Today Was A Fairytale...

As the doors slowly opened,

and she appeared in white,

a steady stream of tears began to flow down his face.

Years of love, sacrifice, patience, and joy all surmounted to this one moment,

where, like two pieces of a puzzle, two would become one.

Time stood still as they promised their lives to one another.

& then, with all the sincerity in the world, Richard & Alyssa made a covenant before God and man,

that whatever may come in the days ahead,

their love would be like that of Christ:

selfless, sacrificial, everlasting, pure, honest, & true. 

This weekend was truly one that I will never forget.

One of my best friends in the world, Alyssa Bradley, became Mrs. Alyssa Allen this Sunday!

(Insert squeals) 

Her husband, Richard, is a man of God who loves her in such an unfathomable way.

They are youthful & their love is rare.

It is my prayer that everyone has this type of love, this type of marriage.

One that follows hard after the will of God, 

no matter what the days hold. 

From the bridesmaid day trip, to the rehearsal dinner, to the last sleepover with Alyssa as a single woman, & then finally the big day on Sunday, 

it was all beyond words.

But my favorite part of it all is also the hardest to put into words.

But I will try my best.

Everything about the day was original, youthful, & wonderful,

The Bridesmaids wore cowgirl boots,

Sunflowers filled our bouquets, 

A barn was in the backdrop of the ceremony scenery,

We ate BBQ & baked beans in the reception hall,

Danced for hours to a wide array of music,

but my favorite part was the knowing that everyone had:

this was right.

Right in the truest sense of the word.

God and God alone had brought this couple together.

He was the glue that has held them through it all,

and will continue to be the binding force in their lives.

His presence was so evident,

and His peace was beyond understanding,

and His plan is and will always be perfect,

The Allen's are resting in Him today and always,

And I'm so thankful I get to watch their love grow over the years.

Rehearsal Dinner With Miss Hampton.

Isn't she beautiful!

Praying with the girls before walking down the isle.

Mrs. Allen, you are one of God's greatest blessings in my life. 

I love this picture. 

Mark 10:9

"What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."