In the moments following our engagement, as we were discussing what day we hoped to be married, we settled on August 14 rather quickly. It just seemed right. We're not sure either of us could have told you why initially, other than that it seemed ideal given where life would shortly after be taking us. It was not until we reserved the date that Maddie's mother reminded us why that particular date is special...It is the Feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe - the martyr of Auschwitz, patron of families, and Marian pillar of life - and the eve of the Assumption of Mary. What a joy to be reminded of this, and what a joy to begin our marriage with the example of Maximilian Kolbe before us and the love of our Blessed Mother around us. It might not be why we picked the date, but it is why the date is right. We are very grateful to God to be able to celebrate, very uniquely this year, what is undoubtedly His date, not ours, and to celebrate it with you. Please pray for us as we prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony! Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!