I wish you all could be a fly on the wall as a bride gets ready.  The emotions in the room are electric, and extra hair spray is always required.  While bridesmaids and mothers and makeup gurus buzz about the room, the bride is most often still.  Whenever I steal a glance in her direction, I can instantly see it in her eyes that her thoughts are far far away.  She is thinking of the day, of course, but not in a black and white 24 hour format.  She is thinking of the day that starts the years that leads to the decades that eventually fills in a lifetime with love.  This is the only way I can describe the calm stillness.  Never for a second do I take for granted how privileged I am to be able to bear witness to these special moments.

Courtney is a testament to this type of bride.  There were times before she was in her dress that she was asking me how she could help.  All of her i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed after months of preparation, and she was ready to marry the love of her life.  After a quick flutter of tulle and lace and diamonds, Courtney was on her way to St. Agnes Church in downtown West Chester.

Jason and his guys only had a short walk through downtown to get to the church.  Past shops and restaurant in the midday summer heat, he led his guys on his last walk as an unmarried man.  His naturally calm demeanor was highlighted with the most genuine smile, which peaked and brimmed with a tear the first time he saw Courtney walk through the church doors.

This is love.

Love of two people, and love of two families.  As Courtney and Jason danced the night away (and trust me, they can dance), the constant love and support between their families was inspiring.  The windows at People’s Light and Theater rattled as the party continued well into the night.

Congratulations, dear Courtney and Jason.  Cheers to the lifetime of happiness you made possible when saying I Do.