December 12, 2020 Lebanon PA

Stafford and Sharla are the sweetest couple with the most beautiful, God- scripted love story! Sharla is much better at writing than I am, so I decided to let her tell it, as she did on their wedding website:

** We think it’s the best. And we both like telling “the story”. But not because it’s our story. It’s completely God’s. From start to finish. More than we ever dreamed our love story would be. And we’re so in love with it all.
If you would have a few free hours, we’d sit with you by a cozy campfire and with big cups of coffee, and we’d tell you it all. We’d tell you about the 8 months we dated in 2016-2017. How we tried so hard and, yet, at the end, God gently said, “Not now”. We’d honestly tell you about the pain and the confusion. (We might even cry just a little.) Then we’d tell you about the work God had to do in each of our lives. Separately. Before the story could continue. Well, we actually believe that is all part of the story. The loneliness. The wrestling. The surrender. The beauty. The healing. And the little promise that God tucked deep into Stafford’s soul. “I’ll bring you two back together again someday.”
That promise was life giving. But life was a tad confusing. Faith Mission again for her. For two long years. Allegany Boys Camp for him. For two long years. Had he really heard correctly?
Then the fun part. April 2020. The day God brought the promise back to Stafford as he worked in an Oregon field. “Remember what I promised you?” Just like that, all the beautiful pieces came crashing back into place. Jarring. Shocking. Unspeakably lovely. And so distinctly from God.
In June, he asked. And in shock, she said “yes”. (That’s a story in itself.) And now, here we are. Over four years since we first were a thing. Amazed and in love with God more than ever before.
Yes, we stand amazed. But…that’s only the short version. There’s a lot more about God’s goodness that we’d love to share. Just ask, and we’ll tell you the rest. 🙂 **

Stafford proposed to Sharla in a prayer garden where Sharla had spent much time with God. Such a perfect ending/ beginning to their story!
Sharla was praying for a warm day for their wedding, but I was praying for snow 🙂 She got her wish and it was a lovely mild December day. The morning was foggy and it added such magical feel!

Little details I especially loved: Those bouquets! ~ the cut out names on the bridal table ~ the fun dessert of Christmas cookies and milk~ the coffee cup sleeves that Sharla’s friends hand wrote notes on… and the way they were surrounded with so much love.