babble
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
My eyes are bursting hearts:
My trip to Philadelphia was amazing, and I have so many things to write about that I don't know where to start. So, instead of recapping the entire weekend right now, I am going to tell you about the very best part: my big brother's wedding.
I've been friends with Shawn for almost ten years, and we've considered each other family for almost as long as we've known each other. When he first got together with Leah, I was so happy when I saw how amazing they were together. They simply glow in each other's presence. That was four years ago, and they are still glowing just as brightly.
I went to Philadelphia this weekend prepared to be their "backup" minister, in case something happened with the friend who was going to perform the ceremony. He was traveling a fairly long distance to the wedding by car and Shawn & Leah wanted to make sure they had another ordained minister ready to step in, just in case. Minor disaster did strike, as the original officiant got a flat tire on the way to Philly and missed the rehearsal. I stood in as officiant for the rehearsal, and after a very emotional rehearsal session, they decided they wanted me to perform the ceremony.
I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful the ceremony was. Every wedding I've been to that joined two people I care deeply about together has been beautiful. The first wedding I officiated last October was lovely, and I felt honored and blessed to have been a part of it. This ceremony, though.. well, these two wonderful people are my family. They're people I choose to call family. I walked my big brother up to the altar and watched his beautiful bride come down the aisle to join him. They exchanged their vows, beautiful vows written for them with the help of Shawn's sister-in-law, vows that made every single person in attendance cry with joy. The love between the two of them and flowing towards them from their friends, family, and community was overflowing and palpable. Pronouncing them husband and wife was one of the happiest moments of my life.
It is truly rare to see the very definition of true love right in front of you. I was fortunate enough to be able to be a part of celebrating that love this weekend.
Congratulations, Shawn and Leah.
babbled by Kat @ 9:40:00 AM |
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