On a beautiful Sunday in July, I got to attend Caroline and Matt’s beautiful wedding. And take pictures. Their ceremony was one of my very favorites. You’ll see in a moment that they are a gorgeous couple on the outside. But by observing their actions toward each other and seeing the details and thought that went into the God-centeredness of their day, I got to see how gorgeous they are inside.
The entire event took place at American Village in Montevallo. This place is fabulous. So many awesome places to take pictures, but also an extremely kind and accommodating staff. They made the day much easier (and less sweaty) than it could have been. The pastor was Kelly Stephenson, the worship pastor from Double Oak Mountain Community Church. His homily was from Colossians 3:12-17 and was so inspiring not just for the couple, but for those of us who have been married for long enough that we don’t remember our own wedding homily!
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
He broke down the different components that Paul says to “clothe yourselves with” and explains why each is important in marriage. Compassion- true compassion for another doesn’t allow cynicism, kindness- allows us to be wholly ourselves and trust one another with that vulnerability, humility- allows us to appreciate the other since we are fully aware of our undeservedness… I wish I could have written it down!
I hope you can enjoy a glimpse at this couple’s first few hours of marriage and how special it was to anyone in attendance through these pictures.
This was the third ceremony in a row that I was allowed to be somewhere besides the very back of the church. I sat with Caroline’s parents and was able to capture such adoring gazes from Matt to his bride. And such jubilant smiles from his parents!
Caroline and her daddy danced to “Sweet Caroline” and I love her dad getting everyone to sing along here.
