Oregon summer evenings can be beautiful and this night lived up to all its potential. The weather was perfect, and the outdoor location provided an intimate setting that allowed all the guests a good view of the couple and wedding party. The bride's grandfather conducted the ceremony with poise representative of his decades worth of experience, balanced with the pride and joy of a happy grandfather. This was particularly special for Marcy and I as He married us 15 years ago. The tempo of his speech, his enuciation of words and phrases, his mannerism, and the mere sound of his voice brought back memories of one of my happiest days in August of 1995.
This evening was about something else though, and I don't mean the Bride and Groom. These young people were coming together and using their wedding ceremony to begin a marriage union, but more importantly this was a celebration of their faith, their personal commitments to Christ, and celebration that through their marriage Christ would be honored and they would grow closer to their personal Savior. The entire event was an expression of their faith and a sharing of their faith with friends and family. I don't think I have ever attended or participated in a wedding ceremony where it was so evident that the joining of two people was entirely centered on personal and shared relationships with Jesus. It was awesome to witness and humbling to be a part of. Their vows were the absolute best vows I have ever heard two people say to each other. Raw, honest, poetic, and emphatic of the importance of Christ as the focal point of their marriage; they were glimpses into the heart of their relationship and left those of us listening with no doubts they were on the right path. I have always felt that Marcy and I did a great job with our vows, but after hearing Emily and Patrick's, I couldn't help but feel like I owed Marcy an apology that my vow wasn't that good! I wish I had recorded them so I could play them for my own daughter as an example of what her Dad wants her to find in a relationship someday. Someday a LONG TIME FROM NOW! :-)
The Kirstein family were such important and positive influences in both Marcy's and my own life that it was very special to be there with them to celebrate this evening. It was also a night of reunions as we reconnected with a special friend we hadn't seen in nearly 20 years..... and now I'm back to feeling old in that I have friends I can actually have gone 20 years without seeing. Ugh!Congratulations Emily and Patrick and thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a special night and an extra shout-out to Jaclyn for letting me use her photos!
