Where do you start in your thoughts and soul to even begin writing about your daughter’s wedding day? Do you start from the first time you realize you were pregnant with a beautiful daughter to love, or maybe the first conversation as a little girl dreaming about her wedding day, or maybe you start……I just don’t know, but here it goes.

My dearest Victoria,

I’ve told many people you had a “story book wedding”! The story began long ago when God “fearfully and wonderfully” created you inside your mother’s womb. From that moment, and even before time began, God has created and woven you into a beautiful lady of His grace and love.

I remember your dress up days–pretending to be a pink Power Ranger, a princess, and yes, even a bride.

Most moms look at their little girls all dressed up and, for a moment, wonder who will be the blessed man to hold the hand of their child. The moment is fleeting because there is much to do as a mom during the course of the day. Time flies by and the moments turn into reality when you see your daughter dating.

Your father and I have prayed earnestly for the man who would ask you to marry him, and we earnestly prayed for you to become a Godly woman–someone who a Godly man would be attracted to because of her strong character. I remember studying the book of Ruth and praying, “God create a Ruth character in my daughter, and send a Boaz to marry her.”

Your dad and I were proud of Spencer and all the wonderful promises and covenant he shared with us prior to your engagement. We rejoiced in the opportunity for us to bless the union and pray over you as a couple.

Your engagement occurred during an interesting time. I remember the day Spencer had planned the surprise engagement.  He had the most incredible day planned for you! I must confess I was hard pressed not to follow him, so luckily I had a work session with my capstone group with VCU.

Later that day, our family occupied our minds and contained our excitement by going out to dinner!

You happened to call during our time out, and we rejoiced with you! We saw the marriage trolley pass by, and we smiled! That launched the creativity! What will Victoria and Spencer plan for THEIR wedding?!

The year-long planning was a joyful experience of crafts, discussions, parties, dinners, connecting with new friends and family, and understanding the purpose of a wedding–a God story and covenant.

I remember sitting around the table looking at my wedding album with you and suggesting that you consider wearing my veil.  What a glorious moment watching you try it on.

  

I believe the song you chose to walk down the aisle to, Love Never Fails, was the theme of our time planning the wedding and the ultimate wedding day!

Love will sustain, love will provide
Love will not cease at the end of time
And love will protect, love always hopes
And love still believes when you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

Friends and family gathered around to love and support us. They gave of time, money, talent, and resources to create a memory of a lifetime.  From every hair pin placed, hairspray and make up applied, picture taken, grooms men organized, food ordered or cooked, crafts created, flowers adorned, prayer spoken, words of encouragement given, anxiety melt-down expressed and forgiven, tears of joy displayed, hug received, joyful laughter shouted, card written, gift purchased, heirlooms bestowed, vows spoken, pastor preaching, rings exchanged, wedding dress chosen, lavender buds smelled and specifically placed, colors chosen, car decorated, house cleaned, back and hands used to set up, clean up, and run errands, phone calls made, cake picked up and cut, bodies joined dancing to music, wink of an eye, knowing look, scripture spoken, sweat running down, music played at just the right time, song sang, video taken, and promises made–May 31, 2015 came together in a culmination of a continuous symphony and harmonious acts of love, grace, generosity, and JOY!

I will treasure in my heart for a lifetime walking down the aisle not as the bride but as your mother.  We’ve come full circle my sweet girl.  Walking down to sit alone on the pew and awaiting you and the love of my life to walk you down to the man of your dreams was a joy and mixed emotions I had never known. Having my daddy right behind me along with my mom and your dad’s family gave me the strength to let you go. I saw my daddy and cried.  He hugged me, and reminded me how much he loved me.  We may let go Victoria, but we never leave.  I’m always here.  And, like my daddy said, “I got your back.”  Crying again…..

Thank you Adam for your strong-arm of love. Just prior to organizing our line, Melinda Clapp was there to laugh and get me into the shade. Christian sisters supporting….loving…laughing…being real….

 

 

Praying with your Woman of Worth sisters (bridesmaids) and sisters before the wedding, invited us into the loving Spirit that surrounded the place.  Jesus was already there for we had prayed long ago for this day–we only needed to be still and talk to Him. Oh, Victoria, He is so faithful and full of grace.  Amazing grace.

