This post is particularly near and dear to my heart... And for the first time ever, a post will feature at least 2 images of me stepping out from behind the camera. (Gasp!)
Over the past two years, Megan and I have adventured together all over Florida, New York, Southern California, Atlanta, Savannah and about a hundred stops in between. We love to travel and explore new cities - our love of food, design, and beautiful spaces mapping out each trip.
In March, Megan and I flew home to the U.S. for what was going to be a quick 3 week trip and dash between cities to see as many friends and family members as possible. Our quick trip ended, however, with an unexpected goodbye and parting ways in the Atlanta airport: me to Orlando and Megan back to our shared home in China. But more on that later...
We made the long trip back for my sister's wedding. Sarah, my beloved Sally (a nickname that will forever lack much explanation other than our odd sense of humor - like my own: Klaudine), is just 2 years older than me. We grew up in the same small school and spent every waking moment together for much of our childhood. By choice or by force, we were best buds through and through. Separated from collecting many neighborhood friends by woods, fields, and living in the country, we stuck together and pestered each other endlessly. Sally was my protector. Although her fear of bears and the great dark outdoors much exceeded my own. In our early twenties, we moved to different cities and eventually to opposite sides of the globe.
For years, she was the mischievous one; while my own sassy and outspoken self took a few years to develop in her wake. We're more different than alike... most days. But every once in a while, a mannerism or expression will pass through me and James will point it out as unmistakably Sally.
When Mike entered the picture, Sarah was living in Atlanta. Their love story began as a blind date and humorous email thread in which Mike became known for his mustache - a joke gone wrong (or at least we will continue to insist that's the truth every time that caterpillar creeps back above his lip). They wrote letters and fell in love slowly. Sarah is nothing if not careful and a ponderer. Meanwhile, we did what sisters do and pestered them for details and teased Mike endlessly. James and I took every opportunity to get to know Mike, but one thing was instantly clear... His sense of humor and earnest heart for the Lord was an unmistakable match for Sarah.
Fast forward to the fall of 2014, when James and I began insisting that they hurry up and elope (with us present of course) so we could be there to witness their wedding day. They declined. (I can't get anyone to work within our life plans... sheesh!). Mike instead enlisted me for help finding the perfect ring. Their story continued to unfold while James and I adjusted to a new home in China, until finally the wedding day arrived...
I'll cut the sentiments short & proudly introduce to you, my glowing, stunning sister, Sarah, on her wedding day.
View the rest of our favorite images from Mike & Sarah's wedding in the gallery below...