WHEN MY BABY SISTER SAID "I DO"
A WINTER WEDDING FULL OF FAITH AND FAMILY
This weekend my baby sister said "I do".
There’s something uniquely bittersweet about watching your baby sister walk down the aisle. It’s not just a moment where she steps into a new chapter of life—it’s a moment that reminds you of every chapter she’s already lived.
Anyone lucky enough to know my sister know that she is an incredible person. Lilly is kind, compassionate, loyal, hard-working, and makes everyone around her feel important and loved. She isn't your typical girly-girl who dreams about her wedding; however she is the sort of "godly" girl who has been praying for her future husband for years. So when she met Jacob and they started going to church together, we weren't too surprised to see their romance quickly unfold.
As I prepared for this special wedding day, I began to realize how deeply personal this moment would be for me too. This wasn’t just any wedding—it was my sister’s wedding. And my little sister is so much more than just a sister, she's my buddy, my sidekick on adventures, my "let's pick up chinese-food for dinner" pal, or my "let's go buy power tools and build a deck" construction partner, and my best friend I can share deep things of the soul with. I was in the room on the day she was born, and now she had grown up into a beautiful and generous woman. This day would be the culmination of so many moments that we have shared together and so my heart was both reflective on our childhood and full of joy for her next chapter.
The day dawned crisp and bright, the kind of winter day that feels like a gift in itself. Snow covered the ground, reflecting the sunlight in a way that made the world seem softer, quieter, more sacred. This wedding wasn’t just about two people promising to love each other; it was a celebration of their shared faith in Jesus Christ. The ceremony began with a joyous celebration as Jacob and his groomsmen opened the service with a marching drum snare solo. From there, every element of the ceremony reflected Jacob and Lilly's commitment to building a marriage rooted in the Lord. There was also a special time of worship where a live rendition of "All Hail King Jesus" was played by Jacob, Lilly and many of their close friends. They wrote beautiful vows for each other, and finally sealed the marriage with a kiss.
After the sweet ceremony, we made our way to the reception at the Dorsey House, a warm and inviting lodge tucked away in the snowy countryside. After capturing some beautiful snowy protraits of the newly married couple, we rushed inside to get warm. It was the perfect setting for a winter wedding—rustic wood beams and windows that overlooked a small country chapel outside. At the reception, we danced, laughed, and shared stories. It was the kind of joy that fills a room and spills over into every heart. Even as snow began to fall softly outside, inside, there was nothing but warmth.
My mind still can't completely wrap itself around the fact that my sister is now married, but I look forward to the years ahead of growing closer together as a family with Jacob as my new brother-in-law.
To my sweet sister: Your wedding day was just the beginning of a beautiful story. Keep leaning on each other and on God, and you’ll be amazed at how can use your relationship to touch lives. Thank you for letting me stand beside you on your special day. It’s a memory I will cherish forever.
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