On Saturday the 12th, my dear friend Rachael married my dear friend Tim and I stood up there with them, tears in my eyes and a bouquet in hand. There was nothing special about the location, but there was something so special about all of the love emanating from every corner and every bench. The wedding was in soCal and they had guests from all over the country fly in to celebrate, including a slew of NYC buddies they have made over the past year of living there. At the reception, the dance floor was teeming with friends and family who could barely contain their smiles on their faces. I danced with buddies and strangers alike, and people joined together as if we all shared the same history that Tim and Rachael share, because that is what it felt like.
Every person I talked to said the same thing about the darling couple, and that was that it was obvious how in love they are and that they really complete each other to make the perfect couple. Rachael's smile did not falter once and Tim rarely took his eyes off of his beautiful bride. They could not stop touching and kissing and loving on each other all night. It was so sweet and heartwarming and encouraging. The deacon even said that weddings are a great reminder to long married couples, an encouraging reminder to the promises made long before.
Not only did I leave the night (let's be honest--it was morning when I left) with a redemptive feeling of hope, but I also walked away with a horde of new friends! I met so many fun, incredible people and we clearly had at least a few things in common (i.e. an adoring love for the couple). I am still on the wedding high and cannot stop smiling thinking back to all of the dancing, the joking, the antics, and the happiness I shared with my new friends.
To Rachael and Tim, I will continue to pray for you and love you and support you! Blessings.