a chord of three strands

We've all dreamt of this wedding for a loooong time.

 For us, a non-negotiable three weeks on the West Coast filled with all our favorites 

parents and siblings

IPAs and eggs benedict and all the food, really.

But that'll be discussed later. For now? The wedding

THE wedding we've all been waiting for,

they've worked so hard for (with many, many sacrifices)

so that we can come together and 

CELEBRATE 

the sheer joy and beauty behind the institution of 

marriage

when two give up their lives for the sake of the other

(like Christ lovingly did for us)

and everyone says

YES. I'll be there, wouldn't have it any other way.

three hours driving along the 

California coast, arm doing waves in the wind out the open window

as the waves crash on the cliffs and surfers wait patiently for the right one

type A against type B in one car, as Annie and I voted for the scenic route

and pastrami sandwiches

and didn't get the directions right,

Amy exhibiting grace which I know was a challenge

as she wanted to arrive with enough time
 to make it perfect for our Kelly

forty-five minutes up a winding dirt rode,

eyes closed and tiny gasps as curves were taken quickly and potholes uncovered

but oh, when we arrived.

Can you imagine our exclamations?! our wonder?!

my favorite way to celebrate a bride-->

 incredible food from a personal chef, wine, desserts, obligatory bachelorette panty games, wine, dancing, wine, and pajamas. More dancing. Early bedtime.

The day before, everyone coming together beautifully with one goal in mind,

to make this wedding the best more perfect day ever.

Flowers gathered and cinched,

tablecloths ironed

cupcakes iced... you name it, we did it, with music blasting and smiles on our faces the whole time. (most of the time)

a lovely wine tasting nearby as we rested and 

talked about how much we love Jesse and Kelly 

and how we can't wait until tomorrow

and an impromptu vineyard photoshoot

The rehearsal, a quite hilarious ordeal where we all tried to figure out where to be and

Annie was bombarded with questions 

but it worked out, because you know what?

It's not about being perfectly timed and standing in 

exactly the right place

All that matters is that gorgeous bride gliding down the center and joining her

man waiting in anticipation for her arrival.

Dinner that night was special as we received special insight into what makes Jesse 

the man of Kelly's dreams

his childhood stories and strength of character and servant's heart.

Surrounded by the closest family and friends

we gorged on pasta and delicious red wine and laughed and cried and relished the moment

Finally. 

The Big Day.

A few quick preparations, then time to primp and take pictures and oo and ahh over our 

absolutely stunning, radiant bride

who with such calm and grace went throughout the day

with peace in her heart, knowing the day she had 

dreamed about her whole life was finally here,

the day we'd planned and wondered about since our friendship began when we were twelve

wondering what our future husbands would be like,

 {is it someone we know?}

{will he be handsome and smart and love Jesus?}

{maybe we'll never get married and no one will love us.}

so much young heartache, but oh so worth it to arrive at this day, ready to commit 

to the right one. The one that makes everything else so trivial.

What a joy to witness a marriage, 

to stand beside the bride and declare your love and support 

as two become one, especially when it's someone you care about deeply. 

What a joy to get to know her closest friends from all stages of life, the ones you've heard so much about and finally get to see just how awesome they really are.

What a joy to know the rest of your lives will be spent 

together as our kids will grow up knowing each other's offspring as 'cousins' and their parents as 'aunts and uncles'

rolling their eyes at the stories that are retold every time we're all together

of mommy's crazy stories together

all these things you mull over when your best friend gets married, you know.

Dancing under the most incredible stars you've ever seen

corralling the squirreliest DJ you've ever come across

and knowing that nothing could be more perfect about this moment,

then getting to continue the dance party in the farmhouse.

It was magical.

sharing weddings with your hunky husband, your bffs and seester? 

couldn't get any better

Kel, I wish you a life of sheer joy and grace

and the utmost blessings from our Father

Thank you for letting us all be a part of your

big day and for working so hard to make it perfect 

for all involved.

Much love to you and Jesse!