Southern Weddings

You know those love stories that stop you in your tracks? The opportunity to share those stories–the ones that make our hearts leap, make us hopeful, and remind us that love never fails–is one of the greatest privileges of working at Southern Weddings. Our friend Katie of Thomas Nelson (where Lara’s book is being published) has one of those stories, and we were so grateful for the advice she shared with us in V6. She recently shared even more of her love story on Real Simple, and I highly encourage y’all to take a few minutes over your coffee this morning to give it a read!

Gray Photography

My husband suffered a spinal cord injury a decade before we met, leaving him wheelchair-bound and meaning that I would be a spousal caregiver from day one. While we were dating, we established a reciprocal rule of communication: Bryce has to ask for help when he needs it, and I have to ask questions when I don’t understand aspects of his care and abilities. Our natural tendencies often steer us in the opposite directions–he’s a strong, kind-hearted man who wants to do as much as possible for himself and for me, and I’m a strong-willed, independent woman who wants to believe that I’ve “got this” with little help or explanation. But that’s not what God intended marriage to look like, for us or for anyone. Giving over to that vulnerability is hard, but it’s beautiful. The moments I’ve felt closest to my amazing husband are those marked by some of the hardest circumstances, when we simply surrender, admitting to each other and to our loving God that we cannot rely on our own strength. Oh, and my sweet hubby adds this nugget of marriage wisdom: “You don’t need separate sinks; you need separate bathrooms. Period.” True story!

Dove Wedding Photography

Written with love by Lisa

Our belief in the importance of date nights and getaways is well-documented, which is one reason we love today’s Sweet Tea Sunday couple, Donna and Tom! I can only imagine that 43 years of marriage have come with their fair share of experiences, but to this day, Donna and Tom’s favorite thing to do together is to go on out-of-town adventures. It is so special to see a couple who has made, and lived out, the commitment to never stop dating!

Sweet Tea Photography

Wedding date: July 17, 1971
Children: Two children and four grandchildren
When did you know he/she was the one? Tom: I knew she was the one within a few weeks of meeting. She had a challenge on her hands and she was willing to take me on to make me better. Donna: Within the first six months, we were at a movie and I looked over at him and he was looking at me. I knew it then.
What’s your favorite wedding memory? Donna: When my dad gave my hand to Tom, he held my hand so tight, I had the overwhelming feeling he would take care of me. Tom: I was scared to death, but when I saw her walk down the aisle, I was relieved and excited.
What’s your favorite thing to do together? Going on out-of-town adventures, whether they be short or long, close by or far away.
What’s your best marriage advice? Under all circumstances, make our marriage and relationship the first priority. Always show respect for each other. Always sleep in the same bed.

Written with love by Lisa