I can still recall quite vividly the first time I came across the bright-eyed and joyful faces of Nate and Mari. I was not prepared after reading about their picture perfect courtship and engagement of the stunning events that followed just days after their holy wedding. Like many, I was quickly reduced to tears, so much so, that I remember calling my wife to tell her about this story. I just couldn’t get over what I took in and I needed to share the weightiness of it all. Looking back, I was only able to see tragedy and my heart was in sorrow for them.
Fast forward several months later, and you cannot imagine my dismay when I got the call about producing a film about them. My first thought was to pass on it as a litany of doubts flooded my mind.
“Were they really ready to tell their story?”
“How could they handle the rigor involved in making a film?”
“It hadn’t even been a year yet, so what happens if we begin but we have to stop, possibly indefinitely?”
My time with the Kuhlman’s, over multiple trips to film, is without question one of the great gifts I’ve experienced as a storyteller. I will forever cherish their hospitality, openness and trust. I partnered with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception to produce this story for their EWTN show, Living Divine Mercy available at: DivineMercyPlus.org. I also want to give credit to David Barrett for allowing me access to his wonderful footage of their wedding. Courtesy of www.TheCatholicWeddingVideographer.com
Lastly, It’s a practice of mine to consecrate every film to Jesus’ Sacred Heart through Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart and I renew this daily with whatever stories I’m working on. I’ve come to realize that with Her everything is better. So, how fitting it was that our final scene of production would take place in a little garden dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima as we concluded at 3pm, the Divine Mercy Hour. Why is that important to this film? Today, (April 24, 2025) is Day Seven of the Novena to Jesus, The Divine Mercy as it reads: “Today, bring to me those souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy.” When I think of Nate and Mari, how they were seeking to live intentionally and to bring along so many with them to God, Our Lord’s Divine Mercy clearly comes to mind. I also believe their story and the work of Mercy through not just them but their family is far from over. As Nate’s mom, Heather, so beautifully shares with us, “God’s not done….there is more, so much more.”
And, yes, I did cry again as the Kuhlman’s and I parted ways after that last scene but this time, they were tears of joy because they helped me to see beyond the tragedy - the sorrow into the Merciful Goodness of God. He is not done with them nor is He with you and me. I pray that their story may offer you a boost of faith, a lift of hope as you trust like them that your Savior, Jesus, the Divine Mercy, is holding your life and those so dear to you securely in His hands.
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