliana B.

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Ruszala Spadaccia Wedding

Start Date:&nbsp;8/2/19

End Date:&nbsp;8/4/19

Last day to book:&nbsp;7/2/19

Marriott Hotel offering your special rate:&nbsp;

Buffalo Marriott Niagara for $159.00 USD - $174.00 USD per night

<a href="http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Ruszala%20Spadaccia%20Wedding%5EBUFNY%60RSWRSWA%7CRSWRSWB%7CRSWRSWC%60159.00-174.00%60USD%60false%605%608/2/19%608/4/19%607/2/19&app=resvlink&stop_mobi=yes">Book your group rate for Ruszala Spadaccia Wedding</a>

Buffalo Marriott Niagara

S &amp; S Limo's will be offering Shuttle rides: From the Hotel to the Ceremony (Time TBA)From the Ceremony to the Reception (Time TBA)From the Reception to the Hotel (Time TBA)

S & S Limousines

Travel

This is a great way to check out the Falls!&nbsp;Loads of fun for all ages!&nbsp;

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

The Niagara Falls Gorge is one of Michael &&nbsp;Kate's favorite places to hike!&nbsp;Definitely a great workout, and amazing views!&nbsp;

Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Grab your passport, and head 20 minutes north to Canada. There are many attractions right there near the falls. Fun for the whole family.&nbsp;

Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

This is where Michael and I&nbsp;had our engagement photos taken. There are many wonderful sights in this part, like the eternal flame.&nbsp;

Chestnut Ridge Park

Michael and I&nbsp;LOVE going to Buffalo Riverworks. We have rented Kayaks many times and paddled down the Erie Canal. Riverworks also has rock walls on abandon factories. And other fun outdoor activities. When you are tired and hungry they have a restaurant and bar that overlooks the Canal.&nbsp;

Katie & Michael

Katie & Michael

Things to Do

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Chestnut Ridge Park

KAYAKING Riverworks Buffalo