At Last…Happily Ever After

Sunday evening, May 28, 2017 – the much-anticipated wedding.

The setting: the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Tall pillars align the sides of the grand room. At the far end of the room, angled stairwells, artfully decorated with floral arrangements and draping white fabric, frame a beautiful wall of flowers. The scene is reminiscent of the ballroom in the Disney animated movie “Beauty and the Beast.”

The string ensemble begins to play. The grandmothers are escorted to their seats of honor.

Then the groom enters with his mother – he, tall and handsome in his tuxedo and she, radiant and beautiful in her pink gown.

Next to enter – the mother of the bride, regal and matronly, escorted by the bride’s stalwart brother.

From the side enter the pastor-father, the groom and the best man. As the strings fill the grand room with the music of the ages, the groom is overcome with emotion. Could this really be what he has pictured in his mind and rehearsed day after day, year after year, waiting for the perfect moment – the perfect girl?

Pair by pair the wedding party enter. The groom’s men looking sharp in their tailor-made tuxedos. The bride’s maids lovely in their individually-chosen pink gowns. Then, as if to remind everyone of the joy and wonderment of the occasion, the flower girls and Bible bearers make their way to the waiting groom.

Finally, the moment has arrived – the bride enters with the protective hands of her brothers on each of her arms. The maiden, whose quiet and gentle spirit stole the Prince’s heart and the hearts of his family. Elegant and beautiful in her wedding gown, she is met by her Prince.

The marriage is sealed. The Prince and his Princess are married – Jeremiah and Corazon are ONE.

Those of us who were blessed to witness the wonderful wedding ceremony and celebrate at the reception that followed felt like the guests at Cinderella’s ball. We had the opportunity to dress up and walk through the halls of the Chrysler – the venue that meant so much to Jeremy and Cora during their courtship. The couple allowed us into their world and let us participate in their dream.

The beautiful flowers and decorations, imagined and designed by Sally, were lovingly assembled by loyal family and friends as a show of appreciation for the tireless efforts of Sally to make everything beautiful for the weddings of others. The well-planned and executed programs for the wedding ceremony and reception were orchestrated by the loving efforts of Jayna and co-coordinator Aiden.

To those who devoted many months of their time in preparation for the grand event, you transformed the grand room into a palace. And for those of us who were able to play even a small role, what an honor to be part of that day.

I remember when Jeremy was younger he used to like the movie “Ever After,” a reimagining of the classic Cinderella. Like Prince Charming, he searched. But as I watched my nephew and listened to his vows, I realized what he had been searching for. And it appeared that he found what he was looking for – certainty within himself that he could provide for and love and respect and protect and remain devoted to the love of his life. That there is a Creator, and that his Creator had smiled on him that day. Jeremy has always wanted everything to be just right. And from where I sat, I could see that he found within his heart a readiness to receive the treasure from Heaven and be the husband Cora truly deserved.

The authors of fairytales create splendor, elegance, happy endings. But those stories aren’t really true to life. Not the case for Jeremy and Cora.

Yahweh is the Creator of true grace and generosity and a beautiful spirit. All these wonderful qualities in Cora that Jeremy adores and treasures are from Yahweh alone. The gentleness, integrity, and devotion that fills Jeremy’s heart are also from Yahweh. Yahweh chose Jeremy for Cora and Cora for Jeremy before the beginning of time. And since He wrote their story, everything about their lives is true and real.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, and coming down from the Father….” James 1:17 NIV.

To Jayna:     It was so good to hear the gratitude and admiration Jeremy expressed when he and Cora thanked you for all you did for them. You are truly gifted. And Stephen – your love and support for Jayna is always appreciated because you play a big role in the success of all her ventures.

Louie and Sally:     You both have such open and generous hearts. So many of us have been blessed by your willing and giving spirits. It was a grand celebration of the love that flows from your marriage to your children. Because of you, your son’s dream has come true.

To the entire Mesia family:     I know that I speak for the entire Asercion family when I say “Welcome!” We are so happy to be a part of your family and you ours.

To Cora and Jeremy:     Thank you for allowing us to be part of your fairytale wedding. What a wonderful day! And thank you for honoring Mama by requesting that her Bible be part of the ceremony. I visited Mama and Papa’s resting place the day after your wedding.  They would have been so proud of both of you. As I looked at the picture of their smiling faces, I couldn’t help but say, “It was a good day.”

My prayer for you:    “May the grace of [Sovereign Yeshua Messiah], and the love of [Yahweh], and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you….” 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV

With Yahweh as the Author and Center of your marriage, you will live “Happily Ever After.”