When Julia Dykes and Parker Fontenot recited their vows in front of family and friends at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church altar on November 16, 2024, one line in particular hit home. “In sickness and in health.”

For so many couples, it’s an abstract and distant circumstance. A situation not to dwell upon during such a joyous occasion. But for Julia and Parker, the realities that underpin such a statement were all too real to them, as they had already faced challenging circumstances and made it out together on the other side.

In August of 2023, Julia was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24. The following months brought a daze of appointments, surgeries and hospital stays. Alongside Julia’s parents, Parker worked to support Julia through the grueling health journey, leaning on their shared faith and commitment to one another.

Three months after Julia’s diagnosis, on a much-needed weekend away, Parker popped the question in the living room of an Airbnb in Galveston, Texas.

“My first thought and what actually came out of my mouth was, ‘Are you serious,’” Julia recalls. “He then said, ‘Yes, I’m serious. Is that a yes?’ And, of course, I said, ‘Absolutely!’”

The planning process proved a difficult one, with little time for making flower, cake and linen selections between treatments and trips to the hospital. Enlisting the help of wedding coordinator Cheryl Palmer, as well as a team of close friends and family, Julia and Parker were able to bring together their Baton Rouge wedding day from a state over and in the little downtime they had. “I also had the best doctors whose goal was to make sure I was able to walk down the aisle this past November,” Julia adds.

Thoughtful details were at the heart of the celebration, with things like the wedding invitation envelope liner, which featured the immaculate heart of Mary in a nod to a stained-glass window dedicated to Julia’s grandmother, who passed away in 2022, as well as more lighthearted aspects like a “mountain” of king cake—the only cake Parker likes—which included miniatures of the couple skiing, as well as ski lift.

“The details of weddings are oftentimes overlooked by most people,” Julia explains, “but those are what make each wedding unique and make it more special to the couple.”

While the circumstances that surrounded Julia and Parker’s wedding planning experience were challenging, to say the least, navigating a cancer diagnosis offered renewed perspective into not just their wedding day but their next chapter as newlyweds and beyond.

“Although it was not ideal, it taught us both to not take life for granted, to find joy in the simple things, to laugh at life and with each other often, and to tell people how much they mean to you,” Julia says. “Going through this cancer journey while also planning a wedding truly helped us to love each other ‘in sickness and in health.’ We learned to stay strong in our faith and put all of our worries into prayer. Worrying and being anxious about your days ahead is not going to change the outcome. Learn to have a steadfast outlook and you’ll be just fine.”

Hear from Him & Her

What is your favorite thing about one another?

Julia: My favorite thing about Parker is his confidence and compassion. He’s never met a stranger, and he will reach out a hand to anyone who needs it. He is very loyal and faithful.

Parker: My favorite thing about Julia is her balance and calmness. She does a great job keeping our lives grounded and making sure I don’t push too hard. Our dedication to our faith is very in line, which I think solves 99% of any problems.

How did you know he/she was the one?

J & P: We knew we both had the same morals and values. Although our personalities are polar opposites, we find that we go together very well and balance each other out. It always felt right.

What is one detail that stands out when you think back on your wedding day?

J: How much genuine fun everyone had. Parker and I did our best to go up to everyone at the wedding and talk to them while also getting to dance with everyone. It was one of the best nights ever.

P: Faith is very important to us. To have a bishop and three priests celebrate our marriage was a huge honor.

CEREMONY: Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church // RECEPTION: The Loft at Cecelia // COORDINATOR: Cheryl Palmer  Designs// CATERER: Cecelia/Bin 77/Solera // CAKE: Sweet Stirrings/Haydels // FLORIST: Peregrin’s // INVITATIONS: The Keeping Room // BRIDAL GOWN: Amsale, I Do Bridal Couture // BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids // RINGS: Béjé HAIR & MAKEUP: Salon du Sud // BAND: Partly Cloudy // TRANSPORTATION: Capital City Classic Cars