We are Nathan and Sarah Bartel. We married each other on May 19, 2000 and now have five beautiful children. Sarah holds a Ph.D. in theology and Nathan has a Masters degree in philosophy. We've been teaching engaged and married couples about how to strengthen their marriages for over 10 years.

But the most important credentials we have to help you in your marriage is this: that we were madly, deeply, passionately in love on our wedding day. And 20 years later, we can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that we are more deeply, more madly, more passionately in love with each other now than we ever before! 

But it wasn't always this way. We had to learn how to love each better. 

We’ve been in survival mode a lot in our marriage, struggling with depression and anxiety, job loss, money problems, in-law drama, the divorce of parents, moves across the country, and other issues.

You know what? We’re completely normal. EVERYONE gets knocked into survival mode from time to time. Many couples have challenges far more difficult than we have faced. 

At one point about 10 years ago, we were struggling. We felt distant from each other and alone in our responsibilities. The realities of busy family life felt like chores and burdens. We thought that there must be a better way. Where was the affection, joy, and passion? 

We attended a marriage retreat, and it literally changed our marriage! We learned news ways to pray together that continue to bless us. We learned how to take the Church’s beautiful teaching about marriage, and make it practical in our everyday lives.

We know from experience just how powerful marriage retreat experiences can be.

Unfortunately, many couples can't get away for a whole retreat. Work schedules, childcare, or other things make it really difficult. That's why we created Cana Feast: to make those same powerful marriage retreat experiences available in a virtual format you can enjoy at home!