College Hill Methodist Church

Wedding Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Joshua and Cara met at Lindsey Wilson College through campus worship ministry and Singers. They had no idea at the time that they had so much in common and would one day fall in love. It simply wasn’t God’s timing. They were acquaintances that knew each other just enough to be Facebook friends. Thank the Lord for that, because their friendship didn’t truly begin until New Years Day of 2022 when Joshua responded to a quote on Cara’s Facebook story, not realizing it would send through Messenger. An accidental message, was met with a brief response, that turned into a slow progression of back and forth conversation and questions about life, faith, and scripture. Joshua heard clearly from the Lord that he was supposed to be a blessing to her, in whatever capacity, even if that was simply as her friend, and she was in need of that precious blessing. He saw a beautiful, sweet, genuine, Godly woman in Cara and after lots of prayer, felt God leading him to pursue her. Their friendship grew very deep over the span of a few months before ever going on a first date. Joshua was kind, patient, steady, a true gentleman and follower of Christ. They both felt so safe to open up to each other and had formed such a strong connection, that by date two, real love had formed and they began to see just how much pure joy, fun, and laughter could be part of their days. God had built a bond so beautiful and unshakable, through long-distance and opposite work schedules, job changes and new ministries. They both knew they never wanted to do life without the other and they were way better together than apart. The day Joshua proposed, earlier than planned because the ring was burning a hole in his pocket, he took Cara down the same walking trail as he did on their first date. They sat on the same bench by a beautiful fountain, where they talked for hours on that first date. This time though, he had planted a beautiful bouquet on the bench beforehand, and that confirmed what her heart was already telling her, that this would be the day he would get down on one knee, the start of a lifelong promise. So much joy. So many happy tears. Now, they excitedly await a lifetime together with their best friend, in the same town, creating a marriage, building a community, and praising and serving together. God is so faithful to His children. No one can imagine what all He has in store and just how good His plans are. Their story is evidence of that. Practical strangers were brought together, and the only explanation is Jesus.

Only Jesus

Our Story

Photos

Callie Jo Bradford

Gabby Naylor

Abby Hagan

Jonathan Atherton

Sam Ward

Kyle Embry

Thomas Mckinney

John Wilson

Jack Marcum

Eli Clapper

Ellie Jane Hagan

Rosie Naylor

Finn Marcum

Landry Hagan

Wedding Party

Q + A

Reservation Deadline: May 01, 2024Friday and/or Saturday are available.Ask for the “Atherton Wedding”.

Hampton Inn Richmond

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Cara & Joshua

Cara & Joshua

Wedding Party