Happy Anniversary Jennifer & Tony!
Blog post from August 22, 2007:
I'm torn.
I still feel horribly inadequate to start describing what was the beautiful sequence of events that culminated in my daughter's wedding. The words are stuck in my throat--soul. Every once in a while my heart loosens it's grip on a couple of thoughts, they make their way up to my head and rattle around like tiny steelies in a can of spray paint. At first, when you shake the can the metal beads flail around and bounce from side to side making all kinds of racket.
The guests blur together; family, friends, and even the caterer. Images that start out crystal clear, become out of focus, and then fade away almost as if they're taunting me. There are a host of people that have already learned the ways of servant hood (not the least of these being Jen's grandparents) must have an appropriate thank you space.
And I definitely don't want to minimize the hard work put in by the bride and groom in preparation for a God inspired marriage. I promise I will get to that, but I first must speak to the wedding day that was completely and totally unique in a way that can only be described by two words: Jen & Tony.
Unique, one of a kind, intimate, personal, different, out of the ordinary, all words that would creep in and drive wedding plans.
Grandma & Grandpa's Farm was the only venue ever mentioned, and so right out of the gates we were planning a destination wedding.
Not very long after the engagement was announced, they decided to theme their ceremony around serving God and each other. Uncle Paul would give the message culminated by washing each other's feet.
It was when we first shopped for her bridal gown, that I came to realize this would be no ordinary bride. "Formal or informal" the lady asked. "I'm not sure what you mean, Jen replied and then questioned, "Do you have anything with sleeves?" The lady stared blankly at Jennifer and said, "I'm not sure what you mean."
The flowers were cut on the wedding day from seed packets that had been prayed over, cultivated, and watered with the utmost of tender care. A handful of daisies and black-eyed Susan's for the bride, a single sunflower for the bridesmaids' and boutonnières of soybean leaves for the guys. 
There were other little things that completed the "look and feel" At first, I thought "no ushers", was a big mistake, but Jen wanted people to feel like they were walking into a worship service. In a barnyard. Programs that seemed a tad oversized at the beginning served as miniature umbrellas. The cicadas were deafening during the rehearsal, but the dash of rain quieted them and saw to it that she got to the church on time.
After Grandpa prayed over the dinner…I thought he might break into "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" instead we got the National Anthem after his to-the-point sermonette.
Something borrowed, something blue, yadda, yadda, unity candle, blah, blah, blah.
Apparently Jen and Tony.
Field Of Dreams
A year ago today by fields of their dream
Serving each other their mantra and theme
Following Jesus, washing one another's feet
Instead of “I Love You” rings said “Be Sweet”
Echoed off the barn vows spoken that day
Sister and cicadas sang; father tried to pray
Daisies, sunflowers, grandparents united
Lingering lightening bugs were even excited
One year ago on a brisk summer's eve
They set out on their journey with faith to believe
God sent His blessing; a new love would grow
White lights decorated each soy bean row.
In sickness, health and hurdles unknown
Traveling together, hearts that have grown
Learn from the past, press onward in union
God bless as you build a stronger communion.
Now home by the river, keeping time in due season
Hindsight helps them afford greater reason
Anniversary demands a stronger persuasion
Fondly remember that happy occasion.
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