Wedding Day

The Blue Heron

Ceremony

The Blue Heron at Blackthorn

Reception

Our Wedding

<p><br>For starters, I will first say that for me it wasn’t necessarily a “love at first sight” type of story. But here it goes haha. <br>Roughly around 3 years ago, I was visiting different churches in the hopes of finding a place to call home.  At that time, my brother started attending New Life and I noticed that he continued assisting there so I thought to myself “why not go visit there?”. Long story short, I fell in love with New life and I decided to stay! Everyone did great in making me feel welcomed and comfortable…everyone but Merle. After my first couple of visits at New Life, I never noticed him. About maybe the 3rd time around was when I finally saw him. The reason why I noticed him was because I caught him staring at me so many times. During those moments I would think to myself “What is wrong with this guy?” , “Is there something on my face?, “It must be my outfit?” Or “Gosh, I can’t be that scary just say what’s up or something.” This continued on for several weeks. I was actually the first one to introduce myself to him, I believe. I remember that we were at a church camp and I didn’t notice anyone familiar at the time other than Merle. When I saw him I remember saying “Hi, Merle! I didn’t know you’d be here” and I gave him a good fist bump. And BOOM, from that day forward this man never left me alone! He chased and chased after me for so long. And here I was being as stubborn as ever. REFUSING to accept that I liked him. At the time, I wasn’t looking to be in a relationship anytime soon. I was very focused on bettering myself and my walk with God. As time went by Merle and I became good friends. There were MANY instances to where I had to make myself clear that I only saw him as a friend but guess what? That didn’t stop him! Now you may be wondering “so when did you realize you liked him or let alone love him?” Here’s your answer. Sometime early last year, Merle went to a conference in California. And I remember telling him before he left “Merle, you better be open and meet new people… especially with the ladies” and he laughed and chimed in on the joke and he said something along the lines of “oh I will!” I remember not feeling this sense of relief. Like “I’m glad he’s finally moving on” or “thank the heavens he’s finally going to leave me alone.” I remember actually feeling bitter and jealous. And I recognized this little feeling in my heart and belly and that’s when I said to myself “Lord… what is this? This can’t be what I think it is.” While Merle was in Cali, I remember one night he texted me and asked if I could talk on the phone with him. Of course I said yes. While we were talking, I quickly jumped straight to the point and asked “sooo, did anyone happen to catch your eye?” And Merle actually said No. I didn’t believe him. I asked him repeatedly because I really wanted to know who I had possible competition with haha! The last time I asked him there was a very long pause and Merle told me very sincerely “it’s just…nobody here is you”. And at that moment I knew that what he felt for me was very real. And just hearing those few words made my heart feel so relieved. I realized that I was just being so stubborn and refused to believe that I liked him! That quick little phone call actually turned out to being a 5 hour long phone call. And since then,it’s never been the same. And I can’t help but say that it has been an absolute dream. To dating, to being engaged, and to now heading towards marriage! Who would’ve know. The Lord works in so many mysterious ways and his timing is ALWAYS perfect. And I couldn’t be more thankful! Merle is everything that I prayed for in a man. Words can’t describe how ready I am to finally be his wife. </p>

Merle & Joselyne

Merle & Joselyne

Photos