If someone had told me last August that I would be Nine months into marriage and expecting a precious little one on the way in a years time, I wouldn't have believed them!
Here I am now, writing from our home in Georgia with nine months of marriage under my belt and, Lord willing, a lifetime ahead of learning through adventures with the man I love so dearly.
I've contemplated how I should re-enter the blog world after months of silence and a complete change of life. Of course, there's always the "original" idea of doing a catch-up post (which I may not be able to resist at a later time :)), but this time I wanted to share with my readers how the Lord directed every step of our wedding so specifically, and what a blessed and beautiful weekend it was!
So here it is, my dear readers...Our Wedding Weekend
The planning began one day in late October while Andrew and I were working to clean up his three acres of tomatoes. There was confusion about the type of wedding we wanted and where to begin in the planning. Needless to say, the details were a little overwhelming. We had ideas of what we wanted; but didn't know how to go about creating the atmosphere (sacred, sentimental, festive) we so desired. In the midst of sharing ideas and not gaining any ground of peace, we paused- Standing on ground covered in retired tomato plants and stakes, the peaceful cool breeze bringing a change of season-we paused to approach the throne of God and request that He direct us in the planning. That He would plan a day which would glorify Him and represent Christ and His bride.
We resumed our work and Andrew went to the creek to work on the pump. A short while later he came running to meet me in the field exclaiming, "I've had a moment of brilliance!". It certainly was a moment of brilliance, and we're so thankful that the Lord answered our prayers and gave us a vision for the day we made a covenant before Almighty God.
Even though we broke all the rules of tradition and, I'm sure, sent a shock wave through our social circles; it's amazing the excitement that we both experienced once we stepped back from the traditional wedding routine and asked what the day is truly about. We wanted the close fellowship and witness of those we've shared most of life with; the ceremony to be simple and sacred, sharing the vows we'd written to one another in the outdoor cathedral of God's creation; and for there to be freedom to think without the stress of meeting tradition's standard. :)
After working in the field, on the drive back to Andrew's house, we predicted responses from both our families, not knowing what they would think about our very different ideas. Around the lunch table we began to describe our new thoughts: cabin wedding, worshiping together the night before the ceremony, an early morning breakfast together before the covenant is made (consisting of a coffee bar!), a sacred quiet ceremony with just our families to witness, and a conclusion of a feast and dancing together!
The response was almost more affirming than our excitement as a couple...they loved it!
So it was that the planning began and the weekend we had counted down to arrived...
November 20, 2010
Early Saturday morning grandparents arrived and the Johnson caravan headed for our destination point, Hawkesdene House in Andrews, North Carolina.The view became more and more breathtaking as we drove deeper into the captivating mountains. It was the strangest and most sobering sensation- knowing that I would not leave these mountains the same. I was driving into the mountains under my father's care and guidance- and I would leave with that title having been given to another man. Praise God for the peace that is experienced in such a sobering time- a peace which passeth all understanding from His hand of guidance.
Upon arriving, there were delighted oohs and ahhs while excited faces went from one grand room to another and walked around the beautiful grounds. One of the most pleasurable sights for my eyes was the full-fledged coffee bar! Our God is so lovingly detailed in giving us the desires of our heart.
While waiting for the Darby clan to arrive, we trekked up the mountain trail to check out the view from the gazebo. It was worth the hike! A beautiful display of God's handiwork.
On the way back down the trail, sweaty glistening and out of breath, we were greeted by Andrew Daniel- running up the mountain with ferocious energy. It was a wondrous and exciting moment, and both of us were at a loss for words- knowing why we were all gathering that weekend!
The afternoon was spent in beautiful fellowship: there were games being played inside, conversations being enjoyed around the outdoor fireplace, and the little ones thoroughly enjoying the llamas!
As the sun began to set, everyone gathered around the pavilion to enjoy some delicious kabobs. It was romantically blissful: crisp November air, a blazing fireplace, candle lit tables, joyous laughter and music amongst so many smiling faces and two very happy hearts.
The evening was concluded with worship and singing around the campfire. Clay and Avie played their guitars as we all sang and made music in our hearts.
Families then retired to their cottages and the heavens rejoiced as the stillness preludes the morning to come.
November 21, 2010
It was misty and peaceful as the sun determined an appearance early Sunday morning.
Andrew and I woke early to make the trek up the mountain a second time, this time with Bibles and Andrew's journal in hand. It was a special time of reflecting and praying together.We returned to a feast of a breakfast and hot coffee. It was a full house, with the laughter of precious little ones filling the once stagnant rooms.
Here I am now, writing from our home in Georgia with nine months of marriage under my belt and, Lord willing, a lifetime ahead of learning through adventures with the man I love so dearly.
