On October 22nd our family expanded when our daughter Robin married Eli Price. They have been seeing each other for the past year-and-a-half or so and were engaged this past New Year's Eve.
The wedding was a beautiful ceremony at the Pond at Crossroads Church. Friends and family gathered to celebrate with us on as beautiful a day as I can ever remember. When Robin told us she wanted an outdoor wedding in October in Southwest Louisiana I had more than a little concern over the threat of hurricane season! It was a bright sunny day with perfect temperatures. Thanks Lord.
The ceremony could have served as a Pinterest show case! We had spent our Thursday family gatherings making stuff for the past several months and all the crafty, hippy, folksy decor was adorable. Additionally, the flowers were beautiful, the brunch menu for the reception was delicious and Robin was absolutely stunning!
We had such a great time getting to know Eli's family the week leading up to the wedding. They are from the Atlanta, GA area and just could not be more charming. We're so thankful Robin has married in to such a sweet family.
I had the honor of walking Robin down the aisle as well as officiating the communion portion of their ceremony. Eli's pastor, Aaron Shamp of Redeemer City Church did the main officiating and tied a really good knot! For the communion service, I used my dad's Bible. It was a special way to include him in their ceremony. I know he would be so proud of Robin and I know he would warmly welcome Eli into our family.
So many people have asked me how it felt to give my daughter's hand in marriage. Being a pastor for over thirty years I have counseled so many people who struggle with marriage. It is enough to make a dad apprehensive about who his kids might marry. I can say with all sincerity that I am so at peace with Robin's selection of Eli. He is a kind, thoughtful, considerate young Christian man that I know is going to take great care of my little girl. I told him so at the wedding after giving him Robin's hand. It was a private moment between he and I and it took a few seconds. When I sat down by Donna she immediately asked, "Did you threaten him?" I did not. I welcomed him into the family!
