It is that moment when everything you’ve worked and planned for is about to happen.  Your heart stops and you are just sure that you either forgot something critically important – maybe the rings, or you are about to trip walking down the aisle.  A wedding celebrates joy and love, but also brings a whole new level of nerves.  The same goes for the anxious and proud families who just want the day to go perfectly, and more importantly want the new couple to find complete happiness and still be together in twenty years.  You try to quiet all the thoughts and concentrate on one step, and then another.

And before you know it, everyone is commenting and maybe placing a few not-real wagers on whether you will smash the cake in your love’s face.  Sometimes it goes one way, other times the a different way.  But either “way” it’s always just relief that you’re still standing, and even though there may have been a slight hiccup here or there, you are MARRIED.  And the rest is history, a part of your story.

This wedding story features a beautiful lady who is so dear to me, my niece, and the fabulous young man who has captured her heart.  She’s much more of a dog person than a people person, except for Chaz of course.  I’m pretty sure if she hadn’t thought her mother would pass slick out, she would have wanted her sweet dog, and maybe her cat, to be a part of her day.  I don’t think the subject was ever brought up, but I’d wager a little something that she thought about it.  Amber has always been the one who didn’t make waves, who got lost in various books, and who HATED to shop with a passion that came out quickly unless she also got to visit Barnes & Noble.  I remember one birthday we promised to take her to Toys R Us.  She was beyond excited until we walked through the door and she realized that you had to walk through a clothes section to get to the toys.  That was the end of it for her.  She was over Toys R Us before she ever saw all the cool toys.  I could tell so many more stories about our Amber, but I do have to face her at our next gathering, so I’ll leave it at that.  Except I just have to say how incredibly proud I am of her, and I think it’s evident that she’s grown into a stunning young lady – who still hates to shop.

Chaz, we are thrilled that you have made Amber so happy, and we know she smiles a little brighter – just because of you.  Thank you for loving her like we do, and for wanting the best for her.  You are the perfect young man for her, and you compliment each other beautifully.  I won’t ever forget how we were running around like crazy on Friday before the wedding, and you came in offering to help and didn’t leave us and Dana the rest of the day.  New families don’t forget those kind gestures, and we have been given plenty from you.  Thank you for just being you.

My prayer for both of you is that you love each other with your whole person, but that neither of you lose who you are individually.  A beautiful marriage is when two people compliment each other and work together to bring love and joy to your home.  It won’t always be easy.  Life has a way of throwing storms both literally and figuratively at us, and often it can feel overwhelming. Don’t forget that your strength comes from Above.  As my own years have passed, I’ve learned that we are here for a short time, and that time passes quickly.  Fill your days with things that are important – things like love, family, and God.  Because in the end, a life well lived will include all three.  I wish you endless joy, and I love you both with endless love.  Patricia

Amber & Chaz would like to thank their parents and so many who helped make their wedding possible and beautiful.  It was truly a family and friends effort, from the beginning and down to folks jumping in to help disassemble at the end of the reception.

Venue | Sulphur Well Community Center

Cake & Cupcakes | Charlotte Roach

Florals | Seth Graves with Magnolia & Steel

Bride/Bridesmaids’ hair | Stacy McCracken

You can view Chaz and Amber’s engagement session here.