I've contemplated how I should re-enter the blog world after months of silence and a complete change of life. Of course, there's always the "original" idea of doing a catch-up post (which I may not be able to resist at a later time :)), but this time I wanted to share with my readers how the Lord directed every step of our wedding so specifically, and what a blessed and beautiful weekend it was!
So here it is, my dear readers...Our Wedding Weekend
The planning began one day in late October while Andrew and I were working to clean up his three acres of tomatoes. There was confusion about the type of wedding we wanted and where to begin in the planning. Needless to say, the details were a little overwhelming. We had ideas of what we wanted; but didn't know how to go about creating the atmosphere (sacred, sentimental, festive) we so desired. In the midst of sharing ideas and not gaining any ground of peace, we paused- Standing on ground covered in retired tomato plants and stakes, the peaceful cool breeze bringing a change of season-we paused to approach the throne of God and request that He direct us in the planning. That He would plan a day which would glorify Him and represent Christ and His bride.
We resumed our work and Andrew went to the creek to work on the pump. A short while later he came running to meet me in the field exclaiming, "I've had a moment of brilliance!". It certainly was a moment of brilliance, and we're so thankful that the Lord answered our prayers and gave us a vision for the day we made a covenant before Almighty God.
Even though we broke all the rules of tradition and, I'm sure, sent a shock wave through our social circles; it's amazing the excitement that we both experienced once we stepped back from the traditional wedding routine and asked what the day is truly about. We wanted the close fellowship and witness of those we've shared most of life with; the ceremony to be simple and sacred, sharing the vows we'd written to one another in the outdoor cathedral of God's creation; and for there to be freedom to think without the stress of meeting tradition's standard. :)
After working in the field, on the drive back to Andrew's house, we predicted responses from both our families, not knowing what they would think about our very different ideas. Around the lunch table we began to describe our new thoughts: cabin wedding, worshiping together the night before the ceremony, an early morning breakfast together before the covenant is made (consisting of a coffee bar!), a sacred quiet ceremony with just our families to witness, and a conclusion of a feast and dancing together!
The response was almost more affirming than our excitement as a couple...they loved it!
So it was that the planning began and the weekend we had counted down to arrived...
November 20, 2010
Early Saturday morning grandparents arrived and the Johnson caravan headed for our destination point, Hawkesdene House in Andrews, North Carolina.The view became more and more breathtaking as we drove deeper into the captivating mountains. It was the strangest and most sobering sensation- knowing that I would not leave these mountains the same. I was driving into the mountains under my father's care and guidance- and I would leave with that title having been given to another man. Praise God for the peace that is experienced in such a sobering time- a peace which passeth all understanding from His hand of guidance.
Upon arriving, there were delighted oohs and ahhs while excited faces went from one grand room to another and walked around the beautiful grounds. One of the most pleasurable sights for my eyes was the full-fledged coffee bar! Our God is so lovingly detailed in giving us the desires of our heart.
While waiting for the Darby clan to arrive, we trekked up the mountain trail to check out the view from the gazebo. It was worth the hike! A beautiful display of God's handiwork.On the way back down the trail, sweaty glistening and out of breath, we were greeted by Andrew Daniel- running up the mountain with ferocious energy. It was a wondrous and exciting moment, and both of us were at a loss for words- knowing why we were all gathering that weekend!
The afternoon was spent in beautiful fellowship: there were games being played inside, conversations being enjoyed around the outdoor fireplace, and the little ones thoroughly enjoying the llamas!
As the sun began to set, everyone gathered around the pavilion to enjoy some delicious kabobs. It was romantically blissful: crisp November air, a blazing fireplace, candle lit tables, joyous laughter and music amongst so many smiling faces and two very happy hearts.
Families then retired to their cottages and the heavens rejoiced as the stillness preludes the morning to come.
November 21, 2010
It was misty and peaceful as the sun determined an appearance early Sunday morning.
Andrew and I woke early to make the trek up the mountain a second time, this time with Bibles and Andrew's journal in hand. It was a special time of reflecting and praying together.We returned to a feast of a breakfast and hot coffee. It was a full house, with the laughter of precious little ones filling the once stagnant rooms.
At 11:20, everyone gathered outside for the long awaited moment to covenant two lives before Heaven.
Just after the ceremony, Andrew and I had some quiet time together before the festivities and feasting began.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
(I am so thankful for our photographers who did a wonderful job: Ashley, Christie, and David! Thank you guys so much!)
Thank you, mom, for all the work you put into making our wedding so special! You're wonderful!
2 comments:
this is beautiful....
I love this.
Congratulations on your marriage! I was so excited to read about your engagement last year, and see your wedding photos thru your sister's blog! It was lovely to read this special post about your wedding plans and the way they worked out so wonderfully - it looked like a special weekend. And what exciting news about a precious little one - congratulations again!
God bless you!
Abbie (a reader from Australia :)
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