Their wedding day was perfect.
It started in the white house across the street from church. The walls were a taupe color, the ceilings were high – there was plenty of open space for the girls to get ready. When I walked in the beautiful bride was being pampered – her makeup and hair already looked perfect, but as she continued to enjoy her small plate of fresh cherries, they continued to work away on her. She had a comfortable, content feeling surrounding her…not the usual nerves I sense in my brides – but a happiness, an excitement, a relaxed feeling radiated from her. Today was the day she would marry her best friend, the man she was destined to be with forever.
Across the street, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, the guys were arriving. Already dressed in their pale pink ties and freshly pressed white shirts, they were ready to roll. The groom was the only one not dressed yet. He too had a comfortable feeling around him. Sporting a t-shirt and shorts, he was reading a small, thick notebook – a notebook his bride had filled with all the reasons she loved him. As his eyes watered up, it was easy to see the excitement glistening through. He was about to become Charis’s husband, and she was about to become his wife.
The rest of their day continued in this relaxed fashion. Their ceremony went off without a hitch. Rather than choosing the “typical” marriage verses, they chose bible verses that spoke of war – of battles they would face with the devil. Through their sermon they learned of the importance of always speaking, teaching, listening to the word of God – that centering their marriage around God’s Word first would help them to overcome any struggles they may face.
Following their ceremony, we headed to The Waters to celebrate their lifelong commitment to each other. Before entering the reception hall, we headed to the back of the venue for photos by the water. After finishing the bridal party’s photos, I got a chance to see how strong the newlyweds’ love was for each other. Without any prompting, I witnessed and captured their love for each other. The love for each other that officially began 6 1/2 years ago…as high school sweethearts. The way he looked at her, the way she looked at him – there was no denying these two were made for each other.
Following our photo session, the bride and groom headed inside where others were eager to toast them. The bride’s father, grandfathers, the groom and the groom’s father all took a moment to thank God for bringing these two young hearts together. The Christian values taught during their marriage ceremony were carried into the night. Each person who toasted the bride and groom shared their excitement of the union of these two, and the excitement in seeing God’s plan come together, uniting two strong Christian families. The best man and maid of honor also shared stories that brought the guests into laughter and tears of joy.
Their wedding day was perfect. God knew it would be. After all, he planned it that way!
Congratulations to Charis and Paul, #bourmanandwife. May God continue to bless your marriage the way he blessed your wedding day. Cheers to a life filled with love and happiness…and of course – God’s Word!
