AFTER THE DIOCESE OF Orange celebrated the Jubilee of Marriage Mass on July 26, four Catholic couples shared their secrets to a faith-filled relationship.
STEPHAN AND KELLY COSTE
Married at Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano
STEPHAN AND KELLY COSTE CELEBRATE THEIR MARRIAGE IN FRONT OF MONSIGNOR LLOYD TORGERSON AT MISSION BASILICA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. PHOTO BY LIN & JIRSA PHOTOGRAPHY
For Stephan and Kelly Coste, who got married at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano in 2016, faith has always been at the center of their relationship.
“As we prepare to celebrate a decade of marriage, our faith and our bond have only grown stronger,” the couple shared. “That’s not to say it’s always been easy but knowing that God is at the center of our marriage has deepened our commitment — to each other and to Him.”
They shared: “You’ll never regret putting God first. He blesses and strengthens your union in ways the world never could. We’re so excited to continue growing in love and faith together, and we can’t wait for all that’s still to come.”
ERIK AND MCKENNA NAJARIAN
Married at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach
As soon as Erik proposed to McKenna, the pair knew right away that they wanted to get married at church.
“Getting married at Our Lady Queen of Angels was deeply personal,” McKenna said. “My parents were married there, and I also attended grade school at the parish. It’s a place filled with memories and love, and we hope to introduce that same sense of faith and tradition to our baby girl on the way.”
After celebrating two years of marriage in July, Erik and McKenna advise other couples to marry their best friend.
“Life becomes so much more joyful when you genuinely enjoy each other’s company and share similar values and interests,” the pair said. “But beyond the fun, it’s also important to find someone who makes you better. … Our shared faith provides the foundation for our happy life together. We make a great team!”
PAIGE AND JIMMY FRIAS
Married at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point
PAIGE AND JIMMY FRIAS CELEBRATE THEIR NUPTIALS AT ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH IN DANA POINT. PHOTO BY MARY LIZ OMEL
When Paige and Jimmy exchanged vows in March 2024, both the bride and groom believed getting married at church was a symbol of “saying yes to God being the center of our marriage.”
They continued: “It was also important to us because we hope to raise our kids Catholic one day,” the couple shared. “We wanted to start our marriage with that same foundation.”
While the couple may still be considered newlyweds, Paige has some advice for those in romantic relationships
She shared, “Keep communicating openly and honestly, even about the small things. It’s so important to stay connected and really listen to each other. But also, don’t forget to laugh and have fun together. Marriage is a partnership, but it should also be a friendship.”
DANA AND JESSE ORSINI
Marriage convalidated at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita
DANA AND JESSE ORSINI HAVE THEIR UNION CONVALIDATED AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH WITH DEACON CARL SWANSON. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANA AND JESSE ORSINI
Jesse’s steadfast faith inspired Dana to convert to Catholicism. As a result, the pair was able to have their union convalidated in the Church in 2018. “Jesse is a cradle Catholic and his faith and trust in God helped us navigate hard times while we were dating,” Dana explained.
“We knew if we could remain strong and committed to each other and God, we could do anything together!”
While celebrating the Jubilee of Marriage, both Dana and Jesse believe that marriage and faith are forever linked together.
“Being able to tell each other to ‘trust in God’ during hard times and work together to solve problems will strengthen marriage bonds and help weather life’s storms,” the couple shared.