The spring 2015 edition of The Catholic University of America Magazine features a story about alumni couples who married their college sweethearts. This web extra is an extended version of the sidebar focused on newlywed alumni.
Four couples who have recently tied the knot reflect on their relationships BRENDAN AND ANDREA (PARISI) KOETH
How they met: After meeting through Alpha Phi Omega, Brendan Koeth, B.S.B.A. 2008, J.D. 2013, and Andrea (Parisi) Koeth, B.A. 2009, M.S.M. 2013, started dating in April 2008. Their first date was after volunteer training for Pope Benedict XVI's visit to campus. Their wedding: Nov. 16, 2013, at the Church of St. Joseph in Bronxville, N.Y. "CUA was a major part of our wedding, with our friends from all across the country traveling coast to coast and up and down the Eastern seaboard to attend. Brendan's sister, a senior at CUA, was a bridesmaid, and the maid of honor and one of the bridesmaids were classmates with Andrea. Brendan's cousin, who got his master's at CUA, was the celebrant." How sharing an alma mater has helped their relationship: "Sharing memories of our undergraduate times at CUA and having so many common friends from our years of CUA has made life after college extra rewarding, allowing our friends to become part of our family. CUA was a great community as an undergraduate, and we still have that community as working professionals in D.C. because of the friends we made while at CUA. Living only a few blocks away from the University, we have now been able to spend our weekends walking around the campus, watching it change and grow." Their number one tip for navigating married life: "Being each other's best friend every day is our greatest strength and fills our life with fun and laughter."
JOHN AND ERIN (KILROY) SIMPSON
How they started dating: John Simpson, B.A. 2010, and Erin (Kilroy) Simpson, B.A. 2010, became friends after meeting at the now-closed Colonel Brooks Tavern in Brookland. They started dating after getting snowed in on campus during the "Snowpocalypse" in December 2010. "We trudged to the national Christmas tree in the snow and had our first kiss," they said. Their wedding: Oct. 4, 2014, at St. Peter's Church on Capitol Hill. "Our wedding would not have happened if we had not attended CUA. Every spot on campus holds a happy memory for us not only of our story, but of the lifelong friends that we met there, and who celebrated with us on our wedding day. When we visit, it feels like coming home." How sharing an alma mater has helped their relationship: "What makes CUA special are its people. Exceptionally good people. We have an amazing support network of friends, who are really more like family, that we met at CUA. That support network is so important to our marriage. They life us up in happy moments, and are there for us in the sad." Their number one tip for navigating married life: "No matter what you face, remember that you are facing it together. Cherish your spouse, never forget how lucky you are to have them, and don't keep that feeling to yourself - remind your spouse with your actions and your words! Finally, keep things special. 'Just because' flowers and 'date nights' are important in our busy, everyday lives."
SAMUEL AND CHRISTIE (SHAW) WEAVER
How they met: Samuel Weaver, B.S.Arch. 2009, and Christie (Shaw) Weaver, B.A. 2009, met during the first weekend back before their junior year at a party at the Rugby House. A mutual friend introduced Sam to "Christie from Philadelphia." "Sam promptly engaged in the obligatory Redskins-vs.-Eagles banter which, eventually, led to a first date," Christie said. Their wedding: Jan. 31, 2014, at St. Vincent Chapel on campus. "CUA played a HUGE role in our marriage. We were lucky enough to get married on campus at St. Vinny's. We were even further blessed to have 30 or so alumni in attendance at our wedding. Our entire relationship - from day one through the wedding day - we have been supported by an amazing group of CUA friends. We had these friends in our bridal party, as well as on the altar as readers, singers, and presenters-of-gifts, allowing out CUA roots to shine through in our ceremony." How sharing an alma mater has helped their relationship: "Having the same alma mater has allowed us to maintain a tight-knit group of supportive friends with longstanding traditions and interest. Sam began playing softball for the first time to be able to play on the CUA Alumni Softball team on the Mall each summer. We also fully embrace Homecoming every year together. It also gives us the opportunity to stay in touch with other couples from CUA for their support in our newlywed life together." Their number one tip for navigating married life: "The number 1 piece of advice we have been given over the past several months actually came from my mom during her speech at our wedding. She advised us to 'always do one pleasing thing each day for the other.' Essentially, it is the little things that we do for each other that constantly remind us why we chose each other for life. Cleaning the room after a stressful day or making an all-American home-cooked meal after a long work trip abroad makes all the difference for your partner."
JUSTIN DIFRANCO AND ROSETTE (GIANNIOTIS) DIFRANCO
How they met: Justin DiFranco, B.S.B.A. 2011, met Rosette (Gianniotis) DiFranco, B.S. 2010, M.S. 2011, when she approached him as he was walking through Centennial Villages one evening. After spending several months getting to know each other, they started dating. She's very close with her family, which meant Justin spent many weekends traveling to her parents' house for Sunday dinner. "At first that was intimidating for a college sophomore," Justin said. Their wedding: Oct. 4, 2014, at The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Bethesda, Md. How they got engaged: Justin proposed in Sept. 2013 on the beach at her parent's vacation home in Ocean City, Md. After she said yes, the couple were greeted by his and her parents with champagne. How sharing an alma mater has helped their relationship: "I think Catholic University generally attracts good-hearted people. Sharing that background with somebody is invaluable to me."