Ten years ago, while walking in Gasworks Park, Calvin and I met up with this family. (I won’t go into the whole, bizarre story right now, but it’s one of those times when it’s evident Someone is behind the scenes orchestrating the interaction.) We exchanged phone numbers and addresses and realized we were practically neighbors. Because of who they are and how they love people around them, we became family. Calvin and I were welcomed as their kids. Living so far away from our extended family, they stepped in as grandparents to our girls. They brought my favorite donuts to the hospital after Poppy’s birth, fed Maggie her first hot dog, and invited us for Thanksgiving when we couldn’t make the trip to Oklahoma.
I love this family. I love the way Ann calls us “kids”, how she shares Maggie’s birthday, how she envelops me in hugs. I love that John never forgets to say, “we love you” and how he whispers prayers and blessings over us when we say good-bye.
I had the pleasure of photographing this wedding. Words can’t describe how honored I felt to be asked. I knew I needed to keep it together as the photographer, but I laughed and cried all day. I love how they love each other and hope that our family will look a little bit like theirs when our kids are grown.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Cari and Todd. I love you.
