The last five years or so we have had a lull in weddings, but not this summer. Saturday night marked our 4th wedding in 6 weeks. That is a lot of vows, a lot of bridesmaids, a lot of dancing, and A LOT of fun!
These weddings have been incredibly diverse, and all wonderful. The brides and grooms have included a co-worker, cousins, and a childhood friend. The locations have stretched from coast to coast. The venues brought us to a boat in Newport Bay...a tree-lined Southern driveway in Lynchuburg, VA...a church in Bluefield, WV...and a converted camp in the hills of Malibu.
Last night's wedding in Malibu was a really special wedding because it was also a reunion. Our table at dinner included:- my elementary school best friend (see picture)
- my summer camp and youth group buddy
- someone I had play dates with in Kindergarten
- a dear family friend who spent every 4th of July at our house
- my first "serious" high school boyfriend
- my senior prom date
The groom and I have been friends since childhood because our parents are really close friends. Our families used to go on vacation together when it was still legal to throw 4 kids in the back of a station wagon and hope for the best during a 12 hour drive from Chicago to North Carolina. It was incredibly special to be at this wedding with my parents and all these people I literally grew up with.
Something the groom's dad, who also officiated the wedding, said last night in the message really stuck out to me. He addressed the fact that marriage is a bold and risky endeavour. He said that some people who climb mountains, sky dive, and bungee jump from bridges wouldn't even attempt marriage. It's just too risky. He is so right!
Pledging to have and hold another person from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance...that is RADICAL stuff! Risky stuff. Stuff I believe you can only do with God as your foundation and help.
There is one thing about these 4 weddings in 6 weeks that has been the same.
My date.
The guy I risked it all for almost 9 years ago.
Best risk I ever took.
Here are my wedding awards (they all got one):
Best location.
You can (and should) visit The Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch
for lunch or dinner if you are ever in the area.
Hottest wedding.
Lynchburg, VA...Abby's face and fans say it all.
Most unusual.
I forgot my camera at this wedding, but here is what the boat looked like.
What a cool experience!
Except you can't leave early.
Most adorable bride.
All 4 brides were beautiful, but Paige is my cousin...and she is adorable :)
Just look at her.
Sam was sure she was being held by a princess...and she was.
