I pray before each wedding that God will allow me to be creative, for eyes to see the couple’s story accurately and completely, and for the ability to serve and love the people we will be working with on that day. On May 20, 2011, Colleen and I were blessed to work with a genuinely beautiful couple – beautiful on the inside and out. There was a closeness between the family, the sisters, the aunts, the friends – it was very special. Let me share with you their story.
All things are not good in and of themselves, but in Romans 8:28 God gives us the glorious and wonderful promise that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." This is most certainly exemplified in how Nancy and Jonathon’s relationship unfolds.
Jonathan’s father passed away more than ten years ago and at the same time, Nancy’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, both were very difficult circumstances and led each of them separately to the same college to enroll in the very same community service program. That is where their story began. Their heart-breaking circumstances led them to a wonderfully strong friendship and eventual dating relationship and now marriage!
I remember when we first met with them and I know we would click…I mean Nancy was all about the chocolate brownie;)! (Just kidding Nancy!) She was so organized and deliberate and detailed. Jonathan sat and took it in. Her exquisite planning made the day go so smoothly and allowed her guests, family and wedding party to really relax and enjoy everything. She is a joy to be around ~ so sweet, kind and fun-loving. Jonathan was totally smitten with her, was so sensitive and iss truly a nice, genuine person. They have so many people who love them, coming from all over to celebrate with them.
Here are some images from my perspective...
The girls took a minute to pray before the ceremony began.
The ceremony.
I think my favorite part of this ceremony was the blessing of the rings. I have never seen this done before, but guests were invited to come and pray for the couple by the rings if they chose to do so. The rings were extra special because Jonathan was wearing his father's wedding band. Nancy and Jonathan hoped many would, but I don't think they anticipated almost everyone stepping up. It was quite moving.
Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Willis!
The toasts were telling. I learned many things…First from one of her beautiful sisters, Allison, I learned all about princesses. She shared that their family had three sisters/three princesses growing up…Nancy, the nice one; Allison, the smart one; and Ellen; the hot one.
From Tyler, I learned that he and Jonathon were once professional baseball players and boys who swam with great white sharks.
Apparently Nancy introduced Stefan (the other best man) and he and Jon had a great friendship and eventually moved in together.
Nancy’s dad reiterated what Allison had said about Nancy’s kind and compassionate heart and her desire to minister to other people. He also pointed out his mother who was 90 and had been married 68 years (Wow!)– she waved a towel in the air to celebrate!
When I walked away from this day, I can say that I was the one who was genuinely blessed. Thank you for bringing me so much joy! May God bless you richly in the years to come!
To see a sampling of images telling the story, see below.
