When we began planning our wedding, we both wanted to do some things that were a little different and unique. The invitation for example. It was a huge undertaking but turned out pretty awesome. Matt challenged me to come up with something special for the ceremony decoration. I came across this and thought it was interesting, though I wasn't sure what Matt would think.
We bought the runner and made a plan for rolling it out, but I'd come up with nothing. I was pondering I Corinthians 13 for inspiration. I thought maybe it could be the backdrop and that I could write something based upon that traditional wedding verse. Weeks from the wedding, I still had nothing.
Then I remembered Ephesians 3. I had quoted that verse so many times to others as I told them about Matt and our relationship. The verse completely characterized our relationship and the way God had blessed me immeasurably more than all I could have asked or imagined. In fact, a friend of mine challenged me four years ago to make a list of all of the qualities I would want in a man. At that time, I wasn't even interested in dating. But I did it anyway. Later, just days before Matt proposed, I took out the list and compared it to Matt. I thought my list was fairly exhaustive and frankly, unrealistic. I was wrong. Matt is everything on that list and immeasurably more. God has so blessed me!
So I decided Ephesians 3 would be the backdrop. Once that decision was made, the poem came easily one night. It didn't seem exactly right, but I figured we could go with it. I shared it with Matt, and he loved it. Then came the hard part, figuring out how to get it on the runner.
On the evening of July 4th, days before the wedding, we went up to Matt's work to make it happen. He has a hall long enough to spread out the runner and a printer that could print a template. Once we started working on the layout of the verse and poem, we realized it was going to be too short. We tossed around some possibilities for stretching the sizing, but I really didn't like that plan.
I told Matt I was going to go into his office to see if I could come up with another stanza. It hadn't ever felt quite right and complete to me. I gave him my phone so I wouldn't be distracted and took my iPad in to write.
When I headed in to write it was probably 9:00 p.m., and I was tired. I sat at Matt's desk and prayed, "Lord help me come up with something. This is not the ideal creative setting. I'm tired. I have no idea where to start. But whatever it is, I want it to glorify you."
As soon as I finished that thought, I realized what was missing. In the original poem, the first stanza was about Matt being immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. The second stanza was about how I am immeasurably more because of our relationship. The last stanza was about how we are immeasurably more as a team. So what was missing? The foundation. I realized I'd left God out. No wonder it hadn't felt complete. I began writing, with that thought and I Corinthians 13 in mind, and came up with what became the third stanza in just a few minutes. The team Matt and Laura stanza became the last.
When I shared it with Matt, he agreed. Now it was finished. It felt inspired. I know I'm no Maya Angelou. But for me, for us, it was perfect. He plugged the final piece in and it made the runner the exact length we needed. At about 3:00 a.m., wrists and knees aching, it was finished.
Getting started.
Finishing up. I was so tired!
Setting up at the church.
The dramatic finish.
On the big day, two of my nieces and nephews unrolled the runner between the lights, straightened it, and flipped on the lights all to the piano tune of "All of Me" by John Legend. I imagine it was quite dramatic and beautiful. And I can only imagine as it was set just before the entrance of my matron of honor, my BFF Kim, and flower girl, my precious new stepdaughter Isabelle. After family pictures, our photographer took some special ones of Matt and I with the runner and rose petals. I cannot wait to see and share those special photos.
After the ceremony, quite a few people stood around trying to read the text on the runner and got shooed out so we could take pictures. Many others who know me and suspected I had written it have asked to read it. Below is our very precious and inspired runner.
Now to Him
who is able to do
immeasurably more
than all we ask or
imagine, according
to His power that is
at work within us,
to Him be glory...
forever and ever!
Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Immeasurably more
Than I could dream.
Immeasurably more
Than I dared believe.
More love
More hope
More hugs and kisses.
More share
More safe
More help with dishes.
More kind
More lead
More "I was wrong."
More touch
More care
More "You are strong."
Immeasurably more
Appreciation.
Immeasurably more
Adoration.
More challenge
More push
More speaking out.
More honest
More brave
More free of doubt.
More candor
More real
More authentic.
More sparkle
More laughs
More silly limerick.
Immeasurably more
Spiritual connection.
Immeasurably more
Heart protection.
More gentle
More patient
More content.
More humble
More honor
More selflessness.
More forgive
More joy
More counting blessings.
More belief
More trust
More soul refreshing.
Immeasurably more
When we're together.
Immeasurably more
No matter the weather.
More give
More take
More compromise.
More talk
More work
More apologize.
More us
More we
More lean on me.
More partner
More strength
More M & L Team.
