Cameron walked from one corner of the linen storehouse to the other, looking at the sewing machines and rolls of fabrics, like a caged animal. It had been a hard couple of days. Even though they had re-planned the whole wedding to stay in compliance with state government's COVID regulations, the anxiety over what new mandate might crash over their heads at any moment had taken their toll. Last night was hard. His eyes looked tired. His groomsmen had lunch delivered for him, but he wasn't in the mood to eat. He He just needed to see his bride.

She had an envelope delivered to him. It bulged with a stack of pages of notebook paper, written front and back with the prayers she had prayed to God about her future husband since she was a young teenager. He sat alone outside, with her prayers in his hands, and he wept. It was too much. He needed her.

Alanna knew he was anxious, but she also knew he needed a good laugh. As she went outside to the courtyard to meet Cameron for their First Touch, she grabbed his best man Evan. While Cameron stood around the corner, barely keeping himself together, Alanna and Evan tried not to burst out laughing. Cameron reached around the corner for her hand, and Evan grabbed it and gave it a kiss. A look of confusion, then disgust, and then a silly grin washed over Cameron's face. Alanna knew him well enough to know this would snap him out of his somber mood.

He was so relieved when he touched her hand at last. They prayed together through tears. A sense of peace, of shalom, came over them both and did not depart the rest of the day. She walked down the aisle to him, adorned in her simple white gown and her aunt's veil, while her uncle and her father took turns playing the piano for her. They took the Lord's Supper together and worshipped Him together. The were not able to have a full reception with their guests, but they did dance together and cut their gorgeous cake, baked by her mother, in front of all their friends. They left the ceremony in a cloud of confetti and cheering, and from there we chased the last rays of sunset through their first husband & wife portraits. It was a beautiful day from beginning to end, a day immersed in holiness and purity and joy. Enjoy a small sample of the highlights!

Cameron and Alanna,

We already feel like we’ve known you forever. Thank you for inviting us into your wedding day and making us feel like part of your family. Like Alanna’s father said during his toast, we are so impressed by the friends you have chosen to surround yourself with. With cheerleaders and accountability partners like them, how can your marriage be anything less than amazing?

Like them, and like so many who were there on your wedding day, we are cheering you on too. May your marriage be a foreshadowing of our return to Eden, a place of peace and wholeness in the presence of the Lord. For those who are without peace, may your home bring peace. For those who are without hope, may your testimony bring hope.