💒 I can hear the (school) bells

Catie Zwier has worked at Good Shepherd School in Golden Valley, Minnesota, for nearly a decade. And the kindergarten teacher loves her students. 

So much, in fact, that when she and her fiancé, Kevin, began brainstorming wedding venues, she had a brilliant idea: "let's do it at the school."

• "I’ve taught so many of the students here and they are such a big part of my life," she told People. She wanted all of them to be a part of her special day. 

When wedding planning meets the school schedule: Catie worked with staff members to align the wedding with the school's spirit week, with a "fancy surprise day" as one of the spirit themes. As the dressed-up students sat down in the Catholic school's chapel for an assembly, they were surprised by a priest and wedding ceremony.

Ms. Corken's getting married!... While most of the students were stunned at first, they soon realized the wedding was no joke, and cheers and applause filled the room for their teacher. 

• A few students served as flower girls and readers during the ceremony. Kids who had been in Catie's classroom over the years were also invited to sign a keepsake blanket with her maiden name, "Corken’s Crew," on it. 
• Catie, the coach of the school's Spirit Squad, was also surprised by some students who lined the hall after the ceremony with silver pom poms as the happy couple made their exit (above).

💬 What she's saying: "I don't think I've ever smiled so widely in my life!" the bride shared. "It was overwhelming and incredibly special to witness the entire school cheering for us; we definitely felt the love! I felt like I was floating!"

+Editor's note: This story previously ran in February 2024. It was so sweet we had to share it again!