Light & Letter: April 28th, 2012

On April 28^th, my sister Melissa became a wife. She married Jason Hankins on a warm Spring afternoon in a wedding filled with lace, tears and crazy dancing. It was probably one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen and very special to me because Melissa is not only my sister but, (besides my sweet husband) also my one of my best friends.

I entered into the week with my typical I’m-a-blogger-now-and-need-to-be-observant-for-a-future-blog-post attitude. The whole week leading up to the wedding I was watching for a moment that would define the week for me, a moment that I could center my blog post around.

God has been trying to show me lately that I need to live in the moment. I know that’s a very cliché saying, but I need to apply it to my life in almost every way. I’m so impatient. I worry about the future or regret the past. And sometimes life just rushes right on without me enjoying it at all. I don’t want to live like that. Therefore, focusing on moments as they happen is such an important practice for me to implement into my life.

So, what was the moment that defined the week for me? What happened that made it so special? Well, I found that it wasn’t just one moment, but several, that imprinted themselves on me:

I got to see many moments of my mom being a grandmother. As our niece, Gracie, is currently the only grandbaby on my side of the family she gets a lot of attention. She is sweet, determined, funny and loves to be on the go at all times. And is absolutely gorgeous! And as you might have guessed, my mom absolutely adores her. I loved watching my mom reach out and be able to keep building that incredibly special relationship with Gracie as her grandmother.

Gracie, Beth and Momma in the living room.

I was able to see the servant hearts of my husband Jonathan and Daniel (my sister Beth’s husband) acted out. They really did whatever needed to be done for wedding preparation. At one point someone looked around at Daniel and Jonathan working so hard to help us decorate then looked at me and said, “Ya’ll have amazing guys to help you.” I couldn’t agree more!

Jonathan individually wrapped disposable cameras for the guest tables, helped me decorate for Melissa’s Bridal Shower and just all around was a go to guy for whatever needed getting done. I was so proud of him! And also, all of the following pictures are Jonathan's photography work.....so enjoy! ;)

Jonathan's hard work.

Daniel lifted tables, moved chairs, ran errands all while being an amazing daddy to Gracie. He was so good with her while Beth was incredibly busy decorating for the ceremony and reception.

My sister Beth is a mastermind when it comes to decorating. God has given her amazing gifts of creativity and organization. She never stopped until it was perfect. You can see all of her incredible work in these pictures.

One of my favorite pictures that Jonathan captured...just lovely!

And then finally it was time for the Wedding Day! It was filled with moments and memories. Like, all the fun we had making sure Melissa and Jason did not see each other before the ceremony. At one point Mel was in the women’s bathroom and the her groom in the guys bathroom right beside her, so cute.

Seeing Melissa finally put on her wedding dress was filled with emotion for all of us. It was a, “This is really happening.” moment and so so sweet.

She was all lace and laughter and loveliness

And then when Melissa gave out her bridesmaids gifts and I read the note she gave me and began tearing up because of the special words she wrote. I love my sister.

Or when, right before the ceremony, all of us bridesmaids were in the dressing room laughing so hard at different things that someone popped in and said the guests could hear us as they were walking in, but we didn’t care J .

And finally, finally we all watched Melissa walk down the aisle to become Jason’s wife. Seeing all the sweet emotions on both their faces as they saw one another for the first time that day was one of the most precious moments of the whole weekend. And yes, I cried. How could you not while you’re watching something epic like that take place?!

Jason seeing Melissa for the first time.

Tootie Wright performed part of the ceremony. The Wright family is very special to us :)

And I got to see my dad perform the ceremony for another one of his children. He choked up with emotion while speaking. Why? Because my dad really, really loves all of his kids. And because God has given my dad and incredibly tender heart.

And then they were married and the big moment came, the Kiss. It was simply beautiful and made so incredibly special by the fact that it was their first. Ever. They waited until they were married before God and approved by Him to give themselves to each other. Talk about romantic!

Love the excited emotions Jonathan captured on Jason's face.

And on Melissa's ;)

A really sweet moment came at the reception when it was time for the Father-Daughter dance. It started off with just Dad and Melissa and then all the fathers and daughters were asked to join them. Well, my dad has six daughters and so we all danced with him….at the same time! The look on my Dad’s face when he was looking at all of us was priceless. He lifted his hand in praise to Jesus and cried tears of joy. And then he called us all a ‘sweet pile”, such an amazing memory!

And then we danced and laughed and ate wonderful food and completely enjoyed celebrating Jason and Melissa’s big day with them.

I love marriage. I love who I’m married to. Jonathan is not only the man of my dreams but my best friend. Marriage has taught us so much and challenged us in our relationship with God.

And now, I’m so excited that Melissa gets to share that wonderful God-ordained relationship with her man!

And finally here are some 'moments' that Jonathan captured. So thankful to have them to help me remember that day. And to remind me to live in the moment, because that's all God gives us.