Peter and Barbara are now wed!
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in both of their lives! “Barbara is from Kenya, Peter is from Tanzania and they both met in the United States,” someone said at their celebration. God orchestrated both of their separate lives so they would collide to (eventually) fall madly in love with each other.
The wedding, as Megan commented, was one of the most God centered ones she had been to. God was lifted up throughout the whole thing!
At the ceremony, we all worshiped the Lord, then, Pastor Paul gave the wedding message. After that, there was a feet-washing ceremony where Peter humbled himself, kneeled to the floor, and washed his bride’s feet. It was a picture, showing how he would serve her for the rest of their lives. Finally, they were pronounced “Man and Wife,” but Peter only kissed her on the forehead and both cheeks! (I wanted a refund, but, at the end of the reception, Peter picked up Barbara in her beautiful white dress and quickly kissed her -on the lips! So, everybody was very happy.)
At the Reception:
Many thoroughly enjoyed how laid back they could be at the reception. There was plenty of time to talk, laugh and enjoy each-other’s company. There were many new people to meet; there were people from California, Texas, Kenya, Tanzania, Nebraska (of course) and all over!
When the Bride, Groom, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids arrived it was an extremely great time. They all came in dancing and with joy in their hearts! Mike Bliss, the reception MC, said it was the best entrance a Bride and Groom have ever done. And I would agree, they were fabulous!
We then ate. It was simple and many enjoyed it. After, the Groomsmen and Bridesmaids began to share there thoughts on the union of the newly wedded couple. And, at this juncture, I would love to share what was said, but there was too much! They laughed, cried and rejoiced, and we did the same.
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
Both Peter’s and Barbara’s families are closely nit, and both sides of the family accepted the other as part of their own. It was amazing to see both families give their blessings on the marriage. To be honest, there are quite a bit of weddings where the family becomes a little distant or even agitated about a union. But this did not happen in the slightest at the wedding; it was complete approval and thankfulness!
We ended the night with jigs, dances and who knows what else. Both the children and the grandparents joined in on fun, as well. Every once in a while, Peter or Barbara would join in and really grove!
When the songs were off, many left… But the fun still wasn’t over. After a few more pictures, we made a tunnel for the Couple. Boy, did it get LOUD! Everyone whistled, clapped and shouted! They held nothing back when the Groom picked up his Bride and kissed her.
“I do not think you could have planned something like that,” said Destiny on Sunday morning. He was referencing how perfect the whole thing was. God really did have his blessing on that day.
Here is a letter from Peter and Barbara (given to all who attended the ceremony):