Rose Speaks at Hannah and Mark's Wedding

Shared with Rose's permission. Tom and I are proud not only of Rose's speech but of the fact that Hannah and Rose love each other so much. That was made abundantly clear not only in this speech but when Hannah showcased her bridesmaid every chance she got, something that not every bride would do. They are such wonderful people.

The Wedding Album

I can only be thankful for the proliferation of phones with cameras and people posting their pictures to Facebook. There was a photographer but while waiting for those results, it is lovely to see these photos.

Here are a very few of them to give a feel of the essentials.

Almost ready.

You may not be able to see it above, but I love the tender smile on the priest's face. 

I don't believe I've ever seen Mark smile like that.

 Hannah and the next generation of cousins ... who didn't plan it, but all seemed color coordinated. 

It was so much fun seeing the gaggle of girls running through the party.

Let there be pie! 

Cindy baked for days to provide some of the most delicious pies I've ever tasted. 

This is just one of the many personal touches that Hannah and Mark's friends provided 

which made this a really special celebration. 

(As I said, this wedding showed the heart of a great community.)

In Celebration of a Wedding: Hannah Davis and Mark Edinburgh

Edmund Leighton (1853–1922), Signing the register

This is for Hannah and Mark who will wed this afternoon. We are delighted and can't wait for the happy occasion. Tom's and my prayer is that their life together will be as happy as ours.

But there are four lamps of thanksgiving always before him. The first is for his creation out of the same earth with such a woman as you. The second is that he has not, with all his faults, "gone after strange women." You cannot think how a man’s self restraint is rewarded in this. The third is that he has tried to love everything alive: a dim preparation for loving you. And the fourth is – but no words can express that. Here ends my previous existence. Take it: it led me to you.

From "To Frances," G.K. Chesterton's marriage proposal

One of the most delightful things leading up to this big day is how their friends have contributed to the celebration. So many have given of their talents to make this wedding a real reflection of the community joyously supporting this marriage.

It makes this big city wedding feel as if it is happening in the heart of a small town. From flowers to music, from hair and makeup to decorations, from paying for photography to making pies, I feel that it shows they are the "richest couple I know."

May God bless them as they begin this best and richest part of their lives, together.