Sunday, February 27, 2011

Bridesmaid #1!

Alllriiight....I wanted to post more frequently than this. I apologize. But here is a continuation of our bridal party introductions!

This is Rebecca Schneeberger (Lombardo in about 27 days!!!!). She's Josh's sister and my soon to be sister-in-law....and I'll let her speak for herself for the rest of her introduction. :)

Friday, February 18, 2011

Groomsman #1!

I know I promised more stories about God's faithfulness in our wedding planning, and those are coming. But I'd like to take a break to introduce one of our wedding party!

This is Jake Lewis, who lives in Tulsa near Josh. Do yourself a favor and go to the bathroom before you watch this. Seriously.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

God is so faithful...

If there's been an outstanding theme in the past few months of my life, I would have to say it's been God's faithfulness. I know this is a blog about wedding planning, but I just have to start out giving glory to God first.

Josh and I started talking about marriage back in June. Yes, less than three months into our relationship, we knew we'd get married this year. I tried really hard not to plan before there was a ring on my finger....but we all know how directly opposed that is to my personality. :)

Long story short, for a few months the planning process was incredibly frustrating and discouraging for me. Everything is so ridiculously expensive...especially renting any facility that is nice enough for a wedding. I didn't want to spend the "average" amount of money on my wedding (which would be easy because I don't have nearly that much available to me). So Josh and I started praying, and I stopped looking for awhile.

Soon after our engagement, Jenn asked me if I had thought about the Gettysburg fire hall. I happened to have that afternoon free...after wandering into Gettysburg and finding the fire hall, I called her to see if she wanted to come and walk through it with me. She called a man named Bill from church who was a member, and he drove over to open it and walk us through. I can't describe the feeling of peace that came over me when I walked into the room. It was perfect! The color was right, the size was right, it was simple (but not ugly), the lights dimmed, and it came with a huge kitchen, tables, and chairs.

That week I contacted their office and found out that they only rented to members and their immediate families, and non profits. I mentioned that I was a pastor, and they gave me the non profit prices and available dates. I realized that I was being kind of deceptive, took a deep breath, and called again to clarify that while I am a pastor, it was a personal event...not for my church. Their response was basically, "oh...never mind." A little desperately, I asked if there was anything I could do. The lady I was talking to explained that if there were members who would vouch for me and attend the event, I could rent the hall in their name.

Remember Bill? The guy I met that one time when he walked us through the hall? Also the only member I "know"...? The only way to get the fire hall would be to ask Bill and his wife Tina to come to my wedding and rent the place for me. Weird. So I asked Jenn and a few other people who knew them well if Bill and Tina were the kind of people who would be up for weird...haha. Turns out they were! Tina, one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met, booked the hall the next day, and offered to help in about ten other ways!

So that's the story of how we found our reception location. God is just so amazing with the way He brings the right people into our lives at the right time. I have a few other stories I'd like to share, but I think this is enough for today.

Take a moment to look around at your life and be grateful for the way God works and provides for you so graciously and lovingly!