Souls Intertwined
It was an outdoor wedding on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. They couldn't have asked for a better day. The sky was blue, cloudless. The air was warm, with a gentle breeze drifting through the trees now and then. The decorations were simple because the natural beauty didn't need much added to it. 
As the music started, the wedding party made their way down the pathway. Then, finally, the bride emerged. The groom was waiting expectantly at the front. He took off his sunglasses, willing to risk looking directly into the sunlight, because he wanted nothing between him and his bride. Their eyes locked and grinning from ear-to-ear, the bride seemed to float up the aisle, only held back because she was holding on to her father's arm.
The pastor's words were inspiring as he gave them encouragement and words of advise as they began their marriage. But the real magic started to happen as they began to exchange their vows. It wasn't the usual vows that they each repeat after the pastor - they didn't even say "I do" - but the words that they had written down and read to each other, were thoughts, feelings, emotions that came straight from the deepest part of their hearts. I was moved to tears at how innocent and unconditional their love was for each other.
Delluhle, the groom, went first and he shared how he had begun praying for his bride long before he had even met her and how God had eventually brought her into his life at the right time and gave him the patience to pursue her. Then Janzel, the bride, shared how she was hopelessly, helplessly, breathlessly, entirely, head-over-heels, completely in love with him. She vowed that she would love him forever, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in sight or in blindness....
You see, Delluhle was diagnosed with cone dystrophy which will result in blindness within the next 10 years (some of you may remember when I first blogged about it a year ago.) They had just started dating when he was diagnosed with this rare disease, and Delluhle was worried that it would scare Janzel away. But quite the opposite has happened - fully knowing of his condition, Janzel promised to love him, honor him, and walk by his side even when he does go blind and can no longer see her to tell her how beautiful she is. It was probably the most beautiful and inspiring thing I've ever witnessed...... and yet, I know the best is yet to come!
The happy couple
Family photos while we're hanging out and waiting for the reception
My good friend/"cousin" Domonique (sister of the groom).
Me with the newly-weds!
Growing up, there were about 5 families who all attended the same church. We all called each other "auntie" and "uncle" and we grew up together like cousins. Here are the aunties....
...the uncles....
...and 9 of the 14 cousins.
Finally, well after the sun disappeared, they made their escape!
Best wishes as you begin your new lives together!
As the music started, the wedding party made their way down the pathway. Then, finally, the bride emerged. The groom was waiting expectantly at the front. He took off his sunglasses, willing to risk looking directly into the sunlight, because he wanted nothing between him and his bride. Their eyes locked and grinning from ear-to-ear, the bride seemed to float up the aisle, only held back because she was holding on to her father's arm.
The pastor's words were inspiring as he gave them encouragement and words of advise as they began their marriage. But the real magic started to happen as they began to exchange their vows. It wasn't the usual vows that they each repeat after the pastor - they didn't even say "I do" - but the words that they had written down and read to each other, were thoughts, feelings, emotions that came straight from the deepest part of their hearts. I was moved to tears at how innocent and unconditional their love was for each other.
Delluhle, the groom, went first and he shared how he had begun praying for his bride long before he had even met her and how God had eventually brought her into his life at the right time and gave him the patience to pursue her. Then Janzel, the bride, shared how she was hopelessly, helplessly, breathlessly, entirely, head-over-heels, completely in love with him. She vowed that she would love him forever, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in sight or in blindness....You see, Delluhle was diagnosed with cone dystrophy which will result in blindness within the next 10 years (some of you may remember when I first blogged about it a year ago.) They had just started dating when he was diagnosed with this rare disease, and Delluhle was worried that it would scare Janzel away. But quite the opposite has happened - fully knowing of his condition, Janzel promised to love him, honor him, and walk by his side even when he does go blind and can no longer see her to tell her how beautiful she is. It was probably the most beautiful and inspiring thing I've ever witnessed...... and yet, I know the best is yet to come!
"You may now kiss your bride....."
The happy couple
Taking off for a few hours before the reception
Family photos while we're hanging out and waiting for the reception
My good friend/"cousin" Domonique (sister of the groom).
They finally returned for the reception. It was a nice sit-down meal with stories and pictures shared about the bride and groom. As it was beginning to get dark, they finally cut the cake.
Me with the newly-weds!
Growing up, there were about 5 families who all attended the same church. We all called each other "auntie" and "uncle" and we grew up together like cousins. Here are the aunties....
...the uncles....
...and 9 of the 14 cousins.
Finally, well after the sun disappeared, they made their escape!
Best wishes as you begin your new lives together!
Comments
In many ways, while weddings are beautiful, the marriages that come afterwards can be even more so.