Before Marie walked down the aisle, her bridesmaids gathered in a tight circle and pray
ed with her. My prayer was short and simple, thanks because Marie is the picture of grace. I cringed a little after saying that, realizing it sounds like a backhanded compliment. It wasn't, really. It's just that I understand grace more than ever before, and if ever you see God's hand on someone's life you are face to face with pure, perfect and unfettered grace.
I suppose if you don't know Marie, it might not make sense that her wedding was a little different. It was happy and fluffy, and exceptionally decorated-- whimsical was the goal, and it was achieved. There were moms crying, dads crying even more, and a handsome groom beaming with pride. There were sweet couple dances and cake eating and toasts and, well, the usual. It was the most storybook wedding I think I've ever been to, not to mention seamless. It was a day that matched all the dreams that had gone into it.
I believe the real reason for the fairy-tale feel was not the swirly sugar pops at the sweet shop, or the babies breath lining the aisle or the (fabulously) decorated vintage bicycle adorning the gift table. The planning, the work that went into everything was legendary. But the real loveliness behind it all came back directly to the bride and groom.
Ryan and Marie walk into marriage with their heads held high, knowing full well what they're getting into, void of innocence and perfectly pure, clinging to Christ and pulling each other in to join them there at His feet.
I've seen a number of people get married this year, and each one has been a beautiful match to celebrate unhindered. And while every couple goes through rough patches and dark places where a happy wedding seems impossible, I don't often get to see it. To watch Marie walk down the aisle, knowing more fully the journey that brought her there, it was like seeing the triumphant bride held up by her King, brought through not by her own efforts, but by His unfailing love. It was the contrast between light and dark, the clash of a battle won
and an enemy defeated. Watching bride and groom repeat their vows with utter conviction was the light of a flame finally adorning its candle.
With undertones like that, the sweet, sugar-coated air was lighter, sweeter, fluffier. And infinitely, genuinely joyful.
ed with her. My prayer was short and simple, thanks because Marie is the picture of grace. I cringed a little after saying that, realizing it sounds like a backhanded compliment. It wasn't, really. It's just that I understand grace more than ever before, and if ever you see God's hand on someone's life you are face to face with pure, perfect and unfettered grace.I suppose if you don't know Marie, it might not make sense that her wedding was a little different. It was happy and fluffy, and exceptionally decorated-- whimsical was the goal, and it was achieved. There were moms crying, dads crying even more, and a handsome groom beaming with pride. There were sweet couple dances and cake eating and toasts and, well, the usual. It was the most storybook wedding I think I've ever been to, not to mention seamless. It was a day that matched all the dreams that had gone into it.
I believe the real reason for the fairy-tale feel was not the swirly sugar pops at the sweet shop, or the babies breath lining the aisle or the (fabulously) decorated vintage bicycle adorning the gift table. The planning, the work that went into everything was legendary. But the real loveliness behind it all came back directly to the bride and groom.
Ryan and Marie walk into marriage with their heads held high, knowing full well what they're getting into, void of innocence and perfectly pure, clinging to Christ and pulling each other in to join them there at His feet.
I've seen a number of people get married this year, and each one has been a beautiful match to celebrate unhindered. And while every couple goes through rough patches and dark places where a happy wedding seems impossible, I don't often get to see it. To watch Marie walk down the aisle, knowing more fully the journey that brought her there, it was like seeing the triumphant bride held up by her King, brought through not by her own efforts, but by His unfailing love. It was the contrast between light and dark, the clash of a battle won
and an enemy defeated. Watching bride and groom repeat their vows with utter conviction was the light of a flame finally adorning its candle.With undertones like that, the sweet, sugar-coated air was lighter, sweeter, fluffier. And infinitely, genuinely joyful.