In-Laws

Mrs. Beaver:

Anna and Aaron's first anniversary is just around the corner in mid-March. Their love story was recently featured on Scribbles n'Things.

Before this year passes, I want to thank God for one of the great blessings in our daughter's new life in Ohio--her in-laws. The Nix are a Christ-loving family. They've welcomed our Anna warmly. They've included Anna in their close-knit unit. Anna and Aaron go to their home once a week for dinner and a game or movie. Ric and Tina model what strong marriage looks like before the newlyweds; Aaron's parents bring the stability of having been married for more than 31 years.

Here they are at the wedding rehearsal.

All photo credits to Therese Miller and Lauren LaPlante Photography

This is one of my favoirte photos from the wedding. What a joy for the mother-of-the-bride to see her daughter's soon-to-be mother-in-law beam at her just before the ceremony!

Lighting the "unity candle" was completely sincere in this ceremony. The four parents were unified in their belief that the Lord was creating a beautiful, one-flesh, till-death-do-we-part marriage.

Toward the end of the ceremony, the four parents rose from the pews to pray over our children's union. This idea came from our friends Krista and George. George grew up in Nigeria, where a prayer by the parents is a traditional part of the ceremony.

Ric's tenderness in hugging his new daughter-in-law immediately after the ceremony was beautiful.

Unbeknownst to Tina and Aaron, I was watching their interactions during our time together. I knew from my own experience that if a man treats his mom well, there is a good chance he'll also love and honor his wife.

The affection and gentleness I saw in Aaron when he and his mom had a few moments "alone", reassured me that Anna would be cherished by him. In the past year, our new son-in-love has certainly lived up to my unscientific predictions.

Mr. Beaver and I approach Anna and Aaron's first anniversary deeply grateful to God for Aaron's parents, Ric and Tina. They've offered ongoing support to these two young marrieds. Just last night, Ric and Tina picked up Aaron and Anna following an auto accident as their car was towed. Anna's in-laws are a dream come true! And, soon, we'll share the role of grandparents with these dear people! God is good!

"First Sight"

Aaron & photograher, Lauren LePlante

Mrs. Beaver:

As a way of dealing with the dilemma of wanting to take some photos of the bride and groom before the wedding but still wanting the groom to get the "ahhhhhhh!" experience of seeing his bride at the altar for the first time, Aaron and Tessa did what is called a "First Sight."

The sanctuary was empty, except for photographers who were busy taking photos of the moment. The four parents were also allowed to watch this most precious, virtually sacred moment transpire between their children. Aaron had his back to Tessa as she walked down the aisle. With her long train spread across the red carpet runner as she slowly traversed, the long sanctuary, I was reminded of the marriage scene in "The Sound of Music."

He turned just as she reached him. We allowed them several minutes of "aloneness" to savor each other and to relish the wonder that TODAY was their day.

Meanwhile the two photographers were busy taking photos, and I got a few in also. Most of mine had a slight blur to them as I shook a bit as I watched this precious scene unfold between two people I love so much who were about to become one flesh.

When Tessa finally reached Aaron, their delight in one another filled the silent room.

Mr. Beaver and I appreciate how gentle and tender Aaron is with our precious daughter.

Just before the photographers began the pre-wedding photography blitz,

I was blessed to catch this sweet exchange.