December 25th, 2021 looked a little different for us this year, in the best way! As we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, we also had a little something else to celebrate this year. My boyfriend’s dad wed the loveliest woman, whom we absolutely adore, on Christmas day. It was the dreamiest winter wedding set in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.
When they first got engaged, they had talked about several options for the intimate elopement that they had in mind. Eloping in Africa, celebrating in Mexico, maybe even a quiet backyard ceremony at home. With Covid presenting consistent roadblocks and with the particular chapter of life they are in, they knew they wanted their wedding ceremony to be low-key, intimate and special, just them. So, Ryan and I were absolutely THRILLED when they asked us to join them for a week of wedding celebration in Vail, Colorado over the holidays!
A Christmas day wedding in a winter wonderland. It was magical.
God certainly works in mysterious and wonderful ways. Lori and Charles’ story has funny, ironic little pieces, such as Lori buying Ryan’s childhood home and living in it before Charles and Lori even knew each other, but it’s also a story of unexpected blessings, unexplainable peace, and pure joy.
We believe it was somewhat of a divine intervention that brought Lori into Charles’ life, but I also must say from a personal perspective, that God has answered many of my own prayers, not only by bringing Ryan into my life, but also by blessing me with this wonderful bonus family. What a dream!
Their ceremony was in the most beautiful chapel, in a grove of Balsam trees located at the base of the world class Beaver Creek Ski Mountain. While there was talk of skiing all day and then skiing right down into the chapel (officiant included!) and saying their vows in ski gear, we opted to get a little dressed up instead ;)
Their ceremony was sweet and intimate, just as they hoped, complete with tears and smiles and a beautiful Apache wedding blessing they asked me to read, which I think fits them perfectly:
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
Charles and Lori, it is with heartfelt gratitude that Ryan and I thank you for including us in the beginning of your incredibly special journey. We are are so excited to witness the beauty and joy that is bound to come in the many years ahead.
We love you so much!
