Every once in a great while there are things so perfect and beautiful that they absolutely take your breath away, and I just need to say....the wedding on Friday was one of those!!
As Mother of the Brides, I was prepared for tears, but I had no idea there would be so many happy ones. I had no idea we would all feel so incredibly loved, or that when we practiced last week (stand still, exit with grace!), every other moment would be so magnificently choreographed by the Lord, too.
On Saturday morning I woke up with this gigantic need to preserve it ALL! Several notebook pages and leftover napkins full of tears later I realized writing down every mental snapshot was humanly impossible! But I am glad the Lord allowed me to try. :)
Here are a few thoughts, as our new blog tech Carver continues to gather pictures.
Friday, around 4:10 pm. Picture this:
Twenty two reasonably sane people assemble in the dining room to ask the Lord's blessing one more time when someone suddenly realizes it is ABOUT THAT TIME and we need to GET downstairs!!
Great clattering of heels and cowboy boots begins on the wooden stairs amidst reminders to smile and not fall DOWN those stairs. All momentum halts in unison as we land in the garage and realize we're not late yet. But we do have just enough time for a darling bridesmaid to announce she's lost her bouquet, several young groomsmen to make a dash to the bathroom, and one loving brother who's really getting teary eyed to be comforted. In and out of the garage door go heads and theories about what time it actually is amidst reminders to not be LOUD because over 800 people may be listening. But at 4:18....the first note plays and Grandma Bontrager starts down the aisle. And OH! We are blessed indeed. God is so good.
As Mother of the Brides, I was given the best seat in the house, which reminded me....
I have ALWAYS had the best seat in the house! The privilege of being up close for the precious scenes of life was given to me 22 years ago.
I was stunned by the overwhelming beauty of purity. These dear Brides and Grooms chose to not even hold hands until the wedding. I loved their hearts in wanting to save every delightful thing for this day.
I also loved the purpose and meaning behind each decision. Not one thing stayed in the works simply because of tradition.
Nineteen siblings standing together for the wedding of their best lifelong friends was unforgettable. When I think of the immeasurable ways God preserved our families for this moment, I am reduced to a puddle of tears! Every time.
I never knew until now how much I needed to be a mother in law! The Lord just gave me two brand new sons...incredibly loved their whole lives, amazingly wise beyond their years, and in every way the answer to so many, many prayers. I adore and miss THEM! Not just the girls. :)
In the category of "Blessings all mine...with ten thousand beside":
The most perfect weather we could imagine.
So much peace!
Safety for all travelers.
The wedding colors that came together so amazingly! Hallelujah!!
Praying with my dear friend Becky in her room. Sweet tears.
Happy houseful of family chatting and waiting together.
Energy balls! Coffee! Just what we needed! Or maybe not. :)
Aunt Pandy...unflappable and faithful sister and friend, especially when it comes to weddings.
Advice requested on the proper way to administer a first kiss. LOVE this one.
Bridesmaids all at the window watching the groomsmen photos. Priceless.
The Grandmas meeting each other.
Friends who worked tirelessly to make things so beautiful, timely and delicious.
So much LOVE! Wow! Some of us have decided honeymoons sound pretty great. Ha!
Thank you for your prayers and we look forward to sharing pictures very soon. God did FAR more than we could have asked or even imagined and
WE PRAISE HIM!
With Love,
Lauren for the Bowers
P.S. If you attended the wedding and took pictures, we would LOVE them!
Please email them to Carver at:
bowers1989@live.com
Huge thanks!
