Candace and Jared

There are some people who are a part of your life for a time, then seem to disappear for a while, but when you are reunited with those people it's just as if no time has ever lapsed.

That's how it is with the sweet family I got to celebrate with this past weekend.

The Stroupe/Edwards Family has long been some of my most favorite people in the whole world. And I got to hang out with them just about the whole weekend as their youngest daughter, Candace got married.

Not only did she and Jared invite me to capture their day, but they enjoyed their gorgeous mountain wedding day at one of my most all-time favorite places in the entire universe:

Mars Hill College!!!

Barry and I both attended Mars Hill, but that's not the kicker.

We got married and I promised that man of mine an awful lot of things (albeit almost 20 years ago) at Broyhill Chapel on the campus of MHC - the same exact place where Candace and Jared shared vows.
Isn't the chapel just gorgeous? ~sigh~ By the way, it's awfully hard to take pictures with tears streaming down your face. The camera slips, slides, gets all salty, and provides a large distraction between "clicks" and "sniffling".
And, of course, the family holds a special place in my heart because their passions so clearly mirror mine: adoption.
Yannick is brother to Sarah and Lucy, all from Liberia.
They, along with Jessica and Hannah, are all cousins of the bride.
Their mom and dad? Well, let's just say that Dan and Jackie are the type of friends that everyone should have.






Poor Bill, father of the bride, was if for quite a surprise when, as he gave his youngest daughter "away", the song, "I Loved Her First" began streaming through the chapel (courtesy of Dan and his unbelievable musical talent). See why my camera is still coated with salt???
And, of course, Katie was delighted to actually see someone with curly hair just like her own, be able to control it on their wedding day.
Honestly, how many brides to you know that can simply finger curl a couple of locks and be ready to walk down the aisle???

And, every bride should have a little energy boost of Red #40 jello before they say their vows. Nice idea, Debra.

And, of course, the wedding day wouldn't be right without a couple of smoochey photos, would it?

Congratulations, Candace and Jared.

I can't tell you what a joy and pleasure it was to share in your special day.