June truly is the month of brides. The past three years we’ve had family weddings in June. Two of them my sisters, and two of them my husband’s siblings. Plus, we got married in June 9 years ago!
I adore weddings. The music, the décor, the dressing up, the ceremony, the pledging of lives together until death parts them… it’s just all so wonderful.
And it’s a small glimpse of a much bigger reality! I am so passionate about marriage, because it either reflects the glory of God or it is a mockery to the image He has created. Marriage is so sacred! I could talk all day about marriage. :)
But this is about a particular wedding: my husband’s sister, and her husband Chad.
There have been many nights, over many years, when I heard my husband pray for his sister, that God would bring her a husband. And not just any husband, but one that fears the Lord, and is a man of character and integrity.
His prayers, and the prayers of many other people, have been answered. Our dear friends, Shelly and her husband, have been praying for years for a wife for his brother, Chad. She writes so beautifully about that here. Little did we know how the Lord would answer our prayers!
There is an indescribable beauty to a marriage that has been built on a relationship of purity and integrity. And even more so when a couple has waited for many years before marriage, choosing to believe in the goodness of God, even when single and waiting.
This was a wedding of such incredible JOY – because of the waiting, because of how God provided marriage, because of how He cared for them through their singleness, because they didn’t compromise and give up hope in God in the waiting, because God is so trustworthy. Bethany and Chad – we are so proud of you guys, and of the Jesus we see in you!
The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and the outdoor reception could not have had more perfect weather! It was such a lovely day.
The day began in a stunning old church…
The bell girls were so beautiful.
Bethany grew up in the south, so there were some darling little southern flairs in the wedding. Including this adorable little guy wearing the “She’s fixin’ to marry you!” sign.
The soft colors of the bridesmaids’ dresses were stunning against the lush green of summertime.
{four of the five lovely sisters}
{with the beautiful bride, all five together}
Bethany was so happy, so radiant, and just beaming all day. I loved this casual picture with her bridesmaids – so engaged and happy!
I don’t have a good picture of the whole family
{it’s a big family, and my lens wasn’t wide enough: true story! :) },
but here is [a blurry] one of my husband’s siblings.
A rare picture of my husband and I. I love him so much.
And one with we. I {{heart}} them.
{cousin love}
A bestie, whom I mentioned before. It was so fun to spend so much time with her over this weekend – and it was a family wedding for both of us [our husband’s siblings got married]. Crazy awesome. :)
The reception was under a big white tent, in the most idyllic setting ever. A stream ran by the side, a lovely terrace of immaculate landscaping… It was like a scene from Pride & Prejudice or something incredibly beautiful. :)
The name cards/place settings were so fun. A friend was in charge of a polaroid camera, and after the guests found their name on the door, they replaced it with an instant polaroid of themselves. I loved this!
Bethany asked if I’d do some writing for the wedding, and I was honored to do it! I love this kind of thing.
{name tags}
{name board}
{menu board}
{pie bar sign}
This was fabulous ~ having a pie bar for dessert!
The table centerpieces were vases filled with white and green flowers, a few old books, candles and a table number.
Annnnnnd, who says the bride can’t make her own cake? Bethany and Mary Jo (her sister) made the cake. It was so beautiful.
Best groom’s cake ever. With fun humor too. :)
The kids loved the stream.
[My little boy crush.]
There was an area set up for outdoor games for the guests to enjoy, which was so fun. Bethany asked if we’d make a set of cornhole game with a Mr. & Mrs. theme for that area. She showed us a picture, then my husband built it and I painted it. It was a fun project we did together.
And there are so many pictures I realized later that I missed. Details I loved and enjoyed but forgot to capture on camera. Some people in the family I missed altogether. But that’s okay. That’s why she has a real photographer. :)
Bethany and Chad – we’re so excited for you guys, and bless your marriage! May your love only ever grow, and always reflect the image of Christ. We love you!
