Our Story
A Dance Begins
Jacob and I met fusion dancing in Old City, Philadelphia, and kept meeting at various dance events in the city in October-November of 2024.
Falling Deeper
Jacob had been looking into becoming Catholic, and I had been to St. Agatha-St. James Church a couple of times since recently moving to Philly. We started attending events at St. AJs and dances throughout the city, and after a few dates and a spontaneous knock on my door with a TON of halal food and hummus, we started officially dating.
Written in Stone and Sky
Jacob proposed to Melissa on Mount Jimmy Stepson in the Canadian Rockies, overlooking Peyto Lake, while a guitarist played Can't Help Falling In Love in the background.
Grace Descends
The day after the proposal, Fr. Remi Morales of St. Agatha St. James church blessed Jacob and Melissa's engagement, surrounded by their parents and many friends. Afterwards, Melissa and Jacob shared a meal with each other and their parents.
Divine Mercy's Design
Our Nuptial Mass will be on April 11, 2026 at St. Agatha St. James Parish in Philadelphia. The reception will be hosted at Bala Golf Club.
It's been quite the journey of faith and hope. God has been present every step of the way. We still love dancing and being very involved in our parish community, and are excited to be preparing for our sacramental wedding. Jacob entered the Catholic Church in fullness on Divine Mercy Sunday, 2025, and our wedding date is set for the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, 2026. God has made us new and continues to make us new and give us new life and new hearts, and we see His beauty and His hand in our Easter Octave wedding date.