Two of St John's own marry in church (continued)

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The couple met early in 2023 and were engaged in September of that year. Since then the new family has lived together in Waterford. Andrew works as an engineer in the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island, and Valerie is an administrator in the records department at the Waterford Police Department.

 

Andrew and Valerie say they couldn’t be happier in their new family and that their Christian faith has already strengthened their own relationship and the bonds within the family.

 

Andrew was brought up as an Episcopalian in Wickford, Rhode Island. He had what he describes as a “long hiatus” from going to church from the beginning of college. However, he encountered St John’s a few years ago when he brought his sons to a Christmas service there and suggested the church to Valerie. She and Madelyn have embraced Christianity, and were baptized here by Mother Pat in January.  

 

“From the beginning St John’s just fit”, said Andrew. “We were welcomed with open arms by a warm and inviting parish and the services were just right. We have really grown roots in the church.

 

“Bringing God into our lives and our family has certainly changed our perspective on many things, and how we interact with others”. 

 

The family volunteer with the New London Meal Center (DINE), regularly host after church refreshments, and attend many youth events at St John’s. 

 

It was an intimate wedding focused on Andrew and Valerie, with just a few close friends and members of the family. They plan to take a “adults-only” cruise for their honeymoon later in the year.  

 

Now that they’ve found each other, Andrew and Valerie are hoping for a long, happy and healthy life together. “While we were brought together later in life, says Andrew, “we see each other as the reward for any challenges we’ve had to overcome in the past”.