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A tragedy hit one of my dear friends and her family is dealing with heartbreaking loss.  That blow has left a lot of people devastated.  Myself included.  Other friends are dealing with the news that cancer will soon take the lives of their loved ones.  There are so many of these stories that it can be overwhelming.  The bad seems to outweigh the good at times.

And… people are still getting married.  New lives are entering the world.  There are still people celebrating.  Myself included.

The truth is, the heartbreaking things and the exciting things exist at the same time.  It’s a weird place to be, living in the tension between the good and the bad, love and loss, birth and death.  Having, at the same time, big things to grieve and equally big things to celebrate.  But I guess that’s the nature of life.  It is bittersweet.  Both existing at the same time.  I don’t always know how to deal with that.

One thing I am sure of, though, is that there is One who does have all the answers.  One who understands the pain and enters into it with us.  And even when it seems like the world is falling down around me, He is faithful.  I’m grateful for that and for the people He has placed in my life that bring me joy and help carry my burdens.

This card and flowers were gifts from two of my favorite people, for whom I am VERY thankful.

I know you’re busy soaking up Europe (oh, I’m so jealous!), but I wanted to make sure you got to see how beautiful your wedding day was!  Chalk up one more for eharmony!  You two are such a sweet couple and it’s obvious how much you love each other.  It was a joy to be able to witness the two of you joining your lives together.

Alison, you could not have looked more stunning.

The look in your dad’s eye when he saw you as a bride for the first time was priceless.

I LOVED your veil!

Your nephew Carson just cracked me up all day.

Dude, Alojz, you were lookin’ dapper!

Your gifts to your groomsmen were awesome!

The big moment

Both Karey and I were in love with this church.

You’re married!

Fun with your veil!

I always think that some of the sweetest moments of the day happen during the dances.

The last bits of light of the day.  Beautiful.

You guys know how to tear up the dance floor!

Go grandpa!

Such a beautiful day!  Thank you for allowing me to be part of it!

Love, Jen

What a treat you guys gave me!  I was privileged to be a part of your wedding celebrations over two years ago.  But then I got to hang out with you two again as you get ready to start your family.  What a precious time.  You’re in those last few weeks of it being just the two of you.  SO SO soon there will be a little peanut joining your household, changing your lives forever!  I’m so excited for you!

Palak, I don’t know that I’ve seen a more beautiful pregnant woman.

You have the most perfect round belly.

And your dress could not be more perfect.

Gorgeous.

This baby is going to be so loved.  I just love your face here Simmy!  Already making cute baby sounds.

OK stop it.  You look amazing.

I couldn’t pick which one of these belly shots I liked better.  Anyone want to take a vote?

I can’t wait to meet the new little guy!  You are going to be such great parents.

Love, Jen

Your day was perfect!  Meagan, I remember when you first met Stephen and were figuring out what you thought of him.  Seemed to me that you liked him from the very beginning, building your relationship through friendship.  And Stephen, the way you adore Meagan is so sweet.  You two just work so well together!  It was so much fun being a part of your day.

When I first met you I saw you as Heidi’s cute little sister.  What a joy it was to see you transform into a beautiful bride!  Meagan, you were stunning!

When we walked up the stairs to meet Stephen you stopped and commented on how handsome he looked standing there.  You told me this was your favorite moment of the day.

From the look on his face, it may have been Stephen’s too!

Stephen, the cuff links you made were AWESOME! (Stephen works for Red Digital and these are the little logos that actually go on their cameras)

The look in your eyes was priceless!

You’re married!

You guys look GOOD!!!

Thank you for allowing me to spend your day with you!  I love you guys!!!!!

Love, Jen

Yours is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever heard.  How many engaged couples can say that they met in junior high?  And I think it’s amazing how the two of you are investing in the lives of young people in the junior high group at your church.  Talk about full circle!

You two are just so sweet together.

And, Amanda, the sparkle in your eyes is just amazing!

How amazing was the light that evening?

Congratulations you two!  May God bless you and your wedding!

I’m so glad you found each other.

Julie, how many conversations have we had about guys?  How often did you wonder if you would be single forever!?!  Well, guess what?  Nope.  I value our friendship so much.  Discovering Shave-It, the best shave ice around!  Trying Zumba and shakin’ my bootay in front of my old mentor.  Fun times in Palm Desert and playin’ Just Dance while your dog danced under our feet.  So much fun!

I even got to be there when this happened.

Nice job, Kyle!  So creative!

I’m so honored that I get to stand up next to you on your big day.  But I’m also glad that you allowed me to spend some time with you taking engagement photos.  You two are adorable!

You two look so content here.  But let’s let everyone else know what you’re actually looking at.

This cat was such a crack up!  He definitely liked you guys!  He would NOT go away!

Oh Kyle.  Really?  Bunny ears?

Such personality, all the way down to your toes!

Julie, some of the looks you give Kyle crack me up.  Like he’s up to no good.  He probably is!

There it is again!

Awww…. so sweet.

Shooby-dooby….

I couldn’t love the light more here.

Mmmmmmm

Who gets the cherry?

How embarrassing.  Um… I think you have something… oh never mind.

I love how you play together.

One of my favorites.

Thanks for spending the day with me!  I can’t wait to share in all the festivities in celebrating your marriage.

Kyle is in the army and living in Texas.

Julianna has been living in Puerto Rico finishing up school.

They have been doing the long distance thing for a while and are SO excited to be getting married.

They had an intimate wedding on the beach at sunset with their closest family and friends.

I mean… look at that sunset!

There’s just something about this one that I love.

What a joy to be a part of your day, Kyle & Julie!!!!

What a magical day!  First, Chris gets down on one knee (in a Prince Charming costume, no less) to propose to you, Laura.  Then, full of excitement and lots of smiles, we headed into one of Laura’s happiest places on earth.  Disneyland!

Laura, could you be any cuter?

OK, seriously…. remember how crowded it was and how many people were walking by?  How did this happen then?  Disney magic! (that could refer to the park or to me…. it’s up to you.

Disney’s secret little elite Club 33.  It’s also a great place to make out!

Laura, good job playing the “I-just-got-engaged-an-hour-ago-so-even-though-you’re-already-closed-could-we-please-take-a-photo-on-the-canoes-cuz-it’s-my-fiance’s-favorite-ride” card.  How can you say no to that?

Prisoners of love.  Yep…. I just said that.  I know it’s pretty lame.  Whatever.

Chris, all I can think of when I see the photo of you on the phone is the little girl who walked up and took the phone right out of your hand a second later!

Awwwww!

Just mindin’ our own business when….

…a friend wanted to be in our photo!

And you know how I like my magic lights!

This is a favorite of mine from the day.  I love the colors and you two are just lovely.

Chris & Laura, thank you again for allowing me to be a part of such a special day.  It made my birthday one I’ll never forget!

Love, Jen