Holy Matrimony

They met in college and fell in love. Things didn't work out. He never got over her. They moved to opposite corners of the country and didn't talk for years.

And then...

They were both in the bridal party for a friend's wedding in California. Something clicked.

And now...

They're married! And will be in love for the rest of life.

The time in Seattle was utter joy. Not even a hint of bittersweet like I thought there might be. Just pure, simple bliss (better than chocolate).

We did what we could to help set up for the reception the day before. Dorie, their wedding decorator, was all over it and didn't need much help from us amateurs. We were all assigned to napkin committee and general manual labor.

- the groom is that strapping one on the left -

Once the work was done, things got crazy.

-the groom was a little protective when he saw the above-

After that it was time for the rehearsal and subsequent dinner, both of which went very well. The pace down the aisle took some practice, as did walking up and down stairs in very tall, strappy heels. Dinner was at The Lobster Shop, an old beach-house-turned-fish-house right on the water. We ate upstairs in a quaint room lined with wood from floor to ceiling and just enough room for all of us. It was perfect. I laughed harder than (possibly) ever before and therefore left most of my food on the plate. One of the groomsmen at the table had, well, a contagious laugh. And if he squeaks even a little bit, you're done for.

-mom and dad celebrated their 27th anniversary on the eve of matt and stacey's wedding-

-groom and best man/brother-

-the beautiful couple-

-brother and me-

-just outside The Lobster Shop. this was also where Matthew asked and "she said yes!"-

And now, for the big day. The ladies arrived at the church at 9:15am to beautify themselves. Hair, makeup, dress and shoes. It takes a long time, guys. We went off-site for pictures, and I managed to avoid pulling up grass with my heels on an absolutely beautiful Washington day by the coast. Once the camera was put away, the nerves started to set in. By the way, my brother was in rare form. Perfectly understandable. He could not -- I repeat: could not -- take his eyes off Stacey. Jonny had to drive their car to ensure they would arrive in one piece.

Just look at his face. I snapped this just after they'd seen each other for the first time (finally. he'd been holding his breath, quasi-unconscious, all morning). I've never seen him so happy. Or so committed, for that matter.

During the ceremony, he looked like such a man. He stood there, strong and unwavering, knowing exactly what he was about to do. And when he repeated his vows, he looked right into her eyes and told her what he'd waited so long to tell her. He meant every single word. I've also never seen him so intensely focused and serious. Marriage will be good for him. Good doesn't seem the best word. Stacey is going to add to his life in such a dramatic way, that although he was complete without her, it feels like he is a new man. She's not the icing on the cake; it's a whole different cake altogether. And it's better than ever.

Speaking of cake, let's get to the reception. Gino's Italian catered the dinner. Walnut/cranberry/feta salad, chicken, ravioli, cream sauce, meat sauce, oh! It was good.

They signed the marriage license, worked the room, danced, ate some cake (no smashing in the face), and then ran through a tunnel of sparklers out to their limo. Whew! You know that feeling of happiness where you fear you may explode? Precisely.

The Holy Spirit would be in every one of these pictures, but He's invisible. :) Everything about the weekend was so good, so pure, so full. It pointed to the One who made everything, who is love and who created us to love.

Faith, hope, and love. It was beautiful. The End.

A Prayer

O Majesty unspeakable, my soul desires to behold Thee. I cry to Thee from the dust.

Yet when I inquire after Thy name it is secret. Thou art hidden in the light which no man can approach unto. What Thou art cannot be thought or uttered, for Thy glory is ineffable.

Still, prophet and psalmist, apostle and saint have encouraged me to believe that I may in some measure know Thee. Therefore, I pray, whatever of Thyself Thou hast been pleased to disclose, help me to search out as treasure more precious than rubies or the merchandise of fine gold: for with Thee shall I live when the stars of the twilight are no more and the heavens have vanished away and only thou remainest.

Amen.

-- Stumbled upon in A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy and thought it too beautiful not to share.

Washington tour update coming soon.

Current Events

Things are changing, after all! Saturday night was my very last as an employee of Cafe 36. Voted 'Best Romantic Restaurant' in Colorado Springs, it's no surprise that the months spent working there sparked my romance with gourmet food. I quite liked being behind the scenes with a brilliant chef who slipped me the occasional recipe. The man could make weeds taste good. Part of me will miss the good ol' days there, but adventure awaits and I dare not reject it.

At an ungodly hour tomorrow morning, the family and I are flying to Seattle for brother Matthew's wedding. It's finally here and I can't believe it. We've already placed bets on who's going to cry during the ceremony and who will keep it together. I will update you with pictures from the whole week when I get back. For now, it's shut-eye and sweet dreams for me.

Soak up these final days of summer. Enjoy the long shadows at the end of the day and the smell of sun-soaked earth. Spread a blanket and look at the stars. Barbecue. Eat sorbet with berries!

Be back soon.

xo.

Standby

A perfectly glum day began with clouds, rain, and that beautiful air that feels just like the coast. Life, I love you but sometimes you leave me so...speechless. Minor disappointments, forks in the road, faint glimmers of a bright future, lovely moments, crying and laughing in the same sweet breath, new challenges. Life takes faith.

From the 'Valley of Vision' --

"Thou hast taught me that faith is nothing else than receiving thy kindness; that it is an adherence to Christ, a resting on him, love clinging to him as a branch to the tree, to seek life and vigour from him...I have seen thee by reason and have not been amazed, I have seen thee as thou art in thy Son and have been ravished to behold thee."

On the days when I want to be scooped up into the Father's loving arms and rest, frustrated that I can't, I find Psalm 139 to be the very words I need to hear. "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Tomorrow is another day. Another perspective, another batch of circumstances. Tomorrow is refreshing. Please standby.

Whirly Ideas

Folks, I'm starting to buzz -- like a bee.

My brainwaves just went from . . . . . . .

to /\/\/\/\/\><<><>/

For months, I'll have one idea about what to do with my life. And THEN, out of the blue, I have enough ideas for all of China. What's a girl to do about it? Pick one and run with it?

Courage and faith have something to do with it. Insanity has something to do with it. Fear has something to do with it.

I'm on the brink of a change. I can feel it.

Josh Garrels

Has anyone out there been searching, hunting for a good Christian musician that's not your everyday? Look no further. It just found you.

I was introduced to Josh Garrels the other night, and must confess he's been singing through my speakers ever since. I don't think any two songs sound the same. He's a talent, an incredible story, and I can't wait to hear more. My favorite song (so far) is "Don't Wait for Me."

Amen and Amen.