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Blackstone Farm

Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We&nbsp;met&nbsp;when&nbsp;Sarah's&nbsp;family&nbsp;started&nbsp;attending&nbsp;Harvard&nbsp;Bible&nbsp;Church&nbsp;20+&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago&nbsp;where&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;and&nbsp;his&nbsp;family&nbsp;were&nbsp;attending.&nbsp;As&nbsp;the&nbsp;years&nbsp;went&nbsp;by,&nbsp;we&nbsp;would&nbsp;trade&nbsp;sarcastic&nbsp;banter&nbsp;when&nbsp;we&nbsp;met&nbsp;at&nbsp;church.&nbsp;But&nbsp;we&nbsp;never&nbsp;really&nbsp;thought&nbsp;that&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;any&nbsp;possibility&nbsp;of&nbsp;dating&nbsp;and&nbsp;getting&nbsp;married. Tim&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;convinced&nbsp;that&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;was&nbsp;not&nbsp;to&nbsp;be,&nbsp;unaware&nbsp;that&nbsp;God&nbsp;had&nbsp;other&nbsp;plans.&nbsp;When&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;start&nbsp;a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;page,&nbsp;simply&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;purpose&nbsp;of&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;photographs&nbsp;with&nbsp;his&nbsp;family.&nbsp;One&nbsp;unexpected&nbsp;friend&nbsp;suggestion&nbsp;and&nbsp;accidental&nbsp;request&nbsp;led&nbsp;to&nbsp;friend&nbsp;requesting&nbsp;each&nbsp;member&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Griffin&nbsp;family.&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;had&nbsp;her&nbsp;profile&nbsp;picture&nbsp;from&nbsp;work&nbsp;in&nbsp;her&nbsp;scrubs&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;hair&nbsp;pulled&nbsp;back&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;mask&nbsp;on.&nbsp;And&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;thought&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;her&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time,&nbsp;because&nbsp;he&nbsp;saw&nbsp;that&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;was&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;beautiful,&nbsp;(even&nbsp;with&nbsp;half&nbsp;her&nbsp;face&nbsp;covered)!&nbsp;That's&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;fell. Thinking&nbsp;he&nbsp;couldn't&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;consider&nbsp;any&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;with&nbsp;Sarah,&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;Sarah.&nbsp;To&nbsp;Sarah,&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;become&nbsp;moody&nbsp;and&nbsp;refused&nbsp;their&nbsp;usual&nbsp;banter.&nbsp;He&nbsp;even&nbsp;asked&nbsp;God&nbsp;to&nbsp;not&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;to&nbsp;gain&nbsp;any&nbsp;interest&nbsp;in&nbsp;him&nbsp;and&nbsp;for&nbsp;his&nbsp;interest&nbsp;to&nbsp;fade.&nbsp;In&nbsp;May&nbsp;2021,&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;realized&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;trying&nbsp;to&nbsp;tell&nbsp;God&nbsp;what&nbsp;to&nbsp;do,&nbsp;rather&nbsp;than&nbsp;just&nbsp;trust&nbsp;HIM.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;he&nbsp;changed&nbsp;his&nbsp;prayers&nbsp;to&nbsp;just&nbsp;ask&nbsp;God&nbsp;to&nbsp;do&nbsp;HIS&nbsp;will,&nbsp;not&nbsp;Tim's.&nbsp;A&nbsp;few&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;later,&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;met&nbsp;again&nbsp;at&nbsp;church&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;their&nbsp;sarcastic&nbsp;banter&nbsp;returned. After&nbsp;the&nbsp;service,&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;was&nbsp;talking&nbsp;with&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;and&nbsp;his&nbsp;nieces.&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;caught&nbsp;himself&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;staring&nbsp;into&nbsp;Sarah's&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;thinking&nbsp;to&nbsp;himself,&nbsp;"She's&nbsp;stunning!"&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;was&nbsp;just&nbsp;astounded&nbsp;that&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;was&nbsp;talking&nbsp;to&nbsp;her&nbsp;again&nbsp;and&nbsp;enjoyed&nbsp;the&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;immensely.&nbsp; Sarah&nbsp;considered&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;a&nbsp;potential&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and&nbsp;after&nbsp;their&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;thought&nbsp;she&nbsp;could&nbsp;invite&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;her&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;party&nbsp;for&nbsp;some&nbsp;more&nbsp;good&nbsp;conversations.&nbsp;After&nbsp;a&nbsp;long,&nbsp;somewhat&nbsp;awkward&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;phone&nbsp;about&nbsp;dating,&nbsp;friendship,&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;fact&nbsp;that&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;needed&nbsp;to&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in&nbsp;Illinois&nbsp;until&nbsp;he&nbsp;retired,&nbsp;&nbsp;we&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;pursue&nbsp;it.&nbsp;❤&nbsp;Yes,&nbsp;her&nbsp;father&nbsp;was&nbsp;consulted.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our&nbsp;first&nbsp;date&nbsp;was&nbsp;at&nbsp;Panera;&nbsp;during&nbsp;which,&nbsp;Tim's&nbsp;hands&nbsp;were&nbsp;shaking&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sarah's&nbsp;heart&nbsp;was&nbsp;opening.