My best friend got married this summer, you may have heard about it. Lyssa and John tied the knot underneath the leaves of a ribbon-filled tree on July 7, 2013. Everything about the occasion was perfect, from the stately stable-turned-house that was rented for the week, to the friends that flew in from around the world (we weren’t the only ones from China!!), to the way the beautiful bride and handsome groom laughed together as they swayed to the music of their first dance.
Getting to the wedding location was a little crazy. Anyone living abroad will be able to relate to these order of events: We flew in to San Francisco on Saturday, drove into the woods where we enjoyed s’mores at the camp where Sean was lifeguarding, spent the night in a rustic cabin, drove down to Santa Barbara on Sunday, spent the night at Mama and Papa’s, went to the dentist Monday morning (had three cavities filled, why is it always me???), and then finally proceeded to drive down to San Diego with Mama and Papa, (who, btw, successfully took care of me in my chipmunk-cheek condition and found an amazing milkshake place along the way).
Once we arrived though, the fun began! We spent the week preparing for the big event on Sunday- meeting John’s family, playing games, enjoying the amazing rental house, going out to eat, becoming friends with other friends, hiking along the bluffs and jumping in the ocean, going to the zoo, and of course, taking care of all the last minute details of weddings: signs, flowers, dress fittings, and programs!
Once we arrived though, the fun began! We spent the week preparing for the big event on Sunday- meeting John’s family, playing games, enjoying the amazing rental house, going out to eat, becoming friends with other friends, hiking along the bluffs and jumping in the ocean, going to the zoo, and of course, taking care of all the last minute details of weddings: signs, flowers, dress fittings, and programs!
Some of my favorite highlights were Lyssa’s bachelorette party and the wedding shower the next day. Several of Lu’s closest friends and I went out for mini-golf and Mexican food before coming back to the house and showering her with gifts. The next day, friends and family played some games under one of the huge trees in the courtyard and showered her with more love and gifts! It was so much fun to overwhelm my best friend with attention and love and wedding stuff!!
The actual wedding day was wonderful. I have never seen such an original ceremony as theirs was.
Here’s some highlights from the day:
Here’s some highlights from the day:
- Getting Lyssa ready with the bridesmaids
- Lord of the Rings music as my dad walked my sister down the aisle!
- Standing under the leaves with a first-hand view of my sister getting MARRIED!
- Sean playing guitar and singing while...
- ...Lyssa and John demonstrate their love for others as they serve communion to everyone at the wedding!!
- Lyssa and John being so comfortable in each other’s arms
- Toasting time! I loved hearing all the wonderful ways they have blessed others!
- Swing dancing on the grass!
- Lyssa telling me that her wedding was her favorite wedding EVER!
- Steve doing an AMAZING job as the wedding day coordinator,
- And at the end of the day, sending them off through the bubbles to go on their honeymoon!
If that didn't give you a big enough glimpse of how I feel about Lyssa marrying John, I pretty much said it all in my toast. Not to put my heart on my sleeve or anything, but if you would like to read a small, modified portion of my speech, then "read more" below:
"Lyssa, you are the twin that I always wanted. Growing up I always wanted a twin. I wanted someone who was just like me- who completely understood me and could be my best friend. It wasn’t until our trip to Costa Rica together that I realized that my dream had come true. We enjoy the same activities, we have the same sense of humor, our minds even make connections in similar ways. Sharing that with you is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, and today, seeing you so unbelievably happy, I honestly feel that my happiness is that much more complete. I love you!
John, I know that I still don’t know you very well yet, but I don’t need to to see how perfect you are for my sister. Last August, and it might have even been before you were dating, I knew that there was a quality about you that was so uniquely perfect for Lyssa. So perfect that I could never have even known to look for in a future match for her. One day, you both came home from camp for the weekend. Lyssa told us that you had both just jumped off of Kelsey Creek Bridge. I was shocked, because that bridge is 60 feet high, and I knew that Lu would never even jump off of the 35 foot spot on the river. When I asked her how she was able to do it, she told me that you had encouraged her to jump in a way that made her want to do it! I truly believe that there is no one on the planet besides you who could have empowered her in that way. You are somehow able to bring out the true Lyssa. It is incredible how good you are at building up my sister, and honestly, I know that you were both designed specifically for each other."
So Lu, it has now officially been four months since your wedding and I still feel the exact same way! I’m still so stoked for your marriage! Woooooooooooooooooooo! What a great day and a great couple!
John, I know that I still don’t know you very well yet, but I don’t need to to see how perfect you are for my sister. Last August, and it might have even been before you were dating, I knew that there was a quality about you that was so uniquely perfect for Lyssa. So perfect that I could never have even known to look for in a future match for her. One day, you both came home from camp for the weekend. Lyssa told us that you had both just jumped off of Kelsey Creek Bridge. I was shocked, because that bridge is 60 feet high, and I knew that Lu would never even jump off of the 35 foot spot on the river. When I asked her how she was able to do it, she told me that you had encouraged her to jump in a way that made her want to do it! I truly believe that there is no one on the planet besides you who could have empowered her in that way. You are somehow able to bring out the true Lyssa. It is incredible how good you are at building up my sister, and honestly, I know that you were both designed specifically for each other."
So Lu, it has now officially been four months since your wedding and I still feel the exact same way! I’m still so stoked for your marriage! Woooooooooooooooooooo! What a great day and a great couple!