The Wedding!!!

Where to start?! Friday night was a whirlwind of preparations for the wedding of our special friend, Courtney Goettel (now Courtney Hayden!) the next day. After being postponed for 2 hours due to the snow,the wedding ceremony was beautiful. The pastor, Dan's dad, explained how the relationship commenced and how the Lord brought these two people together to become one. He specifically explained that, though they termed the relationship as a betrothal, and it began 'officially' with a marriage proposal, it was not an arranged or forced marriage. They were told to hold hands for the very first time and after the "I thee wed's," the pastor gave a message on marriage and this particular wedding day. He explained how the love between the bridegroom and bride is an example of Christ and the church and also intertwined the Gospel through-out as their whole relationship had. The next day at our church, one of the last verses of a song went, "As the bride runs to her bridegroom's arms..." Mum and I both got "teary-eyed" as we thought of the wedding the day before. This wedding was so beautiful, so Christ-centered, it was hard not to cry as you marveled at their love and God's sovereignty. I was rejoicing with Courtney and my joy went into tears as I witnessed her special day. Anyway...they then exchanged rings and then came a beautiful prayer for their future life. Dan was then instructed to kiss his bride for the very first time. (just wanted to explain...neither one of them have ever "dated" anyone...everything was not just the first time with each other, but the first time, truly!) It was truly beautiful.

~~~

So, here are many pictures of the beautiful day and the wonderful time we all had.

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

Mr. & Mrs. Dan and Courtney Hayden!

Morgan, one of Courtney's sisters and another little girl from their church throwing silk rose petals that the family had made...they all did so beautifully!

Julianna, another of Courtney's sisters and a little girl from their church showering the path with flower petals


Little flower girl! Aren't they precious?!


Her face says, "I can't believe I'm getting married!" Isn't she beautiful??
(a cute side note...Courtney was bare-foot walking down the aisle, because Dan always teased her about never wearing shoes...and told her she had cute feet!)

The Wedding March

"Who giveth this woman to be married?"

As a side note, I always thought it would be romantic for the groom to lift my veil at the end of the ceremony...but how precious for the father to lift his daughter's veil as he hand's his precious daughter over to another?

Prayer for their future life together

Isn't her dress amazing?! It was completely hand-made by the bride and her mom...complete with hand beaded lace!

The beautiful, blushing bride.

Their wedding vows were so touching...maybe because we have been particularly close with Courtney, we were all overcome with emotion at this point...ok, most of the day!

"You may now join hands..." (For the first time ever, I might add)

Their first kiss ever!

They're finally married!!!!

Michaela!

Morgs-I think we were all laughing about something. :)

Bella, Phia's big sister.

Phia, Anna's little friend. :)

Anna Peony Lucy Girl!!

The picture Courtney water-colored to hang above the area for gifts. Courtney and Dan are both artists...and the entire wedding had their personal, artistic touches...

The beautiful tables...

The beautiful cake that Courtney's sister Hannah baked, and Courtney decorated...finished with real, creamy roses....simple and perfect!

Mum, baby Abigail and Mrs. Goettel at the reception...Mum had 'baby-duty' all day, allowing one of her dearest friends to enjoy herself and attend to all the "mother of the bride" duties that every mother looks forward to!

Courtney and her sister Hannah-best friends.

All us 'girls' at the reception. :)

Lastly...right before we were leaving, I was able to steal a special moment with my dear friend....it was a day that will be special to me always!

God bless you, Courtney and Dan!!!!

In closing, to date this has been the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. Their whole testimony to the Lord's leading, the Gospel and the Lord's sovereignty up to this point is amazing. They prayed through every decision in their relationship and wedding day and followed the Lord's plan for this day and their relationship-even though some things might seem unconventional . The Lord made His will clear in every aspect of the wedding and their betrothal and He has and will continue to bless these two dear newlyweds as they live out their marriage in the Lord. ~Meghan~