A Seal Upon Your Heart

"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave....Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it.  If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised."

-Song of Solomon 8:6a, 7

Something is about to begin, and Dr. Voddie Baucham is getting ready!

There's music in the air as Mikaela and I join in setting the beautiful,
romantic atmosphere.

Then, to a rousing theme, this manly group of eleven groomsmen
strode up the aisle. 

Tiniest of flower girls, hugest of smiles!

The scene was set with the mother of the bride, bell boys' joyful ringing, and
eleven bridesmaids, elegant and stunning. 

The maid of honor and the bride's sister, Cecily, was beautiful.

"Anouncing the Bridegroom!" in a reverberating voice, and then J.R. galloped across the field on his white horse, his coat floating behind him. 

The bride, Amy Ellen Bradrick, took our breath away as she made the final journey
of her maidenhood on her father's arm. 

This was a covenant marriage, a time for this young couple to dedicate their lives wholly to God.
In heartfelt prayer, we lifted our desire to God that they would have a blessed marriage, many children, and mightily advance Christ's Kingdom!

Three of the bride's brothers--Stephen, Peter, and Phillip. 

Saved for each other in purity, the first kiss of this couple was truly their very first kiss,
and it was a priceless, precious moment not to be traded
for anything!

"Introducing Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Haas!"

After a beautiful, God-honoring courtship, Amy Ellen and J.R are enjoying their
new marriage!

With the ceremony over, it was time for the festivities to begin!  One of the most
delightful aspects of the weekend was getting to see old friends again and to meet new ones.
We were thrilled to get to see Trey and Mr. Baucham again, but were equally thrilled to meet Mrs. Baucham and all the adorable little Baucham boys.  As you can see, there were almost enough cute babies to go around!

Clockwise from top left: Mama with Mrs. G; Loyal B.--in the running for the cutest baby there;  me, Trey, Elijah, and Mikaela; Cassie and me. 

All the wee ones and even some not so wee ones flocked to the hay rides!

They have to leave already?  Check out the eyes on the windshield of that snazzy car!
We saw the new couple off with bubbles, waves, smiles, and tears. 
We have known Amy Ellen for 18 years, and it was such a joy to see her and J.R
so incredibly happy in God and each other!

Fellowship with friends!

And now...English Country line dancing!  This was our first introduction to this sort of thing,
and all four of us girls and Micah were thrilled to join in.  The dances weren't difficult--
we had a fabulous dance caller and patient partners!  Susanna is shown here sashaying down the center during the Virginia Reel!

After gleefully completing one dance, we were informed that it was the very one
that Mr. Collins danced with Lizzie in Pride and Prejudice.  Insert groans here!

Dakota is attempting to teach us a very complicated dance step, just for fun. 
I had to check my feet to make certain that I did actually have a right foot.  (-:

The sun is setting, the breeze is wafting, the chinese lanterns are lit, the scent of fresh hay fills the rustic barn, the music is cued--the dancers are ready!

Whirling, twirling, laughing, clapping.

Susanna's expression sums it up--have we ever had such a
delightful, enchanting day?

"Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation."
-Psalm 149:3-4

Note: Most of these pictures taken by Mama