Marriage is a sacred and beautiful thing. What other relationship in life combines choice with unconditional love and devotion? With our society making it into such a casual, throwaway affair, with more marriages ending than lasting, I think it’s especially important to celebrate marriage– every part of marriage.
As newlyweds, Jason and I heard time and time again things like “Just wait, it’ll fade” or “How long have you been married? Oh… no wonder you’re still in love.” Even last week, after celebrating almost five years of marriage on our second honeymoon (in which we registered and were tagged as newlyweds on our honeymoon for all to see), we continued to hear a blend of congratulations with expressions of the expectation that we would eventually “get over it.” How incredibly discouraging! We know that puppy love is different than the love that couples have after decades of marriage, but what kind of message do we send when we tell our new couples that the good part is just a phase? Is no one else hopeful?
But then, we get to witness amazing couples like Lisa and David, who just celebrated 25 years of marriage and decided to renew their vows at the beautiful Mere Bulles in Brentwood. Faith. Renewed. It was incredibly romantic (and funny!), with emphasis on family and God, and how without those elements, their marriage would have been completely different. How affirming to see them repeat their wedding vows, with tears in their eyes, and watch them laugh hysterically while re-telling the beginning of their love story. It was completely beautiful, a picture of marriage done God’s way, and I was so blessed to be a part of it.
Thank you, Lisa and David, for allowing me to be a part of your day! I’ve never heard a funnier account of two people falling in love, and I just love you two for telling it. Thank you for honoring marriage, and making it something to celebrate. You are a blessing to me. ~Sarah-Marie