Mr & Mrs Webster // An Elegant Church Wedding
I know you well enough to realize you don’t see love as just a lot of warm, romantic feelings. You know love is a radical choice to put the needs of the other person above your own, whether you think they deserve such treatment or not, whether you have warm fuzzies for them or not. Love means you HUMBLY, SELFLESSLY, EAGERLY SERVE EACH OTHER.
I hope you are very realistic about this: because you will never be tested on this more than in marriage–and it will happen every day. Every little vestige of sinful selfishness that you got from being born a sinner will raise its ugly fist and demand to be served. And you will have to go back over and over to the model of Jesus who as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. Or as Paul puts it to the husband who is to be the leader of his wife: “Love your own wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
Paul gives to a husband the role of sacrificial leader and to a wife the role of sacrificial helper. I can’t think of anything harder in the world: for a man to exercise ego-sacrificing leadership like the crucified Christ did and for a woman to exercise ego-sacrificing submission like the Church owes to Christ. But with God’s help, together–in supernatural humility–you have the amazing opportunity to showcase something as awesome and colossal as Christ and His bride, the Church.
These are some of the words Amanda’s father, Bruce Stabbert, spoke during his charge to the couple at Jared & Amanda’s wedding ceremony. I’ve heard a lot of wedding sermons over the years, but the sermon that Bruce gave was one of the few that actually moved me to tears from the reminder of the significance of marriage. I ended up asking if he would share his notes, and he graciously did. Thank you, Bruce, for your incredible wisdom & the message that you shared!
Love and support surrounded this sweet couple on their wedding day in so many different ways. Their families & friends truly came together to turn their church into a fairytale world filled with flowers, and to ensure everything was perfect. Just about every part of their day was planned & executed by people who know & love them, which was so incredible to witness.
To the new Mr & Mrs Webster: thank you so much for including me in your day. You both have such contagious joy and the kindest hearts, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know you over these last few months. You two (& your wedding day) will always hold a very special place in my heart! Hugs!
The Vendor Team:
Venue: Fellowship Bible Church
Florals: Family & Friends
Bridal Gown: Weddings with Joy
Coordinator: Alexa
Hair Stylist: Danielle
Cake Decorator: Audrey and Leah
Catering: Family & Friends
