To take lessons to the next level, more than 80 students gathered at the Walnut Creek Wedding Chapel in early March to watch classmates engage in pre-marital counseling and a wedding ceremony. Students were assigned to play the bride, groom, maid of honor, best man and other roles. After the ceremony, students attended a wedding reception complete with cake, punch, sandwiches and flowers.

"The wedding ceremony is a short part of the nine-week class, but it’s still very informative. It’s a great opportunity for the students to see the traditions of the ceremony and how important the vows are. And it’s part of providing students practical tools for understanding, managing and making wise decisions about relationships," Jones says.