Kayla was a peaceful and calm bride, even getting
ready. Her hair and make-up were simply
gorgeous, and when she put on her dress, the package was stunning. She radiated beauty. We had some nice family photos on the front
steps of the church prior to the celebration.
I walked down the aisle with my handsome nephew, Samuel, and then watched as Tom
escorted his mother down; it was an unplanned but very touching moment. Next came the song “I promise I
always will” (Steffany Gretzinger) and Lia walking down the aisle. I still (7 days later) choke up thinking
about how beautiful she was as she came down the aisle, trying to smile through
her tears. Next came Mayana, again so
beautiful I could hardly breathe. Grace
was equally beautiful and I thought “How in the world am I going to make it
through this wedding without crying through it all?” I took some deep breaths as Rachel, Becca,
and Rachel proceeded – an opportunity to regain my composure I watched the
amazingly beautiful AnneMarie come down, and then the radiant Jocelyn. The big moment was at hand as we stood to
hear the song, “Divine Romance” (Phil Wickham).
Kayla’s beauty took everyone’s breath away as she walked
down the aisle on the arm of her handsome father. I know for sure that I have never seen a more
beautiful bride, radiating love, purity, and a depth of beauty that could never
be painted on. I was careful to breathe and prepared myself to stand and come
up to the front with her as we planned.
Standing next to Kayla at the front of the church and
watching Adam gaze lovingly at his bride was a moment that time seemed to stand
still. It was warm up front, and the
excitement was palpable. I waited
eagerly for my chance to hug Kayla and tell her I loved her. My heart was catching in my throat, but I did
manage to say it, “I love you Kayla; you are beautiful.”
The perfect way to view a wedding is from the front
row. I was captured by each moment of
worship. The foot washing, set to the
tune of Dance with Me, sung beautifully by Abbey and Steve, was particularly
moving as the couple whispered to each other words the rest of us will never
know, though the message was clear: “I
am devoting myself to serving you and the Lord all the days of my life.”
Praying for Kayla and Adam was another moment when time
seemed to stand still. Steve and Abbey
were leading the rest of the congregation in worship as Tom, Valerie, Bob, Dad,
Mom, Jeremy, Sonya, Beth, Mike, Terry, Monica, and I prayed for the
couple. I remember that the prayers were
all so on point for them particularly and how I prayed that there would be many
“sons and daughters brought into the Kingdom through them.”
Finally, we closed the worship
time with Our Father (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzoNKuymO0U).
Incredible! This may have
been my favorite moment of the wedding ceremony (other than seeing the look of
rapture between Kayla and Adam as they said their vows and exchanged
rings). We truly worshiped God, and my
heart swelled with such thanksgiving and gratitude and worshipful awe with my
arms raised high. I worshiped without
thought of anyone else there. I stood
amazed as those on stage, particularly the groomsmen, worshiped with wholehearted
abandon, arms high. Truly amazing!
Rusty gave a message on the
meaning of the covenant of marriage. It
was really good, but a little long I think. I
just kept reminding myself that “this is what Kayla and Adam picked.” (I asked others later if they thought the
whole ceremony was too long, but everyone said it was just right.) Then the moments came that everyone had been
waiting for. Their vows were traditional
and delivered in a heartfelt manner; they exchanged rings (again with looks of enraptured love on their faces); and finally, they kissed their very first
kiss. I think we all cheered and
clapped, but this part had a surreal feel to it. Only those close enough to know the whole
story realized that this was indeed their very first kiss.
With the pronouncement of marriage
came the exuberant recessional “Let your heart go free” (Rick
Pino.) Kayla’s and Adam’s smile were
radiant as they walked fairly quickly down the aisle, followed by each in the
wedding party. I was caught up in the
feeling of victory, but made sure to cue each of G, M, and L for their place in
the recessional, before allowing Tom to escort me along behind them. I was dancing inside, and a bit on the
outside too, as I beamed with radiant joy.
It all happened so fast – that Kayla Amlung became Kayla Coupe – that I
felt startled!
I proceeded outside to meet and
greet. I asked AnneMarie and Jocelyn
where K and Adam were. She said, “I
think they went around the corner to make out.”
We laughed. And then I greeted so
many people. So fun to see those whom
I’d forgotten would be there – and those who traveled so far. Relatives and friends, many of whom I hadn’t
seen in over a year. All too soon we
were asked to come to the back of the church for more photos – fun photos of
the couple kissing. And then it all
became a blur for a while.
I was only slightly flustered over
some of the details, which I kept placing back into others’ hands. Somehow drinks were set up and people got
water, tea, and lemonade. Somehow the
food got set out by the caterers, and somehow the sound guy doubled as DJ and
announced what he was supposed to announce.
One important detail that went
just right: Jocelyn and I bustled
Kayla’s dress without any delay or hiccups, so that she could rejoin the
wedding.
A few people asked questions to
which I had no answer. And life went on,
as did the party.
I greeted Clara and Mart and Ginny
and girls and reconnected a little with family members. I got to say hello to all those who had
come. I just wish I had more time with
most of them. I hated to see that
Martin/Clara/Pat/Lisa and all left way too early. But at least they got to see two of my other
favorite parts:
The first dance and the
daddy-daughter dance. They were
great! I got those on video.
I think at some point I got a bite
to eat, and I do remember that the food was very good, especially the spinach
artichoke dip and the Swedish meatballs.
We needed more of those to take home after, but they did last to the end
of the reception.
All too soon it was time to cut
the cake. I noticed that the cake did
look very beautiful, and the fact that it was two tiers instead of three didn’t
make any difference. Right at this moment
that’s all I remember – the cake looked great and Kayla and Adam managed to
fairly gracefully smear cake and frosting on each other’s faces. Adorable.
Kayla beamed with beauty
throughout the evening. I wish I could
recapture exactly how that looked to me.
Adam seemed to be swept away in love and admiration for his bride.
I stayed close to the wedding
party table for the speeches and toast.
Jocelyn and Tom did absolutely amazing jobs. Having champagne was fun!!! I only had one glass, but it was so festive.
I danced with Tom. It was so fun, too!! I loved the band. Wouldn’t change a thing. It was awesome when Abbey sang Amazing Grace
with them.
I enjoyed catching up a bit with
Laura, Dan, and Emma. I enjoyed talking
a bit with a few other friends here and there.
Got to catch up some with Uncle Greg – a treat that he showed up. I sure wish I could have connected better
with James and Christina! I didn’t see
them after our initial hugs and brief conversation right after the
ceremony.
The sparkler send-off was
magical. So perfect!! We were right by the car and watched them
walk all the way down the long winding aisle of people with sparklers. I guess a lot of people did stay to the end,
because the line was LONG!
A moment that I wished I’d grabbed on video – the line
dancing at the very end.
Clean-up was crazy but we got it all done.
I felt like I was still on cloud nine for hours afterward,
and even into the next two days.
Amazing love, amazing grace, amazing God!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!
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