Hahahaha!! Someday I will have a FABULOUS story to tell about all the times I caught the bouquet and what it transpired into. For now, it’s been 3 times and 3rd time hasn’t been the charm just yet ?
? Laura Kogle + Jaron Kogle was where I debuted my bouquet-catching skills (polka dot dress, circa 2013).
? Janelle Lynnae + Frankie J. Vignone III’s wedding was where I really honed my skills (lemon dress, circa 2019)
? Boryana Bustillo + Doug Bustillo, you provided me with my most recent victory in the bouquet toss (green dress, circa 2021) ??
Excited to be able to launch one of these suckers some day ? instead of being on the receiving end ?
In all seriousness though:
?I’m grateful that I’ve had a life full of weddings and love and seeing beautiful examples of healthy marriages.
?I’m grateful to be surrounded by couples who show how to do it well – through thick and thin!
?I’m grateful to get to do life with these fine folks, and to see what marriage really is, beyond the wedding day.
?It could be really easy to look at the statistics and the world and see a different example, and I don’t want to be numb to the fact that there is a lot of brokenness being highlighted.
?It could be really easy to be discouraged and not see the possibility of health in marriage.
?It could be really easy to chalk it up as a lost cause and give up when things get tough.
But friends, can I just point you to the fact that marriage (and life) are designed to be done WITH others, and that we can overcome even the most absurd circumstances, TOGETHER! We can.
?God can make a way where there is no way, and if your marriage or relationship is struggling right now, GET HELP!! You’re worth it. Your legacy is worth it. Your redemption is worth it.
“‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” -Jeremiah 32:17
Even if it’s wildly uncomfortable and you have to set ALL your pride aside, DO IT! Go first. Apologize. Seek counsel. Start where you’re at.
Fixing it and giving up on it BOTH take a toll. They both will take time, effort, energy, humility, and intention. But only one of those will bring health, wholeness, and restoration.
The choice is yours.
Choose hope.
Choose possibility.
Choose love.
Choose forgiveness.
Choose a fresh start.
Choose faith.
Choose your marriage.