A noticeable twinkle flickered in Nick’s eye the whole of Saturday, totally putting those hundreds of AMAZING strings of twinkle lights to shame. The Inn at Leola Village looked like a shimmering yuletide ballroom, complete with four Christmas trees, fireplace, and gold details.

The details may have gleamed, but it was Julianna who made her Kleinfeld Bridal wedding dress sparkle! With every movement, the sequins danced and added to the glow of her bridal splendor.

Every guest present watched her glide down the aisle on her father’s arm, shining with the radiance only a bride at Christmas time can. Her mother, Laurie, was present by way of a portrait resting on a chair at the front, expectantly waiting for Julianna to meet her groom, and whether it was the reflection of the twinkle lights or my imagination…I realized Laurie’s eyes were joyfully glistening too.

With the majority of the guests from out of state, it was apparent to Adam and me that this couple has a LOT of close, affectionate friends and family surrounding them with love and support, no matter how far away they might live. Nick’s father delivered words of pride in his son and new daughter-in-law, and cheers went up from the crowd–particularly for the family legacy Nick has carried on in his service as a pilot for the U.S. military.

Nick and Jules met in Little Rock, Arkansas while Nick was training with the Air Force, and Julianna was studying to become a registered nurse in oncology. Just a few short months after they got engaged and took care of most of their wedding planning (because Nick wasn’t about to leave it all to Jules), Nick landed in Kuwait for his deployment while Julianna finished up the remaining wedding details until he returned one month before the big day. I think it is safe to say this couple is in the ministry of service.

Nick and Jules, thank you. Thank you for serving our country, our people, your family, friends, and so many others. I know it isn’t without difficulty and loss that you have come to this point in your lives, which makes your story even more powerful. God’s plans are a great mystery, aren’t they? I admit that when I think of your story, I have a hard time coming up with words to say. It’s so true to God’s character to make amazing results come of things in life that aren’t easy to swallow. Julianna…you became an oncology nurse because of your mom’s battle with cancer. Nick…you answered the call to serve our country. Neither of those things is easy, but both of your choices is a direct result of the families God put you in and the path he chose for you. The word that comes to mind is the word LEGACY.

So…live.

Go live in the knowledge that God’s plans–no matter how deeply into the fire they require you to go–will always bring about life, even if it isn’t in the way you expect. Forge a REAL life together. It’s gonna be messy–I promise. But be okay with that. The messy stuff is what matters most. That’s where forgiveness, perseverance, and strength live–in the messy parts. I strongly believe God created marriage to be just that. If it were clean and neat it wouldn’t be a very accurate representation of Christ and the church, right? You have your own legacy to leave to the people who come after you, so make sure to leave behind the lessons you learned along the way. Why?

Because your legacy is going to be a great one. Love you both.

xoxo

Meagan and Adam 🙂

 

Thanks to all the wonderful people who helped make this day absolute perfection!

Venue: The Inn at Leola Village

Photography: The Jepsons

Entertainment: ProVolve Entertainment

Videography: JKM Productions

Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal