April 20th, 2024: Justin & Elizabeth


I first met Elizabeth in a virtual classroom


She was my student watching from her little corner of my class as my own love story unfolded


Later, I found out that her family was related to the man I later married!


I now have the privilege of meeting her in person, student turned family, with my own little corner


Watching a part of her love story unfold <3


Enjoy the little rendition of my documentation of their sunshine-filled love:

If you don't know Justin and Elizabeth, you're missing out


They are so country, playful, and full of dance and all things smile


During the day, stories of hardships unfolded: moves, health hurdles, life threatening events


No doubt, the bitter turned their perspective sweet


I know I walked away dancing, smiling, and determined to "put miles on my life" in a way I needed


I hope you do too

When I say these two can dance


I mean I'm frantically texting my husband that we are learning swing babe


Because these two


Life's too short

The weather was perfection


It rained at the right times, was cloudy, breezy, and glowy almost on demand it seemed


Nothing but the best for these two!

Details reflected their fun-loving, youthful spirits and I think their details always will


I had the thought I want to see their house as a 90 year old

'

Because I have no doubt I'd walk in and be transported back to something timeless

The ceremony, handwritten vows, worship, and all the mothers in tears


I wasn't spared


But these two...they mixed sober commitment with that same old fashion joy


Reminding us all, especially the mamas, of the tangible beauty


So we giggled, smiled, through happy salty tears

The reception was unmatched


The dancing was incredible


I went between documenting these moments and relishing in meeting my now family


Truly such a special evening

Elizabeth's free spirit reminded my own to be set free again


I always felt a connection with her, and I think beyond the class room/instagram/family connection, it goes even deeper


To our knobby tired trucks that sound so good when we start them, cowgirl boots, and deep ability to let go and have fun


But even deeper


I've had spoken over me "the gates of hell shall not prevail"


And you friend, are a living miracle AND you also have this sunny determination


You defy darkness


We both echo this verse by simply being alive


Here is my little moment for this free, child-like one with the wild, golden hair


Enjoy

Elizabeth and Justin, thank you for trusting me with telling part of your story


I'm so thankful I get you for eternity as family in Christ and on earth family through blood


Don't lose the child-like


It's actually real adulting