“Perhaps after all our worries and questions, we’ll discover that all along God had the right thing at the right time for us. Perhaps His plan is more wonderful than anything that we could create by ourselves- whether it comes with ‘pomp and blare,’ or quietly, ‘like an old friend.’ Perhaps…. perhaps…we should entrust our questions of ‘How?’ and ‘Who?’ and ‘When?’ into His tender care. ~ Joshua Harris

That quote was printed in our wedding program one decade ago; and even today it speaks immensely to my heart.
You see 10 years ago, I had really just begun to understand and take hold of His timetable.
And now, I’ve been married to the man of my dreams for 3,650 days!

It’s hard to believe that time has flown by so quickly.

It seems like just days ago my best friend Heather Ann was slipping on my Gran’s garter and praying with me. Just hours since my dad drove me to the church for my very own first look with my soon to be spouse. Minutes since Larry pronounced us husband and wife and we walked down the aisle as our bridal party and guests sang You are Holy. You see, that day, full of all the excitement and joy, in and of itself flew by, now just a precious collection of memories that are forever etched on my heart. But, they are memories that continually serve as a reminder of a covenant that was made before so many friends and family that day. Those memories take me back to a season of my life that was simply so sweet. A time when I can clearly see how God orchestrated details, brought me through heart ache and blessed me with a man who loves Jesus first and foremost. A man who has always desired to lead our family closer to Christ and who 10 years later only gets better at doing so.

On so many of our anniversaries, I stop and reflect on the beauty of that day and the sweetness of those hours celebrating what God had done in bringing us together. I look back at our wedding album and see dear family and friends who walked a journey with us, who stood by our sides, encouraged us and challenged us to live out the life God had called us to fulfill. I’m thankful for them. Even today, 10 years later, though distance separates most of us, my heart rejoices for their precious friendships and the impact they each made in our lives.

But mostly, on our anniversary, I thank God that he’s brought us through so much -good and bad- and that He’s given me a best friend with whom to travel life . In ten years we’ve experienced great joy and great loss, but we’ve seen the provision and protection of God in so many ways. I’m reminded of this passage:

For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
Psalm 96:4

Today, I praise the Lord greatly for His gift of salvation and for the amazing blessing of my husband. A man who I love deeply, admire greatly and respect immensely. A man who challenges me to be better, to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ, a man who patiently puts up with this crazy woman and who does so with extreme love and understanding. A man who has seen me at my worst and my best and who daily chooses to love me. I’m so very thankful to share this life with my best friend, someone who unexpectedly stole my heart all those years ago in Tallahassee. I so look forward to many more years of dreaming-serving-loving-trusting- growing….together!

Happy Anniversary Rahul. I love you the most!

Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down. Perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music; perhaps then…perhaps…love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath. ~ Anne of Avonlea, L.M. Montgomery

There is something so beautiful about a woman who is expecting! There’s a warmth and a glow, a genuine excitement that is noticeable- even without words. What I love even more, is when an expectant father is just as thrilled to be welcoming a precious life into this world. His gentle touch, his protective stance, his tender heart are apparent as he interacts with his wife and his sweet baby.

Such is the case with Alex and Shelley, a couple I’ve had the privilege of capturing since before their engagement. How awesome to have been a part of so many of the major milestones in their life over the past several years!

Now, just weeks away from celebrating the birth of little Audrey; I too am sitting on pins and needles. I can’t wait to see how adorable she will be. A little princess who is sure to carry a Coach bag in one hand and a fishing pole in the other! A little girl who will grow up knowing the love of a mom and dad who have anticipated this day their whole lives.

Thanks Shelley and Alex for trusting me with another precious moment in your journey. I can’t wait to hold sweet Audrey and tell her just how blessed she is to have you both as parents!

Hands down my favorite of the day. Love how he loves his girls.

I usually don’t post portions of weddings on the blog as “stand alone sets,” because I feel like a story should be told from beginning to end.  However, I just keep coming back to Rebecca and Ryan’s first look.  It was powerful. Moving.  Humbling even,  to know this couple trusted me enough to be there with them- raw emotion and all. And, since I came up with that rule, I’m choosing today to modify it for the sake of giving you not only a precious Friday pick me up, but a glimpse into why these first look moments truly are so priceless. Besides, these images really do tell a story, from the stunning bride waiting patiently for her groom, to his pleasant surprise at seeing the love of his life; from smiles to tears, tender hugs to big laughs. This is a story of anticipation and great love. It’s the story of their very first look.

You see, I always encourage brides to really consider this as a viable and wise option for their day. It helps the schedule to run smoothly, provides ample time to capture lovely couple images without cutting into the reception and honestly aids in the calming of nerves for both the bride and groom. What I also share is that a first look is so intimate, personal and touching- oh and it doesn’t have parameters on it. A first look gives you more than a glimpse to soak in the beauty of the moment. In fact, 10 years ago, my husband and I experienced a first look and it’s the single moment I treasure the most from our entire day- besides when our pastor pronounced us husband and wife!

Yet, as with many things in life, words aren’t always enough to convince. Sometimes we need to see with our eyes and experience with our hearts the beauty of these first moments, without a large crowd… just 2 people, completely in love, setting eyes on one another for the first time on their wedding day.