We had the truly distinct privilege of celebrating the marriage of two wonderful friends, Jody and Craig, on Saturday, July 26th. Jim and Craig have been friends for the better part of two decades, and Jim was honored to be one of Craig’s groomsmen. Craig was one of Jim’s groomsmen 16 years ago when we were married. Billy (Craig’s Best Man), Craig and Jim have a special bond of friendship and share a deep love for each other as brothers in Christ. Here are Jim, Craig and Billy at the rehearsal dinner Friday evening.
One thing so special about Jody and Craig’s blessed union of marriage is that it is a testimony of them individually and then together waiting on the Lord. Jody and Craig lived their single lives in such a way that served and honored the Lord. They prayerfully entered this relationship and followed God’s perfect leading.
As our treasure of a friend, Pastor Jeff Black, prayed at the reception, “Thank you God for Your perfect plan for Craig and Jody. It was a LONG plan.” Everyone chuckled at that part of Jeff’s prayer. Indeed, it was a LONG plan from our perspectives. You see, Jody is thirty-something and Craig is forty-something. However, this was God’s perfect timing. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8
The heartfelt rejoicing and deep thankfulness to the Lord as we shared in the celebration of Jody and Craig’s marriage was so meaningful knowing that these two siblings in Christ did it right. They honored the Lord. They prayed. They waited. They obeyed. We honor them today, and we continue to rejoice in God’s goodness to them.
This wedding ceremony was truly special and meaningful because of the way Jody and Craig have lived their lives before the Lord. And the reception was beyond fun! Hearty laughs were had by all. It was a joy to spend time with old friends, nourish relationships with long-time friends, and make some new friends, too. Jim and I enjoyed a few dances together, which was delightful. The day went much too quickly…after waiting all this time! Here are a few photographic memories. Enjoy!
Craig and Jody, we rejoice with you in God’s goodness, faithfulness and provision. We will continually lift you up to Him in prayer. You have blessed many and been a witness of His truth to more! May He continue to bless you richly. We love you!
Oh Sharon – what a beautiful wedding to be celebrated!! I am so happy for them.
You and your hubby look so handsome together – just gorgeous!
I love the title of this post, because truly God designed it to be done “right”. What a blessed union.
Thank you for sharing such a special event with all of us.
Love,
Heather
I too loved your post. I pray over our children that with the training they are receiving now – they too will do it right. We got it so wrong and God made it beautiful. PHEW! Praise God for His mercy and grace upon those of us who took too long to find Him and obey!
They look so happy and I will pray over them as they begin their journey as ONE! LOVE IT!
You look gorgeous and it is wonderful to see you and Jim shining in His glory celebrating marriage together!
Love,
Jill
Weddings are such a joyful experience for all!
God’s plans are sometimes much longer than we desire. While His timing is always perfect, there are days I wished He owned the same watch as I do!
Congrats to the bride and groom!