The morning of and getting ready was truly special. Sweet little hands fixing hair and makeup, laughter, and encouragement.  Elmo taught us to belly breath if we got too overwhelmed.

I loved hearing all the comments as the girls reflected on the pictures in the photo album.  “That’s the date of my baptism!”, as Christi looked at her baptism picture from Shalom Baptist Church.  Memories…..sweet memories….that bind us together….

One of my favorite moments in a wedding is watching the groom glow at the first look at his bride. I was so busy watching you, I almost forgot to look.  When I looked, I saw the most incredible expression of endearment, love, and awe in the eyes of Spencer.  I knew in that moment just how much he adores you, Victoria.

 

Seeing your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and little flower girls gathered around you and Spencer was a circle of love and the beauty of Christ’s love.

I don’t know how I’m writing this to you without constantly tearing up.  Your father just walked in and said, “You have the cutest smile on your face.”  It’s God’s joy all coming out of me, and I would give anything to relive that day with you.  This is my humble attempt at recreating the day and never forgetting.

I can’t imagine your day without Pop and Kaye Vickers.  Pop speaks from the heart and loves Jesus so much, Victoria.  He loves you and Spencer.  That love was evident from the moment he opened his mouth, and so many people shared how the message motivated them to remember their marriage promises. There’s Melinda and Larry Clapp in the background!

Your daddy shared amazing and deep soul aches–good aches.  With tears in his eyes later that night, he shared with me, “I felt safe walking with Victoria–God comforted me, and I knew it was all going to be good.  I felt safe, and I just kept telling her how much I loved her.”

It’s as if you were just born, Victoria!  Your daddy has shown “the best selfie ever” to anyone–even strangers.  He is so proud of you and Spencer.

Victoria, many years ago, my daddy lifted my veil, kissed my cheek, and “let go”.  Do you realize how truly special it is to see that same veil be lifted by the man God gave to me–your father?  The opportunity to share one of our favorite scriptural love songs, and then for you to ask us to sing was truly an honor.  You ARE sealed to Spencer!  Your marriage is a covenant that was not entered into lightly. Your can create a marriage of passion with God’s help!  Put Him first in ALL things!

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Song of Solomon 8:6

I reflect on the duet and remember how overwhelmed with emotion I was, and how God entered in and gave me the courage to sing louder and stronger–

Set me as a seal on your heart / Set me as a seal on your soul / For strong as death is love, unyielding as the grave / Nothing will quench its flame, nothing will quench it flame.

Marriage can overwhelm you, Victoria, and when it does, pray for Jesus to give you strength and courage to sing and rejoice in the man who God has given you to love. I’m not just talking about toothpaste caps and toilet seats.  I’m talking about the really hard times when you have failed him, or he has failed you, and the grace that was spilled out at the cross has already covered that sin.

NOTHING…..will or should quench its flame….

It’s little things you did in the wedding ceremony that made the day special, Victoria. Sandy said, “No stone unturned!”. This expression from a best friend brings me joy. You and Spencer are amazing.  The same commitment to your wedding day pales in comparison to your commitment to each other and marriage.  Remember that the little things add up and create beauty. Little notes, flowers, a hug, an encouraging word or smile….they make a marriage sweeter.

 

 

The first kiss as man and wife…

Walking down the aisle together (without your daddy)! See Sandy smiling ear to ear?!

As we ushered into the party of a lifetime, the joy I saw on your faces captivated me…

Mr. and Mrs. Lamb!  Let’s celebrate!

 

I like this picture because you can see Harvey in the background video taping with Ben, and friends along with Linda, Lori and Levin.  Lori has the most amazing picture of sun rays shinning down on the wedding party! She said it just seemed to appear — the glory of angels!  We have to get that picture from her!

 

 

So, I don’t have all the pictures of us dancing the night away by the light of the moon! What joy to dance, giggle, and practice our dance moves from the lessons we took prior to the wedding!  I enjoyed dancing with the other couples that went to the dance lessons with us (Christi and Steven) and of course my main man–Parish.

The cake!  Do I need to say more?  Thank you Paul and Karen for “the cake!”.  If you want to know more to that story just ask!

