Scott Lewis

Black and White: Singles

Maria Bernarda Leon and Mario Leon, left, dance during a surprise reception for their wedding at The Cathedral of Sacred Heart in downtown Raleigh. They were only planning on a small quiet ceremony when their friends surprised them with a reception afterwards. The Leon's were first married 26 years ago and stayed together for 17 years before divorcing for nine. They remained friends after the divorce as they raised two daughters. Their wedding fell apart due to Mario's infidelity but "he's calmed down now" Maria said with a smile. "I know religion is not going to save us," Maria said. "It's what he does and what I do and how we evangelize to people." The couple had a civil ceremony in March but wanted to have a wedding in the church as well. "The sacrament to me means a lot because I can participate in the eucharist," Maria said. "I can lie to the people, I can lie to the priest but I cannot lie to God," Maria said of the importance of an official church wedding.
Maria Bernarda Leon and Mario Leon, left, dance during a surprise reception for their wedding at The Cathedral of Sacred Heart in downtown Raleigh. They were only planning on a small quiet ceremony when their friends surprised them with a reception afterwards. The Leon's were first married 26 years ago and stayed together for 17 years before divorcing for nine. They remained friends after the divorce as they raised two daughters. Their wedding fell apart due to Mario's infidelity but "he's calmed down now" Maria said with a smile. "I know religion is not going to save us," Maria said. "It's what he does and what I do and how we evangelize to people." The couple had a civil ceremony in March but wanted to have a wedding in the church as well. "The sacrament to me means a lot because I can participate in the eucharist," Maria said. "I can lie to the people, I can lie to the priest but I cannot lie to God," Maria said of the importance of an official church wedding.