We spent hours getting ready.  Everyone looked wonderful, but there was one that shined brighter than the rest: sweet Heather.  Today, she would be dressed in dazzled layers of white lace, for today was the day she would be married.

She and Ryan met nearly two years earlier at a wedding where they were both in the bridal party.   Heather got away with the best man!  Their story is as extraordinary as Heather and Ryan themselves.  It was crazy—Ryan moved to Virginia for Heather only a little while after they started dating.  I swear, one could make quite a grand movie after their love story.  God was in the midst of their relationship from the beginning, and that was prevalent at the wedding.

Once we finished getting ready, we bridesmaids gathered around Heather and were able to pray for Heather and Ryan’s marriage.  It was such a sweet, intimate moment with the woman who asked us to take part of her special day.  Then it was time for the ceremony to begin.  Ryan and the groomsmen were ready and looking snazzy as we walked before Heather.  She looked exquisite when she came down the isle, absolutely breathtaking.   The pastor shared an excellent message from Colossians 3 with the couple and guests, and then Heather and Ryan partook in communion for the first time as a couple.  After that, the parents of the bride and groom along with the bridal party were invited to join Heather and Ryan on the stage.  Six of us had the honor of praying over the couple together.

The wedding was sweet, intimate, and fun.  The entire day filled with joy, laughing, the happiest of tears, and covered in prayer.  The reception continued the celebration with breakfast—part of their first date—dancing, and an aurora of excitement.

Being a part of that sweet, glorious day was inspirational.  Heather and Ryan were an incredible, living example of what love and marriage was designed to be.  A man and woman joined together in the presence of God—bringing complete glory to Him throughout their entire relationship, apart and together.  Their commitment to Christ prevailed throughout the ceremony as they entered into a holy union.  The friendships of family and loved ones showed the community of believers joining together to share the joy of an honorable covenant.  It was a sincere picture of the church, overflowing with love and unity.