Wednesday, June 2, 2010

We Are Blessed

After many months of prayer, planning and preparation, the time finally came for our daughter's much anticipated wedding.  The week leading up to the wedding had proved to be typical weather-wise for May.  It rained off and on nearly every day with afternoon thunderstorms.  Saturday morning it looked like more of the same.  The day dawned overcast with dark clouds.  I had prayed for no rain because although the wedding would take place under a covered pavilion, it was quite a hike to get there and even being shuttled on golf carts the guests were bound to get wet.  I prayed for God's favor, but we knew that it was in His hands come rain or shine!  By mid-morning the sun was out and it was a beautiful day.  And we experienced the unmerited favor of the Lord.

Caitlin was one of the calmest brides I have ever seen. She woke up that morning beaming, with the biggest smile on her face.   We had a couple of minor emergencies; one of the groomsman's tux pants didn't fit and he had to make the two hour drive back to Men's Wearhouse to exchange them. They wouldn't meet him halfway.  The zipper on one of the bridesmaid's dress malfunctioned. Through all of this Caitlin was cool as a cucumber.  She commented that it didn't really matter what happened because at the end of the day I will be Mrs. Jody Jenkins.  I think a nuclear blast could have occurred and it wouldn't have fazed her.  Here she is getting ready with her bridesmaids.



The weather was still beautiful when it came time for the ceremony.  My heart was so full of emotion.  My little girl, now a grown woman beginning a family of her own.  Walking down the aisle on the arm of her daddy. 



The ceremony was so sweet.  They were married by the Youth Minister at our church.  He and his wife were such an important part of Caitlin's spiritual life and she couldn't imagine anyone else marrying them.  Instead of lighting a unity candle, they chose to enter into a Salt Covenant.  It indicates a binding contract, uniting their grains of salt for eternity.  Then they took communion as their first act of worship together as a married couple.




One of the most touching things in the ceremony were the unashamed tears of one of Jody's brothers and of Caitlin's brother.  I hadn't seen my 19 year old son cry for a very long time.  But his tears flowed freely.  He said, "I'm just so happy".  Here's Jody and his brother Toby.






We are so blessed to have gained another son.  He loves my daughter with all of his heart and we love him.  We also love his family and had such a good time with them as our families were joined together. 




  Here are a few photos from the reception:



  






I didn't have the presence of mind to take any pictures, so thank you to all of you that sent me pictures.  And thank you for indulging me and letting me share our special day with you.



Life Is Good,

Cindy

16 comments:

Joanna said...

It was a warm, sunny day, with a cool breeze blowing. The ceremony was beautiful and Spirit filled. I pray that this will be tone of their lives together. Warmed by the beautiful Spirit of the Son filling their home always, a threefold cord.

Cindy said...

Amen Joanna! One of the best things about their union is that we get to be part of your family. We love all of you so much.

Joyce said...

Congratulations! Everyone looks very happy. Your new son in law is tall : ) So glad the big day went so beautifully.

Leah Adams said...

To say the wedding was beautiful is an understatement. It was spectacular!! It was simply, yet very lovely. I pray that Jody and Caitlin will always know the joy of the Lord as the center of their marriage.

Leah

PS: You were a beautiful mother of the bride, my friend.

Leah

Cathryn said...

Cindy, It has been so long I don't even know if you will remember me. I enjoyed looking at the pictures of the wedding - simply beautiful. Blessings, Cathryn at Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb

Cindy said...

Thank you Leah, glad you and Greg could be part of our special day and part of our lives.

Cindy said...

Thank you Joyce! We were happy! It was a great day and things could not have gone better. And yes, Jody is 6' 9". He married into a family of short people, lol!

Cindy said...

Hi Cathryn,

Of course I remember you! I am so glad you are back to blogland and I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures.

Laina said...

wow, your daughter looked beautiful! What a gorgeous wedding and you looked beautiful yourself! So glad it all came together nicely.

AmyW said...

Cindy,
The pictures are beautiful! I predict many gorgeous grandbabies in your future ;)

Becky said...

Cindy, how comforting it is to know that your daughter is truly happy and that you can see how much they love each other! The reason Caitlin was so calm is because it is right. She has a peace about it. Haley was the same way, and I felt so assured that she was doing the right thing, too.

I told you before that Caitlin looked like a princess and she was glowing. And, she is still your baby girl and will always need her mom. The fun is just beginning! ; )

You and Robert must be so proud of Caitlin and the wonderful young woman she has become.

Lora said...

I got chills as I read about your experiencing the "unmerited favor of the LORD." What a blessing Cindy!

Caitlin is a beautiful bride. And you look radiant too.

Blessings to you dear one!

LisaShaw said...

Congratulations!!! Your daughter (and you) are absolutely beautiful! All the gentlemen were so handsome.

What a beautiful ceremony. I love that they did a Salt covenant.

Precious that your daughter was so calm. I was told that I was calm on my wedding day too. Funny I didn't feel calm inside but I had an everlasting smile on my face to become Mrs. Peter Shaw just as your daughter has with her hubby.

I pray YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS of GOD's favor and blessing over their lives in every way.

So glad the families are also joined together in the love of GOD. Awesome!!!

Much love!

Linda said...

Congratulations!! Beautiful photos of a beautiful day.
Blessings.

Alene said...

eWhat a beautiful daughter and beautiful scenery to have a wedding. I take wedding photos quite often and I still can't imagine my own daughter getting married. Blessings to all!

Ginger said...

Beautiful! I love the salt covenant. I'd never heard of that, and I think it is a wonderful picture.
You were a gorgeous MOTB! :)
Come by and visit; I have a giveaway that I think you'll like!