Saturday, May 28, 2011

Storybook Reunion


This is the weekend of my 5th wedding anniversary. So I thought I'd celebrate by sharing it with all of you! At the time of the wedding I had a wedding website up, but now I'll just have to just give you a glimpse of our special day and of our storybook reunion.



It only seems like yesterday, but 5 years ago on May 27th I reunited in marriage with my first husband, the father of our two sons, to whom I had been divorced from for 12 years. Our first marriage lasted not quite 10 years and had we remained married would have celebrated 27 years on May 19th. We felt our new marriage deserved a new day. This day not only marked our remarriage, but our family reuniting.









A Page is Turned


The statement read by our pastor gives you a glimpse into our story.
"We have gathered together to witness the reconciliation of Brad and Carla as they enter into a new covenant of marriage. It was 22 years ago this month that they first wed, and although hopes were dashed and new paths found, somehow in God’s providence He saw fit to reunite them. It is their desire to honor God and celebrate this sacred moment with you, their loved ones.

They bring the fullness of their hearts, as a treasure and gift from God, to share with one another and bind together in the commitment of marriage. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for restoring their relationship, which was made possible only by God’s grace and the power of his forgiveness –
a relationship built on the firm foundation of Christ, of friendship, respect and love." 

We were married underneath a chuppah that Brad built for us, which symbolized the covering of God's grace and our "New Covenant" marriage. I carried a worship tabret instead of flowers and on it, written in Hebrew, I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. We had Lily of the Valley everywhere which signified "the return of happiness" as is the special meaning of the flower. And we exchanged beautiful Lapis Lazuli rings.

 

Our sons, 18 & 19 at the time, were thrilled about our reunion and gladly stood up with their Dad as his best men. My mom stood with me, just as she has through many seasons of my life.


My gown is tucked away in my closet, but I brought it out to show you! It was reminiscent of a Victorian fashion to give a nod to our first wedding which had a Victorian theme. I had even printed "1859 newspapers" for each of the guests. This time, my writing was shared through the message I wrote on a new covenant which our pastor delivered for us.

My wedding gown (click to enlarge)

Here are some wedding photos if you'd like to take a peek. I fear I don't look my best as I had a migraine that day and had recently gone off of a round of Prednisone. But nothing was going to keep me down that day and my heart was soaring!











God Blessed the Broken Road








9 comments:

  1. Carla, what a beautiful story of redemption and reunion. Truly we have a glorious God! Loved the photos and your dress was beautiful.

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  2. Wow, Carla! Thank you so much for sharing this. Your story is amazing and so touching. I need Kleenex for sure!

    God bless you and your family.
    Love,
    Michelle

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  3. How happy I am for you and Brad, and happy that you shared your touching story. With God all things are possible!

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  4. Carla, You read my mind and posted this:) When I realized it was your anniversary I was wondering about your reuniting, lilies of the valley, and God's hand in all of this. So moving and inspiring and hope-filled!! I admire you and Brad so much - and am so thankful for the Lord's grace and love for you as a family. Your sons look so happy, as do their parents. Bless you all so very much!

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  5. Awesome! I'm glad you two reunited. You look very happy. :)

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  6. That made me cry, it was so beautiful and touching, Carla. May God bless you and Brad and your boys always! I am thinking you may just have inspired a contemporary novelist with a wonderful story! Hugs!

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  7. Thank you all for your kind thoughts. It is such a blessing to be able to share our story with others.

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  8. Hi Carla -

    Lovely photos and ceremony!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. This is such an incredible story of reconciliation. I pray God will richly bless your marriage.

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