The truth is, when we walked into Melissa’s family home that rainy Saturday morning, there were a million reasons she could have been nervous or upset. Instead, we walked in as her makeup artist handed her a mirror and she exclaimed, are you serious?! ARE. YOU. SERIOUS?!, as she saw herself on her wedding day. A calm spirit and deep inner joy flowed from Melissa that morning and throughout the entire day.

I turned to her and told her there was no way she should be more nervous, that she should fully lean into the excitement she was feeling! Melissa and Dan not only moved their wedding day from July to September, but also moved reception venues less than two weeks before their wedding due to Covid developments. Melissa told me that morning that despite everything that happened with Covid and life over the recent months, she had this feeling of determination and drive, that no matter what may come up, they could take it! At the end of the day, she told me, we’re getting married.

There’s a lot we haven’t been able to control in this season, but none of that mattered on Melissa and Dan’s wedding day.

And as we talked about everything that went into changing plans and navigating the difficult circumstances that surrounded her wedding day, Melissa teared up as she told me about all the things her family and friends took on to make her day happen. Every single thing I thought of, she said, they were already working on or said they’d take care of it. And as we stood there looking at her wedding dress, thinking about everything that had led up to that day, to those moments, I could not help but think about how deserving she and Dan are. Two of the most humble, kind-hearted, joy-filled people we have ever met, they said I do surrounded by their close family and friends (some via live stream even!). So many moments on their day were marked by their family story, from the church they were married in to the pearls around Melissa’s neck, every detail was a beautiful reminder of the influence of the people they love.

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Melissa and Dan, the world is a better place because you’re in it. We were so touched by the love of your family and the commitment you have to each other. We pray these images are special reminders of the beauty of this season and the beginning of your adventure together. Love and hugs, Becky & Kaleb.