...thoughts on love

There's nothing like a wedding to inspire thoughts of love and all that God created it to be, and I have had ample opportunity to think on that this spring. :)  But it struck me very poignantly  during the reception at the wedding I was photographing last weekend.  

I couldn't help but smile as I was watching the couples dance...

...watching the look in their eyes as they watched each other.

I was thinking about what a beautiful thing love is when it is given and received as God created it to be.

And how blessed I've been to live in community with a group of believers who understand this.

I've grown up in this love, giving and receiving as I've seen and learned from family and friends.  

But too often, I take this love for granted, forgetting that not everyone has had that privilege. 

Recently, I finished reading a book called The Cross and the Switchblade, an autobiography by David Wilkerson that details the early stages of his work with the gang members in New York City.

My heart aches as I think of the hundreds of thousands of children worldwide that grow up with no concept of what love is, and how beautiful it can be when God is at the center of it.

True love starts and ends with God...we cannot give what we do not have or understand.  The purest, deepest love is found in His unconditional love for us.  Only when we are fully and completely secure in that love can we love others as He intended.  

Weddings are wonderful for causing everyone to slow down and remember once again the things in life that are really important - family, friends...relationships.  

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." {1 Corinthians 13:4-8}

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love." {1 Cor.13:13}

Rachel Elisabeth

Heidi and Patrick's wedding

After an entire week of rainy days, Saturday morning dawned sunny and clear - a perfect day for a wedding. :)  This was my first wedding as the primary photographer (Elizabeth Anderson was my wonderful assistant) and it could not have been a better experience for me!  

I've known Heidi and Patrick for over 15 years - we grew up together in the same church and in the same circle of friends...I was there when they met, and watched their relationship grow over the years.  I knew this day would probably come at some point...and it did...and it was beautiful. :)  They were one of the happiest couples I've ever seen...absolutely soaking in every moment of the day.  I had a ton of fun, and a very hard time deciding which pictures to use on my blog.  I'm just warning you right now that it'll probably be a very long post. :)  Hope you enjoy...

Jesse, the bride's brother and the ring bearer

Gorgeous girls!  You all made my job very easy :)

During the ceremony, Heidi and Patrick both read letters that they had written to their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, and Mr. and Mrs. Lind

Top photo: The groom's sister, Caroline, and her fiance, Jared

Bottom photo: The bride's sister, Christa, and the groom's brother, Bill

The new Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lewis :)

Bill, the groom's brother and best man, gave a toast during the meal.

The father-daughter and mother-son dances...

All the bridesmaids served brownies and ice-cream 

Elizabeth, the groom's sister, did an amazing job as the wedding coordinator...

she also made the wedding cake :)

Patrick's sister, Hannah, caught the bouquet :)

Such a fun bridal party! I had a blast that day...and I'm not sure, but I think they did too :)

Heidi and Patrick, it was an honor to photograph your wedding and have a part in your special day.  May God's richest blessings be on you both as you begin your new life together.  Love you both :)

Rachel Elisabeth