Our Story, In Brief
We met online in January, 2022. Our first conversation revolved around politics, religion and Bob Dylan songs.
Saturday October 7, 2023
Laurel, MD, USA
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We are both widowed, practicing Catholics and so we met on Catholic Match.
Who made the first move? How?
Mike invited Beverly to dinner at Cafe Luca in Charlotte, North Carolina where he quickly learned that she knows her way around a serious Italian menu. Later on, he learned that she knows her way around a serious Italian kitchen, too.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Somewhere unreachable in Bermuda.
We’re on the same page about
Basically everything. We're old. We're conservative. We're Catholic. That about covers it.
A life goal of ours
Uh, to survive another year? Failing that, to make it to Heaven.
The most spontaneous thing we’ve done
This is hard to say. Nearly every single thing we do is spontaneous. This is because we both seriously hate planning, the results of which you may possibly experience if you attend our wedding.
What do you want for a wedding gift?
Absolutely nothing. We have everything we need, thanks be to God. We suggest the following:
The Discalced Carmelites of Fairfield, PA
Baltimore Helping Up Mission
Lepanto Institute
Can we bring children or older family members with us to the wedding?
Absolutely-- and to the Feast afterwards as well!
Please be sure to let us know your loved ones' ages and names on your RSVP -- either on paper with snail mail or right here on our website.
This ensures that they have a kid's meal if they prefer -- and we have a place setting at your table for them!
What's the significance of these interesting dishes and wedding favors?
At our wedding feast, you'll encounter some special Italian culinary and traditional touches.
We're starting with a raw bar, featuring local oysters and clams which we both love. After dinner, there's autumnal seasonal fruits, Italian wedding cookies and sugar-coated almonds -- reminders of the sweetness of married love.
And when you leave, be sure to take your handmade candles made of pure beeswax, for your own sacramental use.
(And yes, that's Sinatra you'll be hearing to put you in the proper mood for celebration!)
Our Wedding Events
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
What will the weather be like?
The weather in Maryland in early October is generally sunny and warm, though the evenings will be cooler.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding Mass will be inside St Mary's and our reception at The King's Contrivance will be under a garden tent as well as inside the mansion.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at both St Mary's and the King's Contrivance.
What should I wear?
Mass and Wedding Feast are Daytime Formal. Saturday Night After Party is Casual Festive!
What is 'Daytime Formal'?
We're asking our guests to turn up in their best, though not at the formal level expected at evening black tie affairs. Ladies can wear any length dress and gentlemen should wear dark business suits.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Wear whatever you like for Mass and feasting and dancing!
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive between 9:30 and 9:50 am to ensure you have a seat at Mass. Afterwards, for the reception, please arrive between 11:45 and noon at The King's Contrivance.
What is a Nuptial Mass?
According to ancient Christian practice, a man and a woman are united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This is not a 'contract' between them, but a Sacrament-- an actual change in their state of life which is permanent until the death of one.
The Sacrament is akin to Holy Orders, whereby a man becomes a priest -- for life. A Nuptial Mass is a very old rite in Christendom. The crucial and fundamental importance of this Sacrament to Christian civilization is underscored by Christ's first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana.
Who are the members of your wedding party?
Beverly will be escorted to the altar by her son, Daniel Wayne. Mike's Best Man is his brother, Paul Frentz. Beverly's Matron of Honor is her lifelong friend, Juli Cofrancesco. Our lovely Flower Girls are Mike's grand-daughter, Beverly's grand-daughter and the daughter of our good friends.
Does your wedding have a theme?
Yes. On October 7, 1571, the Battle of Lepanto took place near a Greek port. It was a desperate attempt at the 11th hour by the forces of Christian Europe to repel the invasion of the Ottoman Turks. The European powers had argued amongst themselves until they faced this doomsday naval battle, which no one expected them to win. And they did -- thanks to the prayers of the Pope, who begged everyone to pray a Rosary for this victory. Hence, October 7th is the Feast of the Holy Rosary in the Roman Catholic calendar.
The Battle of Lepanto is our wedding theme, and the Rosary is our prayer.
Who is the priest officiating at the wedding?
Father John Perricone is a family friend and a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. Father Perricone has long taught Philosophy and Theology at the university level and is the author of articles in Crisis Magazine, New Oxford Review, Latin Mass Magazine, St. John’s Law Review and LifeSite News.
Will food be served?
Yes -- and lots of it, so bring your appetite!
