It was an historic moment for both the engaged couple and Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale, when David Gallo-Martinez married Yarelis Alvarez on Saturday March 1.
The couple obtained special permission to get married at the Shrine, a rare exception the Sisters of the shrine were happy to oblige to the long-time friends of the shrine.
Mr and Mrs Gallo-Martinez met seven years ago at a birthday lunch. Their relationship began when Mr Gallo-Martinez sent through some pictures of the birthday lunch, which led to talking and the decision to go and see a movie together.
“We went to see Saw 3,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. “It wasn’t romantic at all and it was a chance for me to break his arm because I was so scared throughout the movie that I held him so tightly.”
Despite the questionable choice of movie for their first date things began to get serious. For Mrs Gallo-Martinez it was also a chance for her to come back to her faith.
“I come from a Catholic family from my dad’s side,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. “When I moved to Australia with my mother I lost that, but when I met David he brought me back to Church.”
The couple started going to Mass together every Sunday’s at St Thomas More Parish Bateman.
On May 19, 2012 David and Yarelis Gallo-Martinez welcomed their son Miguel.
“He wasn’t planned at all and it was a big surprise,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said.
The couple had the full support of both families and they decided to confront the situation.
“We wanted to give our baby a home and a family,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said.
“I felt bad that we weren’t married but God gave us a wonderful gift. Our wedding day and the birth of Miguel was the most wonderful day of our lives and we wouldn’t change anything.”
After the birth of Miguel, the young couple settled into their new roles as parents, but Mrs Gallo-Martinez wanted something more.
“I wanted love, home, peace and unity as I was brought up Catholic and that was what life was meant to be like,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said.
“We wanted to give Miguel a home without sin and to show him what family is like; love within the home and love for God.”
After Miguel’s first birthday, David Gallo-Martinez proposed.
“It was just the two of us at Rockpool in Burswood as it was my birthday dinner and we hadn’t been out since the baby,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. “When the desert came there was a jewellery box with it.”
Mr Gallo-Martinez got down on one knee, declaring his love for his future wife and asking her if she would do him the honour of marrying him. Mrs Gallo-Martinez started crying before she grabbed the ring and placed it on her finger.
“David asked me, “baby is that a yes” and I said “of course it is”,” Mrs Gallo-Martinez said. David Gallo-Martinez has had a connection with the Schoenstatt Shrine since he was three years old.
“I was really scared to ask Sister Georgina if we could be married at the Shrine, but I explained to her that to me a wedding isn’t a party; it’s the ceremony that should be the main focus as you are united in the eyes of God.
“It shouldn’t be a show and the Shrine is a very holy place.”
Sister Georgina gave her consent and Mrs Gallo-Martinez says she will be forever thankful to them.
“I’m thankful to the Sisters for allowing us to start our married life in their shrine.” She said.
“Now that we’re married I feel a peace around us, God is blessing us so much and we’re taking the right steps in building a better home, being better parents and being better Catholics.”