When Leigh Ann was a little girl she, Shannon and I would play "wedding!" She was the bride, Shannon was the groom---I was the choreographer! You know-weddings were performances right!? Our number one hit was "Going to the Chapel," with a deep-voiced "I'm Getting Married in the Morning" as second! Well beautiful Leigh Leigh is all grown up and she went to the CHAPEL to marry her real-life groom, Matt. I was so honored to be part of the special occasion. The wedding was at Meredith College, her alum. It was a joy-filled day--that was a display of real love--not just a performance. Love filled the alumni house as she and her bridesmaids got dolled up--by the bride herself, love shown through Miss Kim's eyes as she put on her daughter's veil, it beamed through Shannon's smile as she tied (and untied) her tisser's bow. It swelled in the hearts of her family, and "chosen" family as we had the joy of seeing a true blushing bride waiting for her groom. And that is where the greatest love was seen. Matt watched his soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle with the most awestruck love I have ever seen. The two of them beamed at one another! I have never seen Leigh Ann happier! Truly glowing!
I was asked to read this beautiful Prayer of Affirmation
Eternal God, author of salvation, and giver of all grace:
Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his
life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in
Holy Matrimony.
Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common
life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in
perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.
Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will,
and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you
and one another all the days of their life.
Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and
acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgiveness and yours.
Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this
sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal
guilt, and joy conquer despair.
Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that
they may reach out in love and concern for others.
Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows
may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.
Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all
your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so
transformed by your grace, that your will may be done. Amen.
These girls are as as dear to me as family could ever be! I love them so much!
Mother and Daughter did a wonderful job planning such a great day!
Posing with the hubs!
Mom and Miss Kim are such sweet friends!
I had fun with my forever friend and her family too!
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| #laamrkwed |
I enjoyed spending time with my groom too!
And the exciting thing is the wedding fun does not have to end...these two precious ones are getting married in December! I love my ever-expanding Alford girl (and now with boys!) family!