How will food and drinks be served?
We will begin with a toast, followed by hors d'oeuvres-- including a raw bar and non-raw starters. Afterwards there will be a formal seated dinner. We will finish with seasonal fruits, Italian wedding cookies and wedding cake!
Who made those delicious Italian wedding cookies?
That would be Sondra Knox, Mike's in law, home chef extraordinaire and Hostess With The Mostest!
What if I have a dietary restriction?
Please advise us of any dietary restrictions on the RSVP cards included in your paper invitation. The King's Contrivance will serve vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. NOTE: We are having a special flourless gluten free version of our wedding cake made.
Will there be dancing?
Yes -- lots of dancing!
I am coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Merriweather Lake House in Columbia, very near to The King's Contrivance. Please contact the property as soon as possible to reserve your room. Use the name 'De Soto -- Frentz' to get the special rate.
We have also identified a few highly-rated hotels in the area, ranging from traditional hotels to a charming inn. Please see details in the TRAVEL section of this website.
What should/could I do between the ceremony and the reception?
We're expecting about a 45 minute break between the end of Mass and the start of the reception. The King's Contrivance is just 15 minutes from St Mary's. Both are about a 10 minute drive from the hotel properties.
What time will the reception end?
The reception will end at 5:30, but we invite those who want to continue the conversation to our After Party at the Merriweather Lake House hotel bar in Columbia.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes!
My child requires a highchair. How do I arrange for that?
The King's Contrivance will have the highchairs you requested set at your table when you arrive.
Is there WIFI at the venue?
Yes, but we ask that our guests refrain from phone use during Mass. Feel free, however, to take photos.
Is there a gifts registry?
No. We're asking everyone to donate to charity instead of buying us gifts. We suggest the following:
The Discalced Carmelites of Fairfield, PA
Baltimore Helping Up Mission
Lepanto Institute
Where will I sit at the reception?
We have endeavored to seat our guests with their families, friends or colleagues. When you arrive at the King's Contrivance, please pick up your place card at the front table.
Can I download an app for your wedding so I can keep up to date on everything?
Yes, please do! Download Joy and join our app using our event handle beverly-and-michael-eclhp4gkbj000001vhfvbo1s6as. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.
What are the rules regarding cell phone use?
We ask that you turn your phone off or mute it during the Mass and the toasts afterwards at the reception.
Is there an open bar? How do we know that minors won't be served?
There will be an open bar for guests over 21 at the King's Contrivance, with our compliments. We have provided a list of names of our guests who are under 21 to the management, as added assurance that they will not be served alcohol.
For Wedding Travelers
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The closest airport and train station to our festivities is Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which also conveniently features an Amtrak station on the Boston-Washington train corridor. It is 15 minutes away from St Mary of the Mills in Laurel, and 25 minutes from The King's Contrivance. Rental cars, taxis and Uber/Lyft are all available at the airport.
Please your arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability.
Merriweather Lakehouse, Autograph Collection, Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, USA
Experience A Wealth Of Luxury Essentials At The Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel. Stay At Our Brand New Hotel Located In The Heart of Columbia, Maryland Near Baltimore.
Please use our 'DeSoto-Frentz' code to get the special rate of $299 per night.
Here's your reservation link that you can use to make reservations:
If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to call the hotel.
Event Summary:
Desoto Frentz Wedding Room Block
Start Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
End Date: Sunday, October 8, 2023
Last Day to Book: Friday, August 25, 2023
410-730-3900
The Columbia Inn at Peralynna
Nestled in a private estate and the rolling hills in Howard County, named by Forbes Magazine as "Top 25 Places to Live Well", The Columbia Inn at Peralynna is a boutique hotel unlike any other. The inn features a unique blend of chic and elegant style, exceptional world-class amenities and gracious hospitality.
410-715-4600
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia, Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is 16 miles away and they’re 25-minutes from Inner Harbor. They have a free shuttle service, a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, and dining on-site. Enjoy free WiFi and a warm DoubleTree cookie on arrival.
410-997-1060
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South Fort Meade Area, Minstrel Way, Columbia, MD, USA
Pet-friendly rooms. It's a 15-mile drive to Baltimore/Washington Airport. Hot breakfast and WiFi are free.
410-381-3001
Things to do in Baltimore
The Church of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
The Basilica of the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Inner Harbor
Camden Yards
Fort McHenry
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle beverly-and-michael-eclhp4gkbj000001vhfvbo1s6as. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.