“My love, here I stand before you, I am yours now, from this moment on.” — Donna Taggart, “This I Promise You”
The epitome of Matthew 19:6 may be found in the marriage of Amy and Michael—two Christ-focused souls God brought together, walked with through their courtship, and blessed with their holy union at the Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory in Joliet.
On a warm Sunday August afternoon, these two lovebirds proclaimed their love and devotion for one another among the glowing support of a cadre of family and friends amongst a field painted with greenery, with skies as wide-open as the future is for Amy and Michael.
The day started with a First Touch. Michael and his groomsmen stood on one side of a pillar, while Amy and her bridesmaids stood on the adjoining side. So close, yet not allowed to see each other visually, Michael and Amy clasped hands, and a prayer was held, to give them a foundation for the start of not only a beautiful day, but for the rest of their lives together.
Michael and Amy’s ceremony included an exchange of vows, each spouse professing a devotion to their love, tears joys streaming from faces—including many in attendance watching the ceremony.
Their ceremony also included a “washing of the feet”, both a reference to Jesus“ washing the feet of his disciples in John 13:4-5, and a show of how they planned to serve each other. It was a beautiful moment, only punctuated with laughter when Michael’s shoes didn’t slide off so easily.
With their ceremony wrapped up, the couple was lovingly swarmed by family and friends for congratulations. Amy and Michael then stole away for a few minutes to get some gorgeous shots of them across the Birdhouse grounds. They were able to also get some pictures inside the green house just before the start of their reception.
Proceeded by their intimate wedding party bopping and dancing, Michael and Amy entered their reception like rock stars. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause while the newlyweds danced their way to the head table. Once settled into their seats, they listened as the Maid of Honor Angela, and Best Man Mike, took turns at the mic, sharing stories, recalling fond moments, showcasing how much Michael and Amy mean to them, and how much they mean to each other. Insert “AAAWWW” here.
For their first dance, Michael and Amy added their own unique spin to the occasion. They had not one, but two songs, chosen to exemplify their lives together. For the first half of their dance, they glided back and forth, serenaded by Adam Sandler’s “I Wanna Grow Old With You”. For the second half of their dance, they swayed to Donna Taggart’s “This I Promise You” (not the N’Sync version). Together, both songs providing a fully-fleshed canvas of the love they share.
The reception continued. There was much music, much dancing, and much laughter. And, as karaoke is one of the many hobbies Michael and Amy love to do together, a few reception attendees got up and did karaoke as well. Consider that a first at a reception for this photographer. And consider this the end of the blog, but the start of the next wonderful chapter in the lives of Michael and Amy.
“Oh, it could be so nice, growing old with you”. — Adam Sandler, “Grow Old With You”
