Our dog.....

Climbs trees... And I captured it on film (aka my phone). Enjoy!

A harvest

I am thankful that I came from a family of gardeners and grew up appreciating a home-grown tomato. John and I planted a garden for our house a few months back and have been able to really enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of this labor. It is wonderfully delicious.

Our Own Day. Part 7. The Ceremony Part II

The ceremony seems to be a forgotten part of wedding planning these days.  There is so much inspiration (through blogs, pinterest, magazines, etc) for beautiful decor, reception spaces, and photography, but the ceremony is the whole POINT of the day!  Without it, you wouldn't even be able to have the party afterwards!  I treasure our ceremony pictures because of how deep and meaningful the ceremony itself was. We vowed to love each other through a covenant made with each other and the God of the universe, our Lord.  We served each other by washing each other's feet, just as Jesus did when he expressed his love for his disciples. And ultimately, we were married, because we were designed by the Lord to spend each the rest of our lives here on earth together. 

the first sight of his bride

these two men...

giving me away to be married

a challenging and truth-filled directive

Washing of the feet

Quinn is laughing. I don't know why. :)

Joy.

Off to celebrate!

Our Own Day. Part 6. The Ceremony Part I

The Beginnings of the Ceremony.  A time that seems so far away many months ago, but then rushes up on the day of!  I remember sitting in De'Starte as all the girls went outside to prepare to walk ahead of me. All of a sudden I was alone for a few moments.  My breath caught in my chest and I didn't know what to do.  My daddy walked in to walk me outside and then I really had to fight off the tears.  We ducked behind some trees so that I wasn't spotted and he told me I looked beautiful.  We watched all the girls walk towards my soon-to-be-husband and then the ceremony began. 

Wonderful musicians

Groomsmen ushering

I LOVE this picture!

:)

How cute is she? Turned around looking at me instead of the front.

We only began approaching the ceremony after John had turned to face our pastor, Brian.  We opted to have a "charge to the groom" where Brian would ask John a series of questions about preparing to lead our family in the ways of the Lord. 

 Once he answered all the questions correctly (with a yes) Brian said, "Behold, your bride." 

We have heard from so many people that this was one of the most moving parts of the ceremony.  We absolutely loved it.  It set the stage to remind us of the roles we are called to in marriage.  Before we can agree to love and serve each other through our vows, John must promise to lead us in all areas of our life together.