There is something particularly uplifting in the stories of people who find love amid tragedy, and this is one such story. The paths of Cambria Martinelli and Jon Skvarka first crossed in the long wake of Hurricane Katrina. Both moved to New Orleans in 2007 to help with the rebuilding efforts. The two had taken positions with Rebuilding Together New Orleans—a home rehabilitation nonprofit that was then dedicated almost exclusively to restoring storm-damaged houses and helping displaced residents. They met during their first day on the job. Soon, they found themselves falling in love—with both the city and each other.  

A few years later, Jon proposed during a waterfall-filled hiking excursion (the couple are avid outdoorspeople) in Clear Creek, Mississippi, just two hours north of the Big Easy. “After a day of riverbed trekking, Jon convinced me we had one last waterfall to see,” Cambria recalled. “We went behind the falls, where he insisted that I grab a granola bar for him out of the backpack he was wearing. As it turned out, what was inside was a bit shinier!” 

There was no question where the two would wed; the city where their love story began was the only place they ever considered. Since moving to New Orleans, Cambria had been captivated by an ancient oak, dubbed “The Tree of Life,” in sprawling Audubon Park. Convincing Jon that the two should tie the knot beneath its gnarled, moss-draped branches was an easy task; he’s a history buff, and the 110-year-old giant is steeped in local history and lore. 

Held at Felicity Church, an 1888 edifice that is currently in the process of being converted into an open event space, the duo’s reception built upon the loose history theme. “We couldn’t say no to celebrating our marriage in a church midway through renovation with all of its beams and beautiful woodwork exposed,” Cambria said. “It was just too perfect.”