Beauty in the Sacrifice of Commitment

The wedding day is truly a beautiful thing to me, because not only are you surrounded by a beautiful display of gorgeous things, flowers, dresses, intricate details, lace, all the beauty, but more than that you are there to witness the commitment of a man and woman to one another. It is a beautiful thing to witness sacrifice in this way. A lot of times people say the day is all about the bride, I even say it sometimes. But truly it is all about the commitment being stepped into, the decision to lay down their lives for one another in sickness and in health, the decision to say that there is someone loved so deeply and cherished so much that they deserve to be sacrificed for. This is the true act of selflessness, and within this space is the greatest form of love. Christ sacrificed His whole self for us by giving of Himself on the cross so we might be free. Maybe it is true then that as we completely give of ourselves and sacrifice of ourselves that we too are truly free. For I know that within a wedding joy is abounding because of the sacrifice of giving.

The snow trickled down turning to sleet as the frigid temperatures slowly rose, yet these two were an absolute delight to be around as they truly were overcome with the joy of the day. Tears errupting in bliss as Shelby's father first sees her, pure elation as Kurt turns to see his bride for the first time. Laughter fills the dressing room, the groomsmen and bridesmaids overjoyed to be a part of their day. Downtown Holton, the cutest little town with the best old buildings. March 11, 2017, a beautiful day.

Psalm 96: 12- "Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy."

Joy Overflowing

Jubilant; Joy. These words so accurately describe Lindsey and Brian's wedding this past weekend. Lindsey, wrapped within Brian's loving care and Brian clothed by Lindsey's warmth, humility and tenderness. I have had the amazing opportunity to know these two for a few years now and they are incredibly committed and loyal to one another. They make each other better and have patience with one another. They both pour our loving-kindness on everyone around them. Because of who they are, their wedding was filled with overflowing joy, not only between themselves, but also, if not more so for those people around them that came to love and support them. There is something so incredibly rich about being around genuine, authentic people who value others and sacrifice of themselves to make investments for others. It was such an incredible honor to play such a role in documenting this beautiful day in their lives. And, as you can see from the pictures, they are truly one of a kind!

Just as their wedding was as well. They brought in a live band which was so incredibly talented, not only musically but also within entertainment. I don't think I have ever laughed or enjoyed a band as much as this one! They seriously were so neat! And from that to the corn hole, to the elegant tables and downtown venue, to slideshows and swapping NFL jerseys, this wedding was so uniquely them and I cherished that so much. They were not worried about having to do anything any traditional way. And although I do not think traditions are bad, I also thing it is so nice to see a couple bringing marriage back to the true simplest form in that what truly matters is their relationship. And that is what we were able to celebrate on this beautiful past windy saturday.

Lindsey and Brian, congratulations on this new season of life. I have no doubt you will continue to grow and love each other better in the years to come.