As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Wedding Bliss {Part 2: The Ceremony}




I am back with Part 2 of my little series about Kati's wedding. Again, I am going to pour photos into this post because they are all so beautiful and my heart is still full from that joy-filled day! 

Wedding photos were taken by our dear friend, Frances. She has taken many photos for our family through the years (you can see some ~here~ and ~here~ and ~here~ and ~here~). About the wedding photos, Frances made this remark, " . . . when you are photographing people you love, it is very easy to see the moments through the lens of your heart." These photos were truly a gift from her heart and we couldn't be more pleased or more grateful! 





Although Kati and Andrew's wedding was traditional in many ways, it certainly had their personal stamp on it with unique touches that reflected their loves and had meaning to them. They both love family, their nieces and nephews, hydrangeas, and hymns. Most of all, they love The Lord! All of that was evident in their wedding ceremony. 

Instead of traditional wedding music, Kati and Andrew chose favorite hymns. My niece Amy (you may know her as Bekah's piano teacher) played such beautiful arrangements of these songs. (I wish you could have heard them!) 


Time for the processional! 

The grandmothers entered to the song "To God Be the Glory." Ron's mom was escorted by our grandson Owen, 

and my mom was ushered to her seat by our grandson Gavin.


Andrew's parents, Mark and Beckie, walked in to the song "In Christ Alone." Our son-in-law Brian escorted Beckie to her seat. (We have had several opportunities to spend time with Mark and Beckie in the past few months and we have grown to love and respect them. Kati is blessed with wonderful new in-laws!)


I was thrilled to be ushered to my seat by my oldest grandson! (Can you see my heart bursting?) My song: "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."


Andrew, along with his groomsmen and the pastor (who is married to Andrew's cousin Melinda and is also named Andrew), entered to the soul-stirring hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness."  

The rest of the wedding party came down the aisle to "It is Well with My Soul."

Kati's sisters were her bridal attendants. Sister-in-law Sarah was the bridesmaid, 

younger sister Bekah was the maid of honor, 

and older sister Kristin was the matron of honor.

Look at these dapper ring bearers! The tiny guy is Dawson, Andrew's nephew, who waved at his dad (the best man) all the way down the aisle. (Adorable!) In the middle is Josiah, Andrew's cousin. Paul, Kati's nephew, completed the trio. 

There were also three flower girls: Tabitha, Andrew's cousin; and sisters, Macie and Alaine, Kati's nieces. Lovely little ladies, all! 


Again, we heard the strains of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and the beautiful bride entered the room, escorted by her father! 





Andrew's father prayed a blessing on the couple and the occasion, and the bride was given to Andrew. 


The wedding guests raised their voices together singing "Be Thou My Vision."


Pastor Andrew shared from The Revelation, verses which speak of the Bride of Christ who is adorned for her Husband. He explained how an earthly bride and groom are an earthly picture of Christ and His Church and how Jesus gave His all (his very life) to purchase His bride.


Our grandson Ben read I Corinthians 13:1-8. 








Our grandchildren Nora, Eve, and Peter sang "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," their sweet, clear voices blending in harmony. (I wish you could have heard that too.)




As part of their wedding ceremony, Kati and Andrew wished to wash one another's feet, a symbol of their servant-hearts towards one another. Pastor Andrew read from John 13.


Kati's brother Ryan prayed a benediction, and then Kati and Andrew were pronounced man and wife!


Recessional: "Be Thou My Vision"



I have found the one whom my soul loves.
~ Song of Solomon 3:4







Wedding Bliss {Part 2: The Ceremony}

Coming soon . . . 

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Wedding Bliss {Part 1: Preparations}




Oh, what a beautiful day it was! 

Yes, the spring weather was beautiful. Warm, sunny, low humidity. The best you can ask for in the Mid-Atlantic! But it was also a beautiful day of excitement, rejoicing, and love! A day to bring glory to our Lord for His beautiful plan!

I have decided to divide the wedding day photos among several posts. I promised you photos, but here are so many wonderful pictures and beautiful moments, it seemed overwhelming to do it all at once.

Instead?

Wedding overload!


Wedding photos were taken by our dear friend, Frances. She has taken many photos for our family through the years (you can see some ~here~ and ~here~ and ~here~ and ~here~). About the wedding photos, Frances made this remark, " . . . when you are photographing people you love, it is very easy to see the moments through the lens of your heart." These photos were truly a gift from her heart and we couldn't be more pleased or more grateful! 






After weeks of planning and organizing and meetings and tending to seemingly endless details,  on Wedding Day, Kati was surprisingly calm. Last minute tasks had been delegated to generous friends and family, allowing us to revel in the joy of the day!

After our hair and make-up session at the salon, we had planned a simple lunch of bite-sized morsels (cheese cubes, small crackers, grapes) . . . so that our freshly made up lips would not be smudged. Kristin had brought a variety of drinks and (also thinking of our lips) straws for sipping. My sister brought coffees.

The bridal party gathered at our house to get ready for the big event!

Our house was full of wedding garments . . .





. . . and hair styling . . .



. . .  and family . . .


. . .  and love.




Frances took the ladies outside for a few sweet "before" pictures.




"In all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job." 
(I think that Ron might feel a little like Job. ♥ ) 






Then we came back inside to wait until it was time to drive over to the church.


(The last two photos were taken by me . . . just before we drove to the church.) 

Happy anticipation was in the air! 
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