Katie + Dan | A Catholic Convalidation Ceremony in Old Town Albuquerque

Have you ever met someone, and had so much in common, you attribute your meeting directly to God? Well that’s basically how Katie and I felt when we met each other. For one, we obviously share the same name, but we also have the exact same birthday: April 29! If you’re Catholic and reading this, then you know this is also the feast day of Saint Catherine of Sienna, which happens to be one of our favorite saints. In fact, I constantly re-run one of her quotes in my head, and love it so much that I had it printed and framed above Evelyn’s crib when she was born, “Be who you were meant to be, and you will set the world on fire”. 

Well I believe that Katie and I were exactly where we are supposed to be at this point in our lives, so that we could meet! Katie found me through Spoken Bride, which oh my gosh, has been such a gift to me in terms of meeting new people and now dear friends, more than I would have imagined just a year and a half ago! 

Anyways, Katie and Dan are originally from Maryland, as are their families. Last October (2019), they were united in a civil ceremony with their families present in Maryland, but planned to have a convalidation ceremony in the Church within a year. Being as though they now live in Albuquerque and because COVID restrictions made it extra difficult for family to travel west, they decided to go forward with their plans, and celebrate with a smaller ceremony with beloved friends, who served as their witnesses here. 

Just last month, Katie lost her grandmother. When Katie and I met for coffee in August, she spoke so highly of her grandmother and how she was such a shining light in her life, living out her faith in her own life, and inspiring Katie to do the same throughout hers.  What a beautiful testimony!!  On Saturday, Katie wore her grandmothers earrings, and carried her rosary with her the entire time!