I wasn’t alive when this love story started but it’s one I have watched play out my whole life and I have been so blessed by it.
July 21st was a special day not only because we got to shoot Lauren + Jeremy’s sweet wedding, but also because it was my parents’ 33rd wedding anniversary. In the busyness of shooting a wedding, I not only forgot to post a happy anniversary blog post, but even forgot to text or call them! (Don’t worry; I have already removed myself from the daughter of the year race.) A few days later, since they were visiting San Diego for their yearly vacation, they came to church with Jacob and me. At the end of the service, they walked to the back to take communion together. They were gone for longer than I expected so I turned around to see where they were. What I saw when I looked behind me is something I will never forget.
They were standing together, my dad’s arms wrapped around my mom, heads bowed, praying together. It didn’t look like they were going through the motions of a service. It was apparent to anyone looking that this was not the first time they had shared a time like this together. And as I watched, I began to feel like I was intruding on something intimate and private, something so beautiful that, for that brief moment, I didn’t see my parents. I saw the two kids that fell in love over a passion for music and Jesus.
It honestly took my breath away. I guess I just have taken for granted having parents that have been in love my whole life. It reminded me of how my siblings and I used to beg my dad to tell us again and again the story of how he fell in love with the blond-haired, blue-eyed girl who could always be found in a field of daisies playing John Denver songs on her guitar. He always began it with, “Your mom is the sweetest girl God ever made…” And then I remember how my mom would tell it, “Well, I knew when I met him that God wanted me to marry a man like him or become a nun…” :) So on July 21st 1979, they were married in Fair Oaks, at the church where they met, with 750 family and friends there to support them. My mom was just 19 years
33 years, 5 kids and 2 grandbabies later, I still catch them hugging in the kitchen when they think no one is looking. They still hold hands. They still kiss. (Yes, even on the lips. Gross… But pretty cute.)
I have realized that they are my biggest inspiration for Jacob’s and my relationship. I hope that after 33 years we are still snuggling and holding hands and just being the best of friends.
(Our wedding in 2010. Bauman Photographers)
Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad. We are so thankful for the example you are of a beautiful marriage. We love you.
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