As church bells rang and the piano played, friends and family gathered at Dolores Mission Catholic Church last Saturday to celebrate the union of five Boyle Heights couples.
The couples, ranging in age from 30 to 85, were dressed to the nines. The brides wore white lace wedding gowns and tiaras, while the grooms wore black suits and white button-down shirts.
Some have lived together for decades or had a civil marriage, but never had the opportunity to get married in a church. Today they don’t have to worry about anything, because the church and donations from the community enable them to have a free wedding.
“We are very happy! Very happy to finally be able to get married,” said 85-year-old Jose Arriola, who married 79-year-old Teresa Carrillo after decades of marriage.
Since the 1940s, Dolores Mission Church has had a tradition of offering free wedding ceremonies to needy parishioners and community members, church leaders say. The church waives fees associated with the ceremony, provides a priest for the Mass and accepts donations from local businesses and parishioners to fund decorations and food for the reception.
“Sometimes people can’t afford a wedding or can’t get married in a church for documentary or other reasons,” says Father Brendan Busse, the parish priest of the Dolores Mission, who married the five couples.
“After many years of living together, they realize that they want to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. That’s why we organize these weddings to free them from the pressure of having to do it alone.”
Last weekend’s event marked a return after the pandemic brought the annual gathering to a halt in 2020. The Dolores Mission plans to continue hosting the community weddings in future years.
Boyle Heights Beat spoke to the couples, who shared what love means to them and how grateful they are to finally tie the knot.
Juana Leon, 59, and Alberto Beles, 61
“Love is understanding and wisdom for one’s own well-being and that of one’s children” – Juana León, 59
“Love is love. Love each other, respect each other, understand each other, appreciate everything.” – Alberto Beles, 61
Adan, 59, and Elsa Quintero, 69
“(Love) means always being together… being happy. Anything that needs to be fixed, we can talk to each other. That’s what it means – communicating everything.” – Adan Quintero, 59
Teresa Carrillo, 79, and Jose Arreola, 85
“When we were younger, we didn’t have any money to get married. But thanks to my children and the church, we can do it.” – Teresa Carrillo, 79
