Eric and Lissie's Wedding: Becoming One

United in prayer

Eric and Lissie's Wedding Day

I was privileged to get to tag along as the photographers took the photos yesterday. For a camera-toting mother this was the very apex of delight. I got to take pictures of Eric and Lissie's immeasurable joy at the completion of their courtship! God did above and beyond all I could have asked on my daughter's wedding day, and this opportunity to photograph the bride and groom was just the cherry on top.

Mr. & Mrs.!!!

I'm sure I broke every etiquette rule in the book, but this mother-of-the-bride snapped a few photos during Lissie and Eric's wedding ceremony this afternoon. This is my favorite. Pastor Dave (in the background) had just pronounced the couple husband and wife and the pair lifted their joined hands in a happy gesture of unity. (To the right of Eric is his best man and cousin, Josh. Next to him is Lissie's twin, John. And last-but-not-least is Eric's brother, Jacob, the ring bearer.)

From Church Sanctuary to Storm Shelter

While we were rehearsing tomorrow's ceremony, drama was taking place outside the stained-glass windows. Tornadoes were making their way into our area. So as we finished the practice, we descended the stairs lit by the church's janitor on hand into the storm shelter. The bride led the way.

Sixty-five or so of us sang, "In Christ Alone," as we waited for the tornado sirens to cease blaring. The groom saw to it that the bride was distracted from any fear.

When we got the "all clear" we exited the downtown church to still-ominous clouds sailing in conflicting directions while nervous birds vacillated in their decision over whether to wait any further threat or flee.

While we remained safe we were saddened to learn that a small town about 35 miles away had taken a significant hit from a tornado. Certainly it was a night to remember, a night to remember God's might and His mercy!

Pre-Wedding Bliss

We're two very happy grandparents this week. Anna and her daughters arrived on Saturday to help with preparations for Lissie's wedding on October 5. We're enjoying much quality time with 15-month-old Brielle:

For Grandpa, this has meant the chance to play with his 'girl'.

 

For me, it has meant the chance to study the wonder of  my oldest granddaughter through a camera lens yet again.

We thank God for this important week!

Eric and Lissie's Courtship: Their Love Story

Mrs. Beaver:

After some significant computer problems, I'm finally able to post again. I'll begin again by sharing the writing of a guest blogger, our daughter, Lissie. Last week she recorded on her blog, Impassioned Purity, the tale of the events that will lead to the marriage altar for her and Eric in less than two weeks now. Here are links:

Finally, a long and meandering account of our love story...

The meandering and abridged version of our love story, part 2

Will you marry me? our love story, part 3

Finally, the last part ~ for now...

Our God is amazing! His steadfast love and faithfulness astound us! We thank Him for His goodness in our little girl's life!

With Open Eyes

With each day Evelyn Rose is opening her eyes a bit more. She's beginning to study her world. I stand amazed at how much she has already changed...and she's only five days old! Our God is so great!

Grandpa and His Newest Girlie

When Anna's pregnancy went into overtime (I know I'm mixing metaphors--but I'm tired so please forgive me), our family began to pray wholeheartedly that Evelyn would be born before the Labor Day holiday weekend. Our reason? We envisioned Mr. Beaver being able to visit for a short time during the three-day-weekend. Sure enough, the little squirt was born mid afternoon on Thursday. We began planning for Grandpa's visit as soon as Evelyn was born. Grandpa arrived about 3:30 am on Saturday morning after some rough weather in his connecting city, Chicago.The next morning he was able to meet Evelyn while she was still less that 48 hours old.

Here are some photos from their special moments together today shortly before Grandpa had to turn around and return home.

Baby Evelyn, Nearly One Day Old