October 7, 2020
One of our favorite quotes from Kahlil Gibran reads, “the deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
It’s a hard truth to accept, but one we know to be true.
When we think of Haley & Doug’s wedding, we think of this quote. A wedding that was challenged from all sides by a global pandemic, freak lightning storms, brush fires, last-minute emergency surgeries, and countless restrictions imposed on their plans. Everything they thought their wedding would be… was not… yet, it was more.
We can’t discount the stress the unexpected added to the planning of this day for Haley & Doug – it was a lot – but in the midst of these challenges, we witnessed incredible beauty unfold.
• A father in 8/10 pain refusing pain killers after an emergency surgery so he could leave the hospital to be there for his daughter, walk her down the aisle, and speak truth over her marriage.
• Family and friends cautiously battling the unknowns amidst a global pandemic to travel and celebrate Haley & Doug’s marriage (after already postponing their wedding once due to the pandemic).
• A freak lighting storm in the Carmel Valley (quite unheard of) the night before the wedding that started brush fires just over the ridge of the venue reminding all of us how fragile our time and resources are on this earth.
• Venue restrictions that forced a 300 count guest list to less than 100… a task we’d wish on no couple…but one that magnified the people who have made the greatest impact, who have shaped character and story, and who will stand by their marriage.
Vows “through thick and thin” began on this day – a beautiful picture of what lies ahead. Love, sacrifice, pain, hope, and joy.
Not too long after her wedding, Haley shared this sentiment with her Instagram…
“What a wild and staggering gift it is to be MARRIED. When you see the countless photos I’m sure to share, let it be a reminder that in all we weather in this world, we can raise a cup to heaven and praise Him whose name is Faithful and True, our heavenly Bridegroom who one day we will see face to face.
Our wedding story and this life have much in common – but they will have much more in common too on that redeeming day to come. Now, as we enjoy the wonder of marriage, still we look forward, ‘filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy’ – sure of a wedding feast yet to come. And what a wedding it will be!”
How could we summarize it better?
Haley & Doug, you two are a gift and we are utterly amazed at the honor it was to have witnessed and documented this moment in your story.
Thank you for sharing your hearts, your joy, your sorrow, and your hope for what’s to come.
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