The Wedding!!

With the wedding 4 days behind me (July 18th), it's been nice to have some quiet time to sit and reflect on that special day at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor. I was amazed and proud of how calm and poised Melissa was...nothing ruffled her feathers! She looked absolutely radiant and Kyle was a handsome young man!

Everything seemed surreal, even as I was walking down the aisle on Ryan's arm. The bridesmaids and groomsmen followed and as the music reached a crescendo, the doors swung open and a glowing Melissa entered with her teary dad to "Flying" by James Newton Howard. So many emotions! John Snell gave a Christ-centered message, followed by the vows, unity candle, and a communion ceremony administered by Ben Bryson (my cousin-in-law). Chris Tomlin's "Unfailing Love" played during communion. Soon, John, with tears in his own eyes, pronounced them husband and wife.

Melissa designed how she wanted the reception area (The Gathering Place) to look and Nancy, Gerald, the boys, and their girlfriends did a stunning job of setting everything up. After a mini marriage certificate signing ceremony, we entered the reception, followed by the announcement of "Mr. and Mrs. Hancock". Their 1st dance was to "Wonderful Tonight" and they looked charming! Dave and Melissa coordinated an emotional father-daughter dance to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella." There were very few dry eyes - even several men were clearly moved!

The whole day was perfect and we thank the Lord for the new Mr. and Mrs. Hancock and the beginning of their life together!

*A little addendum: When I dropped a check off at Chapel Hill this morning, the receptionist said that the event coordinator (Patti Edge) told her she had never seen The Gathering Place more beautiful than at this wedding. She also said that she was touched by the joyful, prayerful father-daughter dance. The wedding coordinator (Beverly Levenson) had so many kind words about the wedding, too.