Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Fortune!

I've been to a lot of weddings. Some have been particularly memorable- Rebecca's in picture-perfect Edisto, where the blog header picture was taken. Dancing at Baylis's on the wet, newly-laid sod. Being outside at beautiful locations for both Jaime's and Candy's, and losing power in the middle of the Tams set at Jaime's! The sun shining through the clouds right as Kim was about to walk down the aisle. After so many though, they all kind of start to run together.

But as we sat at Russell and Bess's Rehearsal Dinner on Friday night (Russell and Richard grew up in church together and became particularly close while Richard was at MUSC and Russell the Citadel), I started to think that their wedding might be different. Bridesmaid after groomsman talked about Russell and Bess's solid character, their deep love for one another, and the fun aspects of their personalities. Because we were running late, we ended up sitting with the pastor who was marrying Russell and Bess and his wife, and throughout the night, we noticed the pastor writing down pieces of the different toasts to use the next day. It was a fun night that ended with all the guests smiling and laughing as they left and excitedly anticipating the wedding ceremony.

And then as I sat in the church Saturday during the ceremony, I was struck by the sense that nothing mattered to Bess and Russell in that moment except for the love they shared and their love for God. Not the flowers or the bridesmaid dresses or the size of Bess's ring...but just the thought of these two becoming one and glorifying Christ in their marriage. I quickly get caught up in the peripherals of all the wedding details, so being a guest at their ceremony was a sweet reminder of what it is most important. It was just so evident how full of joy Bess and Russell were that there wasn't a person in the church that doubted the strength or possibility of their new union. I'm glad I got to be a part of it.

Congratulations, Bess and Russell!

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

All the guys

Cutting the cake!

With my handsome groomsman, who I had so much fun with!