Rehearsal Dinner

St. Thomas the Apostle

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all began with one hectic morning of poor time management. Who knew that such a small rift in the plan could be opened, widened by the hand of God until an entirely new and unexpected adventure occurred, one that would change two lives forever?

Marsha was running late. Leaving vacation and rushing to begin a 2hr drive to Mass with her parents, she was kicking herself for causing new rush and stress, when this entire weekend had been about slowing down! But here she was. Rushing, yet again. Speeding along South Access Road, she passed St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Cars pulled in ahead of her as she drove on by. But the seed was planted, and the wheels had started turning. If she went to Mass here, there would be no rush, no stress. She could just meet up with her parents after Mass and not be hurried the whole drive. She called her mom. No answer. Should she...? It just made sense! So she turned her car around and headed back to the St. Thomas parking lot. It was a beautiful service. The homily touched her heart, but she never could have expected what was going on a few pews behind her.

For Luke, it was just an average Sunday morning. He'd gotten up and come to Mass at 8:30 like he did most Sundays. He'd ridden his bike that morning. The weather was beautiful, and had all the promise of being a lovely day! At some point, sitting towards the back of the church like he always did, Luke noticed a girl sitting a few pews ahead of him and a little to the left. She had long brown hair, with a few blonde streaks, and her dress was one of his favorite colors. He wondered if she would turn around and be just as pretty from the front. After Mass, his heart stirred. She hadn't left yet. Maybe he should say hi. He went to gather his helmet and gloves from the foyer of the church, but moved slowly, waiting for his chance. A few moments later, it arrived. "Hi!" he said with a charming smile. "Hi," she said, glancing up. She looked away quickly and kept walking. 'Well, I guess not,' he thought. But they were both leaving, so he followed behind her out the church doors anyway. On the gravel, she slowed. His heart sped up. She turned. "So, do you come here often?" She asked. "Yeah, most of the time! Although I work shift-work, so sometimes I have to switch up the time or I'll go to church with my parents. What about you?" She went to Sts. Peter and Paul. New Braunfels wasn't far. The closest larger town to Canyon Lake. He was intrigued by this girl. Her eyes shown with her warm smile, and her simple dress was the perfect balance of flattering without being showy. He was starting to get excited. "Do you like breakfast?" he asked."Yeah," she laughed."Well there's this really good breakfast place I like to go to, it's not far from here. I've been by myself a few times, but it's always a little awkward going alone. Would you wanna go with me?" She hesitated, "I'm so sorry. I can't. I'm actually supposed to be headed to meet my parents and grandparents for lunch near La Grange. It's about an hour and a half from here. Otherwise, I would have loved to." His hope diminished. Still, her response seemed genuine. "Well, maybe we'll run into each other another Sunday, and we can go to breakfast then!" Her smile brightened. "That sounds lovely! I'm Marsha, by the way." "Luke!" he said, as they shook hands. Marsha later confessed that she almost missed his name, she was so distracted by how strong and confident his handshake was. Because of her uncertainty, her friends instantly nicknamed him "Cute-Catholic-motorcycle-boy" instead. "It's nice to meet you!" they said. And with a smile and a wave, they parted ways. Neither could stop smiling.

Our Story

Photos

I've known Marsha since 4th grade when we met on the bus headed to summer camp! We ended up staffing the same camp together later in high school, and that's when our friendship really blossomed. Marsha is now my bestest friend! She was my maid of honor when I married my husband, Brandon, last August, and I'm so excited to stand next to her this year as she and Luke begin their journey together in matrimony.

Monica Jaquish

Luke and I have worked together as firefighters for several years. Though the friendship wasn't immediate, the more shifts we shared together, the stronger it got. We've gone on bear hunting adventures, fishing trips, and always enjoy ripping on the bikes together.

Shane Denner

I've known Marsha since I was born! We were raised as godsisters (my parents are her godparents and her parents or godparents to two of my siblings). Marsha has been by my side through ups and downs and so many changes and seasons of life. I truly don’t know what I would do without her friendship! I am now a nurse in San Antonio and I feel so honored to be walking through this season of life with Luke and Marsha as they prepare for the sacrament of marriage!!

Emily Bubela

Hi, I'm Luke's cousin! At pretty much all family gatherings growing up, we were a dynamic duo, eventually turning into a trio when we accepted my younger brother into the bro-hood. I'm excited to stand by him as he enters this new phase of life.

Daniel Hodapp

I’m Marsha’s Oklahoma friend! I’m a wife to Andrew, mother to Evangeline (2.5) and Heidi (1yr), and a midwife in Oklahoma. Marsha and I met in Corpus when she was just starting her clinical experience and spent 3 months getting to know each other in person before she moved to NB. Once she moved I was shocked that she wanted our friendship to continue, but am so glad that we both continued to grow our friendship and encourage each other through so many life changes since then!

Grace Overson

Luke and I have been friends since I got hired on at Oakhill and joined B shift. Most of our hangouts either involve guns or a fishing pole! From whitetail and steel targets, to elk in Colorado in sub-freezing temperatures, we've been on some adventures. I'm stoked for this wedding.

Cole Meadows

Hi there! Marsha and I met at Bible Study in NB. Every time Marsha tells me a story (about family, friends, church, midwifery, etc.) I always end up saying “Marsha, WHAT??” Because crazy things happen to her and she’s such a good story teller haha. I can’t wait for the fun stories to come from her marriage adventures. My husband Ryan and I are both teachers. We have a 1 year old named Abby. We’re pumped for October 25th!!!!!!

Kaitlin Tinney

I've know Luke for about 7-8 years. For the majority of those years we've been on the same shift at the fire department. Luke is one of the most dependable, reliable, and hardworking people I know. Excited to be apart of yall’s special day! 

Jason Martinez "Marty"

Hello!! I met Marsha when I first moved to New Braunfels and joined the Bible study here! The rest is history! 

My husband is Matt and we have a toddler named Rowan (3yrs) and our newest addition is Dominic (10 months)! 

Y’all cannot believe how stinking excited I am for all of this!

Amy Godfrey

The moment I met Luke I knew he was the one - for Marsha of course. As for me, I’m happily married to Marsha’s sister Regina with 5 children. Marsha and Luke just became Godparents to our twin girls. Luke just fits in so well with the family. It’s like he’s always been there with Richard and I - catching redfish, butchering pigs, making sausage, and checking the smokehouse.

Jacob Boyd

Wedding Party

Q + A

We don't have a hotel block...

However, New Braunfels &amp; Canyon Lake are tourist towns so there are lots of options! Below are some of our top recommendations. There is also a lot on Airbnb if you'd prefer to book a house for your entire family.

This hotel is the closest to our venue! They have mostly multi-room suites available, perfect for a family or splitting between friends!

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake

A little bit further drive, but more of your regular hotel.

Wingate by Wyndham

Another great option in New Braunfels (30 min drive).

Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels

AirBnb

Travel

In Canyon Lake...

Check out: Canyon ParkOverlook ParkMadrone TrailGuadalupe Park South Trail

Enjoy Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River

Divine pizza and Italian food 😋

Elio's Osteria e Pizzeria

The cutest, best brunch spot! A regular for Luke and Marsha after Sunday Mass.

Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Grill

Coffee and pastries! If you get an iced coffee, they have espresso ice cubes 😋

Kafekali & Bakery

In New Braunfels...

The BEST park! Ducks, great playground equipment, a small train, mini golf, and a hiking trail that will leave you in love with the hill country (Panther Canyon).