Sunday snapshot: One year later
About a year ago, I was in D.C. hanging out with a close friend from high school. The two of us had bonded closely during high school, having entered the same small private school on the same day our junior year–and having both relocated from Ohio to Indiana. She’s one of those people that I have no doubt the Father specifically placed in my life, and I love her to pieces.
Back to a year ago. Due to her living in D.C. and me living in China, I hadn’t actually seen her for four years. We soaked up the time together talking about where we had come from, where we were, and where we hoped to be. At this point, Michael was just a blip on the horizon not even worth mentioning. He was good friends with her family, but in no way a significant part of Zoe’s life. The biggest thing coming up on Zoe’s horizon? Quitting her job and heading off to Australia (where she lived as a young child) and New Zealand for a couple months.
About five months ago, Zoe called me in China, shortly after returning from Australia, with the exclamation, “Guess what! I’m getting married in July!” After wiping my chin off the floor, she told me her story, filled to the brim with the Father’s goodness and perfect timing.
Yesterday, I got to celebrate Michael and Zoe’s marriage.
It was a simple, beautiful ceremony. That I almost didn’t make it to. Twice. But those are stories for another day.
This post is just about my gorgeous (from the inside out) friend and her handsome groom. Enjoy the loveliness…sorry for the abundance of images, it was hard to choose!
Zoe’s brother, and good friend of the groom.
Even a bride must eat!
Laughing at a skit prepared by her family.
Sisterly love.
One of my favorite shots of the day. Fittingly the last.
What a beautiful story of friendship, fellowship, and most of all an beautiful example of how God has a plan and we don’t know what it is–but it is beyond anything we could imagine–if we just listen and keep our hearts open. Sooooo very happy for your friend and wish them a lifetime of happiness, love and laughter.
Love these photos–this is a gift to her as well–she will cherish them.
GORGEOUS!! They look so in love…
Your pictures are stunning, what a keepsake for her of this most special day 🙂
I loved all the photos, but the last one is my favorite, too.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful!
I pray your time back “home” (though I know China is where you are home!) is refreshing and full of sweet family memories!
God bless!
Oh! I almost forgot! Stock up on those Ziplocs! 😉
What a precious gift of pictures and words from one friend to another. Such beautiful photos! As the proud father of Zoe, I can’t imagine better photos than these. You’re a professional! I was touched most of all by your expressions of love, friendship and affection. Zoe is fortunate to have a friend like you. May God bless you as you continue your pilgrimmage. What an adventure it is to trust Him to lead us where He will!
Gratefully Yours, Steve S
What great photos you took. It looks like a beautiful wedding. They look very happy!
Blessings,
Jennifer
BEAUTIFUL photos!!! :):)
Thankyou, friend of Zoe’s for the beautiful pics! I, too love her and am so thrilled to see these pics so soon. I esp .appreciated your personal insight and commentary. I feel like I was there. Thanks. Zoe’s Aunt Amy,
What a beautiful wedding and a beautiful bride! You really got some wonderful shots. Thanks for sharing!
These wedding pics are beautiful! What a friend she has in you. Glad you were able to make it to the wedding. Michael’s dad and I are so blessed to have Zoe in our family. She is a wonderful addition and we love her bunches! Thanks again for the story and the beautiful pics!
In Him,
Barb Erler
Zoe, I was so glad to ‘share in your wedding’ through these photos and comments of your friend. Thanks for sharing and blessings on your life together in the Lord.
In Him,
Howard & Debbie Van Cleave
hi from the land down under.I’m Phoebe one of Zoe’s friends & she means so much to me. I couldn’t make it to the wedding because I am only 12 years old, but these pictures of Zoe’s wedding filled me with happiness & joy. I felt like I was there & celebrating it with them.Thanx.
Phoebe