It seems like it was only a short time ago, and I remember it so well, but as I looked at the bride and groom, I remembered some things I have forgotten...things like the way he looked that day, my groom, so full of anticipation, and nerves, and awe.
I was sitting there in the church this morning thinking, it certainly wasn't the dress I would have worn, or the venues I would have chosen; it wasn't the music I would have picked, the colors, the season, or anything else. But it was all so intentional. Every song had it's purpose. The accent color chosen was red, the bride's brother's favorite color. The bride's brother who died in a tragic accident at age 20 just over a year ago. The bride's brother who wasn't there today to celebrate with his sister. The bride's dress was made by her mother. The songs chosen were spiritual and full of lines and verses about friendship, because this couple put their friendship above their emotional relationship. The kiss at the alter was the first the couple had shared...ever.
Weddings are such beautiful things. Even though nothing looked how I would have had it look, it was beautiful. This couple is so deserving of all the good things a marriage brings to two people. I want to be the bride and wife that is that deserving.
I want to be the living proof that marriage is such a good idea, and commitment is such a blessing. I want to be reminded more often than not, what marriage and a wedding are truly about.
Joel and Amanda were completely distracted by each other today, and if I'm not mistaken, through all the planning and preparation for this day as well. The decorations, and affects, and activities were all a back stage to the act of committing to each other today and consummating that commitment.
I'm so humbled. I am full of admiration, and I realize that seeing something this right and meaningful, puts everything else in perspective.
I'm so blessed to have Josh. I'm so blessed to be alive and have the opportunity to be a beautiful soul in the world. I realize I'm not that person I want to be very often, but I'm inspired to be that person more.
This marks the start of a new blogging experiment. This will be the place I share pictures, and cooking excursions, and decorating blunders, and designs, and trip plans, and Harry Potter ramblings, and quotes, and stories like this.
Congratulations Joel and Amanda. You deserve all the love and adventure this marriage can give you.
