Another new Mr. and Mrs.

I remember.....

Those are powerful words to me. We are a family of many good times shared together, so it makes me happy we added a new memory from last weekend.  

Now we can say, I remember, the day Carlie and CJ got married.... 

Imagine a lovely day in June in Louisiana that wasn't too hot, and the sky was a perfect shade of blue. June 8th 2019 was just like that. It was the perfect day for making an unforgettable wedding into a lovely memory. And the multitude of us that is our family gathered to witness it all.  

The day began as many wedding days do, with girls gathering for makeup and hairdo sessions. There were lots of giggles and laughter, hairbrushes and curling irons and also champagne to celebrate. The girls were having fun being together while the boys were off getting ready for a wedding like boys do. Not sure what that looks like really. 

But after months of planning, picking colors, ordering and making sure everything was just right, it was time to get married. 

At the church the bridesmaids looked beautiful in lovely lavender gowns. There were handsome little fellas in suspenders wearing special purple bow ties. Three precious little girls wore puffy white dresses with lavender satin sashes, and they processed without incident all the way down the aisle, as if they were tiny little pros. There was an audible collective "Awwww" as they made their way to the altar.  

There was a groom all starched and ironed looking handsome and ready to say I do. Then, with everyone in their places, it was time for the bride to make her entrance. As the music began, Carlie and her father walked down the aisle, to her awaiting and beaming husband to be. The dress, in all it's lacey glory, was perfect, and all eyes were on the two of them as we watched them make the most solemn vows to each other.....promises to love and cherish for as long as they both shall live. There were a few tears, mostly by the pastor, and then in an unforgettable moment, Mr. and Mrs. CJ Holloway became a real thing.

Sealed with a kiss and smiles all around, it instantly became the most lovely moment and memory. Now Carlie and CJ can tell their kids and grandkids, "I remember the day we got married." It's an all new beginning. The beginning of a family and part of the story of their lives. From this day forward, for better or worse, they will walk it out no matter what. I hope all the days are good and fun and perfect, but if they aren't, I pray they fight together to get to the better. Also that they trust God and love God and reach for God, but after that, reach for each other before anything or anyone else.  

The story of Carlie and CJ already includes a fix up by a friend, the day they met, bank jobs, two houses, Ruston, Louisiana Tech, ULM and Monroe and an engagement on Carlie's birthday. And the story continues to write itself each day, with the wedding and a honeymoon. And so it goes, on and on. What will be next? Make as many unforgettable memories as you can. And then make some more. Remember them all so you can share them with your loved ones. We love to tell and retell our favorite moments. 

But also don't forget to keep secrets that only the two of you share. Love no matter what, even when you don't like each other. The years will fly by before you know it, they always do. I pray for you health and happiness and joy and prosperity and loving more than you ever imagined possible. 

Far from now, you'll look back at all you've experienced together and know that you would do it all over again. That's what Billie June told Big Frank.

 And then there is this card...

Maybe this one was near a not so good day. 

But it was a marriage that lasted 58 years. I know for a fact they lived through better and worse, through richer and poorer, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, until Big Frank left this earth. But what mattered to them most, even remembering their worst, was that they would do it all over again. 

So Carlie and CJ, I pray fervently for you only the best God has to offer each and every day of your lives. We as a family will do whatever we can to help ya'll in any way possible. You have so many people loving you and rooting for you and praying for you both. I believe you will have a most wonderful life together. 

So here's to the next 75 years and on and on and on. 

God bless you both all the days of your long, healthy and prosperous life.

And much love from me. 

Thanks for a wonderful new memory.