UCF medical school student Jenn Bazemore Fundora and her new husband, Chris Fundora, were already planning to go to Rome this spring, but the Orlando couple moved their trip up when they learned they could have a nuptial blessing from Pope Francis.

Three weeks ago, the two, who were married in December, joined nine other couples who came from around the world to the Vatican to receive a papal blessing. Dressed in wedding gowns and tuxedos, each couple spent a couple minutes with the pontiff.

"We were beyond excited," Bazemore Fundora said. "To have our marriage blessed by the Holy Father is something we'll share for years."

To receive a papal nuptial blessing, couples must apply to the Vatican, have been recently married in a Catholic church, present their certificate of sacramental marriage signed by their priest, and wear wedding attire.

The Fundoras and the other couples were ushered in front of St. Peter's Basilica to receive their personal blessings in private. Each newlywed received a white rosary blessed by Pope Francis.

Selfies weren't allowed, but the groom, also a UCF graduate, did get a hug. "I don't remember exactly what he [the Pope] said because we were very caught up in the moment," said Bazemore Fundora.

The event capped an eventful period for the bride, who besides getting married and blessed, was accepted to the pediatric residency program at Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore.

After Bazemore Fundora graduates from UCF College of Medicine next week, the couple will move from Orlando to Baltimore.

The Fundoras met while students at UCF. Bazemore Fundora graduated from UCF's Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences before entering medical school.

Her husband received his degree in management information systems in 2010 and works as a systems analyst.

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UCF newlyweds get Pope's blessing