This happened just as I said, "Megan and Alex, I pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Megan's veil flowed heavenward at exactly the same moment as I said, "Holy Spirit." The whole congregation noticed and cheered. #PinkTrilliumPhotography #CastleFarms #SerendipitousWeddings #Charlevoix

Superbowl Sunday, my 84-year-old father-in-law, Chuck, could not have cared less about the game, the ads, or the halftime show. All he wanted to do was get to Grandvue to be with the love of his life.
On the way there, he looked off across Lake Charlevoix where they've spent thousands of hours together since they were teens and he said, "I don't get it. Women feel such pressure to look young, to cover up their age. I look at Kay, every wrinkle; every single one, is so beautiful. I look at her and she's so beautiful. Her wrinkles are part of her. It's how she's supposed to look at this age. She's never been more beautiful."
I couldn't speak for a long time.
Today, Kathy pointed out a wrinkle on her own beautiful face and I remembered that I hadn't told her that story yet. Dad would be the first to acknowledge that enlightened might not be the first adjective others would use to describe him, but on this, Dad, you are such light in the darkness.
Here's a photo from our last big trip together. Much to Dad's chagrin and Mom's delight, we were at a French restaurant in Edinburgh. That look on the faces of both of these strong woman. Trouble. Of the best kind. And so much "this is who I am" beauty. Thanks, Dad! Every wrinkle; every single one.

Wedding Forward put together a great list of wedding customs that most of us have expererienced, but aren't sure we want to include in our own wedding. Here's our rule of thumb: If you love it, keep it. If you don't, feel completely free to leave it.

Check out Wedding Forward's "10 Wedding Rules & Traditions That Are Becoming Optional".

Charlevoix Wedding Pastor especially appreciates Wedding Forward's #10:

We'd love to know what you think of these 10. Are any of these are important to you? What other wedding customs do you consider optional? Are there any wedding customs you consider essential or even mandatory?

Such a classy and fun couple at one of northern Michigan's classiest venues. Thanks Paul Retherford for capturing the moments. Check it out: http://paulretherford.net/staffords-perry-hotel-wedding-fall-northern-michigan

Look! 

This is what love looks like! One of our amazing daughters, Kristin Belfy Rhythmicrootsdoula, posted this powerful moment in the life of two of our amazing grandsons. Darling girl, you are so right that this is something that parents can't really teach with words. Yet you and John have given Hayden and Britton what they need to be able to give themselves to others.

Sunday, one of my couple's, Kaitlyn and Daniel, used this Victor Hugo quote from Les Miserables in their wedding. It perfectly describes what Hayden and Britton are living out. Hugo wrote, "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved in spite of ourselves."

Thank you, Kristin, for giving the greatest of gifts to the world - children who know, really know, that they are loved. They just paid it forward at Boulder Park.

Click here to be blessed by pure love: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154754824015494&set=a.10152117111610494.926387.881880493&type=1&pnref=story"

This article, "The Questions That Will Save Your Relationships," is so good! It will strengthen your marriage.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4618254?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009