We have known Dave and Michelle for a long time. In fact, Kevin's friendship with Dave goes back probably 15 years or more, and he has known Michelle since elementary school. I had the honor of becoming Michelle's good friend through hours spent together at the sidelines of hockey and soccer games. What first began as a simple friendship of chatter on the sidelines became something deep and beautiful. We began to share our hopes, joys, fears, and dreams with each other. We found reasons to hang out outside of the sports arenas, and when our boys went away on various "guys" weekends we used those opportunities to get together and enjoy spending time together. Our friendship became a beautiful gift in both of our lives and Michelle is now someone that I consider to be one of my dearest friends.
What a beautiful couple these two are, both inside and out. I'm sure that you look at these pictures of Michelle and think that she is one of the most gorgeous brides you have ever seen...and she was! But the true gift to all of us that are her friends is that she is even more beautiful inside. Dave and Michelle are both funny, generous, and incredibly kind. They have a deep faith, and everyone that is blessed to know them can see this faith. They love to help others, and many people have benefited from this spirit within the two of them.
When Michelle first called me in January after I returned from the cruise, I knew...I just knew! The day had finally come and they were engaged! I think that I was so happy for them that I cried. I cried even more when Michelle asked if I would be a part of the day by standing beside her as a bridesmaid. At that point I was a mere seven weeks pregnant, and the fear of losing another baby was running rampant in my mind. I wasn't really sure what to do. I think at first Michelle mistook my hesitation as not wanting to be in the wedding, but I quickly reassured her by sharing my exciting news with her.
Michelle responded with her typical grace and joy. She reassured me that she still wanted me to be a part of the day...at the time of the wedding I would possibly be just weeks from delivery...what if something happened? She stated that she wanted me and baby to be there and if something happened, well, that was just great! The amazing thing is that she meant it. This is Michelle to the core. After much conversation with her and Kevin, we decided to go ahead. I knew, deep down, that if I said no and ended up losing the baby, I would forever regret not being part of that special day.
Well, after yesterday, I can say that I am so happy that I said yes! God has provided and I felt great all day! I even felt beautiful! It's nice to be able to just let the belly be out there and be beautiful! Kevin sweetly reminded me of how gorgeous he found me to be all day, and I was able to make it through hair, pictures, the ceremony and even the entire reception!
One of my favourite moments of the day was seeing all of the guys and their various beautiful significant others just hanging out. These guys have been friends for a long time...Kevin has known most of them for years. They have fun together. They play hockey, they go on guys' weekends, they golf, and they share life together. Seeing all of them together last night and seeing the lives that they are creating with the women they have chosen was a great moment. Kev and I realized how blessed we are to be a part of this great group.
Every step of the way was an incredible celebration of the lives of Dave and Michelle, the people they have surrounded themselves with, and the two of them becoming one. I even become teary-eyed thinking of it this morning. They are truly a gorgeous couple, inside and out. God is going to use their lives in incredible ways, and as I think of them jetting off to a tropical paradise for the next week I wish them nothing but the most incredible joy in their future together.
Hot Mama (to-be)! Stacy, you look great!
ReplyDeleteGood job on the dress Ang. Another sewing masterpiece!