Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness...Our God, That is Who You Are

2.22.2022

Heavy rain fell overnight. At 5:30AM the patio was soaked and glossy, the grass soft and muddy, the air cold and crisp, there was a whistling wind, and the sky was draped with dark grey clouds. I took a deep breath and thanked God...today I am marrying my BEST FRIEND...whatever Your will, Lord...today is in Your hands!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24

Lily and Jessica were the first to arrive at 6:00AM. I remember us all looking outside the patio doors speechless at the current condition of the backyard....soggy, wet, cold...we didn't say anything. We just took it in for a brief moment, then the ladies took charge! They told me to relax and enjoy as they began organizing the décor for setup.

The first vendors and deliveries arrived at 7:00AM. As we met them outside, the clouds began to clear, the beautiful blue sky began to peek through the clouds, and gentle rays of sunlight began to shine down. I felt the Lord's presence. Within hours, there was not a trace of rain, the air was fresh, and the wind had calmed to a whisper. God is omnipotent!

The smell of lavender began to fill the air as Jessica and Lily arranged every detail with such care and love. They followed our every wish, big or small, using every piece of décor that Andrew and I had picked out together. Nothing was missed.

The floral arrangements were thoughtfully designed by my Uncle Jay and cousin Jill (M's Flowers). They draped the arch lattice in white chiffon with eucalyptus and florals. Every light post in the front of the house and backyard were topped with mini flower arrangements. Large beautiful arrangements were placed at the mailbox, entrance, and the stone alter. Our centerpieces were exactly how we requested. Succulents were scattered throughout the tabletops and beverage bar. And at the last minute, they draped chiffon above the check in table in the hall and decorated the wall with photos I had printed that morning. My bouquet was an exact replica of the design I had requested! Every detail was heart felt, thoughtful, and simply beautiful.

The vanilla and lemon cakes by Linda (Sweet T's) were decorated to the exact specs we requested with floral embossed impressions and were topped with flowers from M's Flowers. Each mini cake was designed with such detail and love to match the main cake. Lily and Jessica added accents and décor pieces to make the table so romantic and breathtaking! These two ladies were such a gift from God.

The photographers from White Dress Cinema arrived in full force! We had only paid for 2 people - a videographer and a photographer, but they showed up as a 4-person crew! As they began capturing the décor, accessories, and the setting, I noticed the time and care they were putting into every shot. We couldn't find a good place to hang my dress inside of the room, but Victoria (the female photographer) found a beautiful place to hang the dress on the tree right outside of my aunt's bedroom! It was breathtaking!

Let's talk for a moment about Auntie Judie's backyard! It was the most beautiful and romantic setting for our wedding and every detail just fit perfectly! From the snack and beverage bar, to the stone path that led down to the pool level, the corner of the lawn that tucked the taco cart away, the grassy lawn area that is elevated enough for all of us to watch the amazing performance by Micah and Christian, the doorway that fit the arch lattice as if they were made for each other for this very day....the list just goes on and on. EVERY DETAIL was such a blessing.

Additional blessings:

• My cousin Chrissy did my makeup with NO trial run the day prior! She kept my look natural, yet made me feel beautiful!

• Sonia, Auntie Judie's hairdresser, did my hair and it came out even better than I had even hoped! It even came out better than when we did the trial run the day before! God's hand even orchestrated every bobby pin!

• Kon Tiki Taco cooked everything to perfection and the location of their setup couldn't have been more perfect! It was as if Auntie Judie designed the backyard years ago with my wedding in mind!

• Micah and Christian put on such an incredible show and were so entertaining! So much better than going to Germaine's Luau!

• Uncle Randy laser engraved our vows into wood panels and made a wood frame for them so that we would have them as keepsakes for the rest of our lives!

• Pastor Ken delivered the perfect message that spoke to so many. Hesed is exactly how I would describe the love that is between Andrew and I, and the love that God has for both Andrew and I.

• Chrissy and Chloe looked and sang so beautifully. It warmed my heart to see the 2 youngest women in our family to worship God together in such harmony.

• January, the guitarist, was such a blessing and the perfect accompaniment to the setting and sound.

I want to put special emphasis on the song that was sung during our wedding.

"Way Maker" was chosen over a month before the wedding. Andrew and I dedicated a drive across town to listen to music with the intention of choosing our wedding songs. When "Way Maker" came on, it touched both of our hearts. It made me cry. We just knew from that moment, that it was the song that we wanted Chrissy and Chloe to sing.

Our initial heart around the song was truly to give glory and honor to God during the ceremony, to take the focus away from us as a couple, and to highlight our God who has been the center of our relationship from the beginning. Andrew has been a gift to me. Never married, losing hope with every passing year, I was heartbroken and longing for a life partner, a true best friend to live life with. During a church service on New Years of 2019, God made me a promise - that I would begin to know the man of my dreams "this year." 7 months later, a spark was ignited between Andrew and I. To this day, I cannot explain all that Andrew has meant to me. It's just the way that he is that fits everything that I am and that I am not.

Little did we know that with our heart's intention of giving glory to God during our ceremony, that the song would become a true testimony of every big and little triumph that formed our perfect day. GOD IS GREATER!!!!

And here's my favorite minor detail that proves God's omnipotence...

Every vendor after the florist was late to arrive. Some arrived over an hour behind schedule! But every moment of delay pushed our ceremony to be delayed exactly by 22 minutes. By God's perfect timing, and Jessica there to capture the moment with an unintentional timestamp...my mom and I began to walk down the aisle at 2:22PM ON THE DOT. Check it out here!

What a mighty God we serve! God LOVES us so deeply, He fulfills promises beyond what we could ever hope or ask for. 2:22PM was NOT planned. It was just God.

Thank you for sharing this special day with us. I will never forget it. ♥

♥ A special thank you to Auntie Judie who gave us the perfect place to celebrate our love. Thank you for opening your home to us. We are forever grateful. ♥