Wedding Day

Nuptial Mass

Reception

Our Wedding

From the very beginning...

It seemed evident that the Lord had His hand in allowing the two of us to meet when we did. For Mark, he was invited up to a cabin retreat at Lake Arrowhead at a stage of his life where he was not sure of his calling, either to married life or the priesthood, but was looking forward to a retreat to help discern what life could look like. As for Mary Joy, she was on a journey of surrendering to the Lord her future, her desire for a relationship, and was learning to appreciate her singleness in response to Christ's immense love for her. What both of them soon realized was that God had led them up the mountain for a very specific purpose. And luckily, Mark had a complicated last name - it became the stepping stone for a conversation that would turn into a love story, eventually leading to the day where Mary Joy would take his last name.

"He must increase; I must decrease." - John 3:30 It was a difficult time for us during these months. Jesus was calling us to Himself, and through lots of prayer, time, and adoration, the Lord brought us through it. (Photo taken by Mary Joy at the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, France) Prayer of Saint AugustineToo late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient, O Beauty so new.Too late have I loved you! You were within me but I was outside myself, and there I sought you!In my weakness, I ran after the beauty of the things you have made.You were with me, and I was not with you.The things you have made kept me from you – the things which would have no being unless they existed in you!You have called, you have cried, and you have pierced my deafness.You have radiated forth, you have shined out brightly, and you have dispelled my blindness.You have sent forth your fragrance, and I have breathed it in, and I long for you.I have tasted you, and I hunger and thirst for you.You have touched me, and I ardently desire your peace.

November - December 2023

&nbsp;On June 27th, 2025, we will be wed on The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (and also Mark's birthday). Our journey that started with a retreat in the mountains, was transformed through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, will finally be sealed by the Love that pours forth from Our Lord's Most Sacred Heart.

A Full Circle

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We’re so happy that you’re here and sharing in the excitement of this special chapter in our lives. Your support and love mean the world to us, and we feel incredibly blessed to have you by our side as we begin this journey together. With all our love, MJ & Mark

Our Story

The Day of the Proposal

"Let's stop by the chapel," Mark said on Saturday, June 8th, 2024. It was the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and before going about our day with plans to enjoy San Clemente, we stopped by the adoration chapel in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church for a little bit of prayer time. My heart skipped a beat at his idea. On the drive there, I sat there and thought, "Could this be the day? No... we have plans later... and after all, it is a feast day...we usually do this. This is our thing." I had convinced myself that it was a normal day. The church was empty, the chapel was empty, and peace filled the room-- it was just us this beautiful morning. Kneeling in silence, I prayed, “Jesus, this is great. There's nowhere else and no one else I’d rather be doing this with... maybe he’ll propose, but I don't think so... but Jesus, whenever you want him to do it, I’ll be happy." Little did I know that prayer would be granted within minutes. In the Sacred Presence of Our Lord Jesus, Mark bent down on one knee and proposed! It was the sweetest and happiest moment of my life. We were enveloped by Love Himself.

The Engagement Shoot

Photos

Enjoy a stroll at Lido Marina Village where you'll find cute shops and restaurants by the water!

Mary Joy & Mark

Mary Joy & Mark

Travel

Hotel Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton

Ayres Hotel Orange