Hi.
My name is michelle, i am the ancient one in this wedding party.
and i am honored to be a part of this day.
i have actually known the groom's side longer, but adore this beautiful, blushing bride and feel as though i have known her forever.
for those of you who have worked with youth, in a youth group, camp, sports team setting you will understand me when i say that although you love all the kids you get to know there are some that will forever hold a place in your heart. there's a connection that does not go away easily.
when i got married just over 10 years ago my husband and i were youth leaders at church. there was this newly dating couple that i immediately adored. that was brother number 1, and his beautiful, now wife. Then brother number 2 began attending. He was great. i had fun with him as a youth and am so glad to see him married to a beautiful woman with 2 adorable kids. then sibling 3 attended youth. it was a girl this time. shy, quiet, i think she knew how to speak... sweet, gentle, compassionate... she was a beauty then and has grown even more beautiful. the siblings didn't stop. there were 2 more. 2 more boys. i had heard about them before they ever came to youth.
the 4th and 5th... well, i just loved this family.
my husband and i connected with these kids too. and teased them. Jon and Ben...yes, i called then Jon & Ben! *gasp*
i watched them grow from quiet kids to the strong, bold, confident men they have become now. Mr & Mrs W. you have raised fine children. thank you for allowing me to be a part of their lives as a youth leader and now friend.
i remember the year that a beautiful blond young lady arrived at youth. i believe i saw Jon's heart flutter! when she was at youth she was right there with Jon and Ben.
she is beautiful.
inside and out.
she is full of compassion, love, smiles. she truly cares for her friends.
i loved getting to know this young lady in her high school years.
we had great talks, times of prayer, tears, searching the Scriptures, laughter.
my husband and i watched as Jon and Cailagh became friends.
we watched as their attraction grew. hearing them admit to liking the other one...finally.
hearing the story about him asking her mom permission to date her.
watching them seek God's desire for their lives. how they went away to school and missed each other like crazy.
the realization that they loved each other.
when we began doing church plays together i believe that was when my husband and my roles were altering from leaders to friends. we were connecting on a different level, as equals, and i believe it was as God planned. the age gap, life gap, it was still there but beginning to fade out of the picture.
i loved that i could give advice, or be an ear to listen.
then it happened.
Jon proposed.
he did it!
so exciting.
they came by and told us their story!
then i had the opportunity to take some engagement photos with them.
so much fun. have i said how much i adore these two?
and Cailagh asked me to be a bridesmaid.
i know i don't wear my emotions on my sleeve, but i felt honored, shocked, blessed, surprised, why me? i knew we were close but i hadn't expected that.
thank you.
so much.
so here we are.
we have all just watched as they said their vows, placed the rings, kissed!
all the stress that goes into a wedding... that's all behind us.
now stands before us the beginning.
the beginning of the life as mr. & mrs.
the commitment, promise.
not an easy road.
but a wonderful road.
Jon and Cailagh.
thank you for allowing me to be this special role in your day.
God has blessed my family by bringing both of your families into our life.
by bringing you two into our life.
i commit to pray for you, to share experience when needed, to encourage you, to love you.
*pictures from my camera will be edited and posted shortly on www.lifethrulenz.blogspot.com
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