Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Nuptial Mass

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery

Reception

Our Wedding

So I was standing in front of Dr. Colman's classroom during sophomore year and here is this girl looking as sweet as can be waiting for Colman to open the door. I look down and I say to her "im sorry what's your name again, you already told me" She smiled and said "Grace". It took awhile but eventually I asked her out.

HIS VERSION

Over the last two years that we've been dating, we have often joked that God must have been watching both of us since the day we first stepped foot on Ave Maria University campus nearly five years ago, screaming, "You were made for each other!!! Get the hint already, and just accept it!!!" But alas, freshman year passed, and we didn't exchange more than a quick glance, maybe the occasional "Hey," as we passed by one another. Being the gentleman he is, John probably opened a door or two for me from time to time. I honestly don't remember.What I do remember is the day we officially met in Intro to Political Thought, a class we had together sophomore year. We didn't think much of it at first, but then we started to see each other more often as the months passed. We would run into each other in the cafeteria and would gradually begin to spend a few extra minutes talking, just the two of us. Eventually, we started to see that we both balanced each other's personalities out and that maybe we weren't as different as we initially thought. Every once in a while, he would look at me and seem to be looking straight to my heart. It was somewhere between completely endearing and absolutely terrifying to feel so seen. Those moments kept me hopeful despite the fact that neither of us were ready to make a move quite yet. Completely unintentionally, we just clicked.After what felt like a long year and a half of us both insisting we were just friends, John asked me to be his girlfriend on April 29, 2024—the very last day of our junior year.The next year and a half of our relationship included lots of laughter, many tears from me, and a ton of FaceTime. We visited each other when we could and cherished the time we had together, but it often seemed to be the distance that brought us closer together. It wasn't always easy, but loving each other felt natural. Through all the unknowns of senior year and graduation, the only certainty about whatever lie ahead seemed to be that we would face it together.On November 25, 2025, while gearing up for our second Cirello Thanksgiving together, John took me to the Statue of Liberty, where he asked me the best question with the easiest answer. Now we look back with gratitude at God's hand in our relationship from the very beginning, and we have immense hope for the future as we walk side by side as Mr. and Mrs. Cirello.

HER VERSION

Our Story

Photos

Anthony Joseph "AJ" Cirello

Aidan Weltens

Tomas Reese

Peter Wilson

Maximillian Wilkowski

Caleb Doherty

Timothy Cain

Phoeba Heinzer

Christa Cirello

Elena Cirello

Lucianna Cirello

Samantha Peterson

Wedding Party

Q + A

Use the attached link or call to reserve a room, and mention the JohnAnthony&amp;Grace room block!

Arch + Cable Boutique Hotel

Ask about the Cain/Cirello room block!

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mankato Hotel and Conference Center, MN

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

If you do not wish to rent a car during your trip, we recommend that those traveling from out of state consider taking the Land to Air shuttle. You can schedule your ride at the link below.

Land to Air Express

Travel

The Cains are a big baseball family! We recommend you attend a local baseball game during your stay.

Mankato MoonDogs

This is exactly what it sounds like—our local bison herd. Welcome to the Midwest, folks!

Minneopa State Park Bison Drive

Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

Known as Mankato's tastiest music festival, the 2026 RibFest just so happens to be August 7–8. Feel free to check out all it has to offer between the wedding festivities!

RibFest

Legends Bar & Grill - Mankato

Things to Do

Registry

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

41 Sites to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses

The 15 Best Places to Buy a Suit

As our ceremony will be a Catholic Mass, we kindly request modest and respectful attire. Thank you for helping us honor the sacred setting.

Dress Code

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A CATHOLIC WEDDING MASS Our wedding will take place within a Catholic Mass, a traditional and sacred ceremony that has been part of the Church for centuries. While some parts may be unfamiliar, please know that you are warmly welcomed exactly as you are. The Mass includes readings, music, prayers, and our exchange of vows, all centered on love, commitment, and gratitude. You are invited to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable—many guests simply sit, stand, and listen along, and that is perfectly okay. During the service, there will be moments when the congregation stands, sits, or kneels; feel free to follow along. For those who may be unfamiliar with Catholic traditions, we wanted to offer a brief explanation of what you will experience during the ceremony. The Catholic Mass is a form of worship that follows a structured and meaningful flow, designed to draw those present into prayer and reflection. It begins with introductory prayers that gather the community and prepare hearts and minds for worship. This is followed by the Liturgy of the Word, where readings from the Bible are proclaimed and reflected upon in a short homily. Catholics believe that God speaks to His people through Scripture, both historically and in the present moment. The second half of the Mass, called the Liturgy of the Eucharist, is the most sacred portion. During this time, bread and wine are offered and, through prayer, they then become the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in Transubstantiation. The Mass concludes with a blessing and a sending forth, reminding all present to carry God’s love into the world. Marriage in the Catholic Church is understood as a Sacrament, meaning it is believed to be a visible sign of God’s grace at work. A Catholic marriage is not simply a legal or symbolic commitment, but a lifelong covenant rooted in faithful, self-giving love. It reflects the belief that spouses are called to support one another spiritually and to build a life together that is open to love, generosity, and family. In the wedding ceremony, the couple themselves exchange vows and freely give consent, while the priest or deacon serves as an official witness on behalf of the Church and the wider community. During the Mass, Holy Communion is offered. Because Catholics believe the Eucharist is truly Christ Himself and also a sign of shared belief and unity within the Church, only Catholics who are spiritually prepared may receive Communion. Receiving the Eucharist requires spiritual readiness since it is an intimate union with Jesus Christ. This includes being Catholic and in a current state of grace, not conscious of serious, mortal sin. This practice is not meant as a judgment or exclusion of anyone’s worth or faith. All guests unable to receive, Catholic or not, are warmly invited to come forward during Communion with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing instead. Many people choose this option, and it is a beautiful way to participate. Otherwise, guests who are not able to receive Communion and who do not wish to receive a blessing, whether Catholic and non-Catholic, are welcome to remain seated and pray or reflect quietly. Please know that no one is expected to know when to sit, stand, or kneel, nor to respond aloud during the prayers. Simply being present and sharing in this important moment with us is more than enough. We are grateful for your presence and honored to celebrate our marriage surrounded by those we love.

Catholic Mass Information

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