A couple of weeks ago, we got to take part in a special event. Our sweet family friends Ashley and Taylor remarried each other at the Odysea Aquarium. To really know how special this was for all of us in attendance you have to know a few things. Ashley is battling stage 4 terminal cancer. She was given 6 months to live in June of 2017. She is here today fighting the fight, trusting in the Jesus who loves her, and living her best life.
And she is celebrating her 10 year anniversary with Taylor. Lets Party!
Since this family has come into our lives we have been blessed over and over. From becoming dear friends, to becoming family as Godparents, they truly are a gift that keeps on giving to us.
For this special event, Ashley asked me to do her hair before she and Taylor headed to the Aquarium. As lifetime members, they had a lovely day and wedding gifted to them by the Aquarium. I got her hair all done and sent them off.
All of us headed down to the festivities after school and both of my girls were so excited. They LOVE weddings, and the chance to go to the aquarium, get dressed up, go behind the scenes, and attend a wedding.....all with some of their closest friends? WINNING! ( We were asked numerous times when we were getting remarried......and if we could do it on a beach.)
What a special group of people, what a special wedding party, what a special day, and how amazing that the photographer fit us all on this green screen!
As part of the wedding festivities, all of us got a behind the scenes tour of the shark exhibit that Taylor and Ashley were to get married in front of. The aquarium worker took us in 2 separate groups to go past the curtain and into the areas you don't get to see.
What a cool experience and such a fun way for all of us to feel special. Memories were made!
After our tour, we all got to experience the private Investor's room to change and get ready in. Imagine a gorgeous private floor to ceiling aquarium, comfy couches, dressing area, and aquatic luxury. I won't lie, this was my favorite room. It was peaceful and just beautiful. What a treat!
Once dressed we headed into the Voyager for the wedding ceremony. God is so good, and His presence in all of our lives is so rich. This group of women has become so special to me. Not only are we family but we have become close through weekly Bible Study and prayer. God has knit us together, and its a beautiful thing.
The setting for their vows was beautiful. Steve was the officiant, and the kids all ran around the room playing up until the music started.
This moment right here.....is one I will not soon forget. It was intimate and special in ways I don't quite have words for. To see Ashley, still here, fighting and living, held up by the man who has never left her and her children who adore her. I count it a great privilege to have been sitting in the seat.
After a brief and perfect ceremony we all headed to the intimate reception complete with cake, champagne, cookies, and coffee. It was perfect. (Evie was having a moment.......our life).
Ashley and Taylor have been through hell and back. They have walked through fire and have many more fires to walk through, but the joy and love shared between them is real, and special, and beautiful. Its SO worth celebrating, and celebrate we DID!
Here's to many, many, many more adventures shared with these beautiful people we now call family and to life that is SO worth living!
No comments:
Post a Comment