December 04, 2008

The Day We Will Never Forget



I loved being a bride. I loved being Paul's bride.
It was a perfect day.
Nothing in life is perfect, I know...but it was a wonderful day.
It was a picture, a shadow, if you will of something that is perfect.
It was a day that reminded us of God's goodness.
I kept thinking...I don't deserve this man.
I don't deserve this day.
But isn't that just like God?
He gives us what we have not earned, what we do not deserve.
Look at these children. Aren't they precious?
They made the day extra special.



My daddy and me. Isn't he handsome?







The men in my life...could they be more handsome?



The rings



Mia Beth



My boy is so sweet and loving. Here he is rubbing my back before the ceremony because he wanted to do something nice for me.



When the time came for the ceremony to begin I was so calm. I felt peace at my core, knowing that God had created this union and I was just getting to walk it out.

Cait walking down the aisle



Benjamin walking me down the aisle



Paul first made vows to Benjamin and Cait. He promised to love their mom and be faithful to her, but also to love and care for them as his own. He gave them each a gift to remember the promise he made to them. He gave Benjamin a Bible, his first real one. He gave Cait a James Avery bracelet with a charm he had engraved to say, "Dad."





Paul's dad performed the ceremony, which made it very special.



Finally...husband and wife



Yes, it was joyful, but almost more of a feeling of relief that it was a done deal.
We're married!!! Woo Hoo!



The family



My family



His family



The kids



Then on to the restaurant for dinner.
Here is the breathtaking cake that Julie made for us. I wish you could have tasted it. It was our favorite...carrot cake. You wouldn't have been able to stop eating. It was divine!



Feeding each other



After an amazing dinner, family style at Maggiano's, people got up and shared things about the goodness of God. People talked about how they viewed the workings of God in bringing Paul and I together. One of the most special times were when Kristi read a letter to Paul from their mom. She passed away over three years ago, so we weren't graced with her presence at our wedding, yet she had prayed for Paul's wife for his whole life. Paul's dad said that night that he and his wife had been praying for me. What a blessing to realize that.
Also, Ryan shared about how they just knew that Paul was the one for me from the very start. And that we will never understand why God does things the way that He does sometimes, but that we have the assurance that this day was His plan from the very beginning. We rejoiced at hearing that.



Here are the boys in the limo before we left.
And then us in the limo.



What a day. Perfect...well as perfect as it can be here on this earth. It's real life. It's not happily ever after as we ride into the sunset. It's just the beginning of a marriage. It will be hard some days and maybe even some years. But Paul and I are committed to this thing. We are committed to each other and more importantly to God and the covenant we made with Him before several witnesses. He will help us keep it. Look at how faithful He has been. We know that He will continue to be everyday that lies ahead.

Thank you for your love and prayers and well wishes. You have made our joy that much fuller.

77 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, am I actually the first one to comment on this? I feel so honored! You were a breathtaking brider...so beautiful, and yet so simple. Thanks for sharing this journey with us. Thank you for being so honest through it all. It truly has been a blessing for us to watch the Lord work His miracles, and now I can't believe you are Tamra Lewis. Yippee!

Unknown said...

a breathtaking "bride" that is...:)

Louisiana Belle said...

Just beautiful... the relationship, the wedding, the bride, the marriage, the family. So very happy for you!

Monica Chadwell said...

I'm so happy for you, Tamra. I'm happy for you all!! What a gorgeous family you make. I loved that Paul made vows to B and C. I can't even imagine how that must have made their hearts swell. God is GOOD! So wonderful to follow this journey with you. Your testimony, heart and faith are amazing.

Kimberly said...

I'm crying tears of joy for you and the kids right now. What a beautiful ceremony. I pray that God blesses your marriage and family in incredible ways. May your love grow stronger with each passing day. I'm so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Lewis,

How fun to write that--"Mrs. Lewis"
What do I say? but...
Psa 118:23 says, "This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes."

Congratulations Mrs. lewis!

Treats by Trish said...

You looked absolutely lovely! Very graceful and classic! I will admit - I got teary at the vows to the kids. I can only imagine your feelings at that moment. Well it certainly LOOKED perfect and although it may not be the perfect marriage it looks like it is going to be a pretty good one - one of the better ones if you ask me!!

GraceandFaith said...

Congratulations! I was thinking the same thing as the other comments....you looked gorgeous and classy...I creid when I read about the vows to the kids...and YES! OUR GOD IS PERFECT!!!! I am so thrilled for your new family, Mrs. Lewis!

Anonymous said...

I came to your blog a few years ago probably at one of the most difficult times of your life. I followed your journey periodically over the last years. I hadn't "checked in" on you in a while. I was SO happy and filled with joy at reading of your marriage! May God continue to bless you as you begin your life together. --a sister in Christ

Jennifer Bacak said...

Okay, I wasn't crying until I saw Paul making vows to Bejamin and Cait. Oh my word! You were beautiful. It looked like it was all beautiful! I'm so thankful you had a wonderful wedding day, and even moreso, God has the gift of marriage ahead of you both! I love you guys!
jenn

Jess Richey said...

So gorgeous! I am so happy for you all! God is good!

Angel said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing these precious pictures. You are so gorgeous! It sounds just amazing and exactly what was needed. I just love how the kids were such a special part of everything. Hugs! Angel

Dimple Queen said...

Tamra, I have been crying tears of joy for you as I sit here. As I read this post and looked at all the beautiful pictures, I remembered all the previous posts. The story of how you two met, the one where you two told the kids, then this one...wow...breath-taking.

Our God is great, and I rejoice with you all as you start your new lives together as one!

God bless you sweetie!

Amber Smith said...

You looked beautiful on that day, truly one of the prettiest brides I have ever seen! What a special day. Absolutely perfect! Love you!

Janet said...

Tamra,

Congratulations - I am so happy for you and your beautiful family! May the Lord continue to pour out His blessings on you all.
Love,
Janet Sherman

Wendi said...

again, soooo happy for you all! absolutely beautiful in every way...hope you've had a very merry christmas...happy new year to your new family!

Kim said...

Congratulations on your new life together. I am blessed just to get to see how God has provided for you. How wonderful. The day looks like it was beautiful. I am thanking God right now and rejoicing with you!

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