A Thousand Years

Everyone has heard this song, and if you haven’t, you should. It’s heartbreaking but it’s so beautiful at the same time. “1000 Years” by Christina Perri. Do it. Now. Then come back and read this. Or listen to it as you read. Whatever, just do it! This past weekend, two of my dear friends got married and I bawled like a baby. This was their song and it was absolutely perfect.

Prior to this wedding, I was worried. I was nervous that I would be overtaken by jealousy or anger, because who is not just a little jealous when a friend takes such a huge, important, and beautiful step before you do? Some of these nerves had to do with seeing my ex for only the second time since our break up, but after talking to him the day before the wedding, things felt better. It didn’t take more than 5 minutes of sitting in the pews at church for my selfish feelings to melt away. As the grandparents were brought in to the song “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice, I started to tear up. And when the groomsmen walked in to escort the bridesmaids to the front to an instrumental version of “1000 Years”, a few tears slipped out. I can tell you that the moment that Rachel came through those doors to the full-fledged song, I broke down. She was so perfect and so beautiful and I was so incredibly happy for her and for Brandon and the journey they were about to embark on. The ceremony was beautiful, simple, and elegant. The couple wrote their own vows, another moment for tears, and they lit a unity candle together after signing their marriage license. I cannot begin to explain the joy I felt in my heart to see those two share their first kiss as man and wife and know that God had brought together a wonderful pair.

With Brandon being a Star Wars fan, the couple excited the church under a tunnel of lightsabers and to the sound of one of the most commonly recognized themes from the saga, to their surprise however. I have it on good authority that the couple had joked about this being the way they left the ceremony, but it was the wedding party who made it happen. The reception was equally as wonderful and included a full meal, delicious cake, and some great dancing. Brandon’s best man and Rachel’s maid of honor shared some heartwarming toasts and we all enjoyed a very sweet song that Brandon wrote for his new bride. I was sad to see the party come to an end, but I was also so glad that I had been able to enjoy it as much as I did.

Brandon and Rachel- I love you both to no end. I am so proud of you and I absolutely cannot wait to see what God is going to do through your lives. You make each other happy and anyone can see that when they catch one of the glimpses you two share so often. I am blessed to know you and have you in my own life as role models and as friends. Congratulations on your new adventure!