I love a man who takes sweet advantage of a joyful moment! Here is a foreshadowing from Spencer to make memorable occasions filled with laughter and surprises!  He got you Victoria!

Thank you Uncle Eugene for the lamb cake topper! We just added a veil and bow tie and voila!– a cake topper for the two Lambs in love! 🙂

Every bit of cake was gobbled up! Thank you Paul May and Karen May for your love and generosity!

I don’t have a picture, Victoria, but Papa and Grandma danced.  And, after their dance, I grabbed my daddy and danced with him. My daddy and me….dancing….

Addendum:  Someone took pictures of me dancing with my daddy and sent these after this post!  I love you daddy…my mama is watching in the back ground with love in her eyes…

Grandparents are a treasure and they love unconditionally.  We are so blessed to have their constant love. I want you to remember this…..  Papa was asked if he could walk down the aisle and it was suggested they be seated, and the women walk with a groomsman.  Papa said, “I can walk!” and Morris agreed.  “We will walk down the aisle in honor of this marriage.”  Don’t ever forget that Victoria–they took a stand for you and Spencer.

Grandma’s hands cleaned, nurtured, and created for your special day. A grandmother’s love is to be honored and treasured for a lifetime.

Also, Victoria, listening to Drew’s toast and the love of Tyra was evident that you’ve made a difference in their lives, and they love you beyond measure.

“Long before this day, I considered you a sister!” …”Your red hair….great day!”  “Spencer you are more than a best friend–I truly love you….you are my brother…”

And sweet Vivian……

“No words can describe my relationship with Victoria…..I borrowed her clothes…she helped me through my weird middle school …my best friend…she always knows what to say….I love your WOW sisters….Spencer….when I first met you….over time…we have a good relationship and you make me laugh.  I’m so happy for you.”

So many people surrounding your marriage to cheer you on and cover you with prayers! We are truly blessed Victoria.  As you grow older the blessing of family and friends will grow sweeter over time, and you will realize the immense blessing we have in the love of those who gathered around you and our families that day.

Even precious Nana came to honor you.

She was my Mistress of Ceremonies!

I love you Victoria! I will never forget your story book wedding and the joyful time that was had by all! As, I close out this post, your daddy is singing Set Me As A Seal, and I am humming along. I’m smiling that cute smile, tearing up, and remembering how beautiful God has made this world.  We need only to embrace the beauty and take the time to create beauty in the lives of others.  Thank you for creating that beauty in my life…..

“How beautiful you are my darling….” (Set Me As Seal)

And, please remember….

Stay close little girl…

Wedding Resources We Recommend

• Clay Hill Garden Events for the Venue.  Debbie is down to earth, works with you, and has the most beautiful landscape!  Perfect location!

http://www.clayhillgardenevents.com/

• Open Doors Photography, Chrissy Fukushima for Pictures

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Open-Doors-Photography/344353662250157

• Cakes by Desiree’ for specialty cakes.  Victoria had a lineman cake (Spencer’s profession) made for the rehearsal dinner that was creative and awesome to taste! She also does wedding cakes.

http://www.facebook.com/cakesbydesiree.king

Email: Deeking777@aol.com

• Pop Vickers for wedding ceremonies

Please message me for more information on how to contact Pop Vickers!

• If you are local, Little Italy has great food and caters for your special occasion! Tyra, the mother of the groom, ordered from them!  Thank you Tyra!

11292 Blue Star Hwy Stony Creek, VA 434-246-5858

• Again, if you are local, Sibley’s Barbecue was to die for!  Mrs. Sibley was awesome to work with and the food was delicious! (especially the mac and cheese!)

http://www.sibleysbbq.com/

804-748-4689

• Dance Lessons for the wedding day: Rigby’s Jig.  We had a BLAST and truly learned how to dance in a short amount of time.  I recommend going as a group if you can. We recommend Nicole Libby as an instructor.

http://www.rigbysjig.com/

• Thank you to my brother for an amazing video and sound set up for the outdoor wedding.  For more information on his services, please message me!  He has state of the art equipment including a drone device to capture aerial video.
• For consultation on unique crafts and personalized details for your wedding please message me.