Last Thursday I was able to participate in one of the most enduring instances of love and faith that I’ve ever witnessed.  Mary and Jake were joined in marriage at a private residence in Catlett, surrounded by family and their dearest friends in a simple, sweet ceremony.  What is truly touching though is not only their love for each other, but the strength of that love.  You see, Mary and Jake did not just meet and fall in love.  They actually dated back when they were in high school!  They ended up going their separate ways, creating their own beautiful families and lives and living them fully.  But through chance or fate they found themselves together again, and they realized that their giddy high school love was actually something stronger, something that had transcended the decades and was now blossoming all over again.  Mary and Jake decided not to tempt fate any longer and finally, after (literally) an entire lifetime without each other, become man and wife.  Here is a little bit of that beautiful day:


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Instead of carrying flowers herself, Mary carried her grandmother’s bible.  So unique and personal


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The glowing groom

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The feeling of love was contagious, everyone was feeling it

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Mary’s mother wouldn’t have missed this for the world

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Every touch was very personal to Mary and Jake, including Mary’s daughter singing her down the aisle, her granddaughters performing the bridesmaid duties, and even her grandson giving her away

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So happy

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Mary and Jake’s family kept them entertained with some impressive serenading and dancing

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I think this is the look of true peace.  I’ve never seen Mary look so beautiful

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Congratulations Mary and Jake! May the rest of your lives together be as blessed as this special day was!