&nbsp;It&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;very&nbsp;long&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;stole&nbsp;each&nbsp;other's&nbsp;hearts. We&nbsp;came&nbsp;up&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;design&nbsp;for&nbsp;an&nbsp;engagement&nbsp;ring&nbsp;and&nbsp;ordered&nbsp;it&nbsp;in&nbsp;October.&nbsp;On&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;October&nbsp;28th,&nbsp;2021,&nbsp;notification&nbsp;came&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;ring&nbsp;had&nbsp;arrived,&nbsp;3&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected.&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;picked&nbsp;up&nbsp;the&nbsp;ring&nbsp;that&nbsp;night&nbsp;and&nbsp;had&nbsp;a&nbsp;future&nbsp;plan&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;romantic&nbsp;surprise&nbsp;proposal&nbsp;for&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;with&nbsp;twinkle&nbsp;lights&nbsp;and&nbsp;special&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;after&nbsp;work.&nbsp;Since&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;already&nbsp;in&nbsp;Milwaukee,&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;decided&nbsp;he&nbsp;would&nbsp;surprise&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;when&nbsp;she&nbsp;got&nbsp;off&nbsp;work&nbsp;and&nbsp;say&nbsp;hello.&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;arrived,&nbsp;was&nbsp;surprised,&nbsp;and&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;knew&nbsp;something&nbsp;was&nbsp;up&nbsp;because&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;couldn't&nbsp;stop&nbsp;smiling.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;having&nbsp;the&nbsp;ring&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;possession&nbsp;a&nbsp;whole&nbsp;2&nbsp;1/2&nbsp;hours,&nbsp;he&nbsp;couldn't&nbsp;take&nbsp;it&nbsp;anymore&nbsp;and&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;to&nbsp;Sarah.&nbsp;She&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;passenger&nbsp;seat&nbsp;of&nbsp;his&nbsp;truck&nbsp;while&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;got&nbsp;down&nbsp;on&nbsp;one&nbsp;knee&nbsp;outside.&nbsp;Of&nbsp;course,&nbsp;she&nbsp;said&nbsp;YES!&nbsp;❤And&nbsp;now&nbsp;we&nbsp;are&nbsp;here,&nbsp;Making&nbsp;plans&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;future&nbsp;together!&nbsp;❤ So&nbsp;now&nbsp;you&nbsp;know&nbsp;our&nbsp;story.&nbsp;How&nbsp;did&nbsp;this&nbsp;happen?&nbsp;Mercy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Grace.&nbsp;Mercy&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;act&nbsp;of&nbsp;not&nbsp;doling&nbsp;out&nbsp;what&nbsp;someone&nbsp;deserves&nbsp;-&nbsp;like&nbsp;punishment,&nbsp;retribution,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;Grace&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;act&nbsp;of&nbsp;giving&nbsp;to&nbsp;someone&nbsp;that&nbsp;which&nbsp;they&nbsp;don't&nbsp;deserve&nbsp;-&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;gift,&nbsp;a&nbsp;treasure,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;Tim&nbsp;admits that he certainly&nbsp;does&nbsp;not&nbsp;deserve&nbsp;such&nbsp;a&nbsp;treasure&nbsp;as&nbsp;Sarah.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is&nbsp;only&nbsp;by&nbsp;God's&nbsp;Grace.&nbsp;And&nbsp;now&nbsp;a&nbsp;friendship&nbsp;has&nbsp;grown&nbsp;between&nbsp;us&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;did&nbsp;not&nbsp;expect&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;ago.&nbsp;And&nbsp;a&nbsp;love&nbsp;so&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;has blossomed&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;both&nbsp;finally&nbsp;realize&nbsp;the&nbsp;truth&nbsp;behind&nbsp;growing to&nbsp;love&nbsp;each&nbsp;other&nbsp;more&nbsp;every&nbsp;day.&nbsp;We&nbsp;would&nbsp;like&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;with&nbsp;you, this relationship&nbsp;that&nbsp;God&nbsp;has orchestrated.

What is our story?

Our Story

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Danika is Sarah's sister, longtime friend, and confidant.  Danika is living in Texas which makes it difficult to see each other in person often. But many hours of phone conversation and videochatting go a long way! Danika has always been a "perfect" older sister with just the right words of wisdom or listening ear.
 She is married to Jesse and has two of the cutest kids you'll ever meet.  

Danika Dixon

Tony and Tim became close friends in their mid to late teens, when his family started attending Harvard Bible Church. Then Carrie stole Tony's heart and married him.  He remains one of Tim's closest friends and is considered a brother. Tim and Tony will grab a bite to eat together from time to time which allows Tony a reprieve from all the estrogen in his household being the only male in their family of 6. This usually involves Chicago pizza or grilled meat. Many times Tony has come through with wise and godly counsel for Tim when needed. He approved of Sarah right away. 

Tony Savino

Amanda is Sarah's youngest sister and has been living with Sarah for the last two and a half years as housemates.  A lot has changed since Amanda was just the annoying little sister that got away with everything! Now she has become the sweet confidant and best friend. Amanda has a sweet heart always looking to seek after God.

Amanda Griffin

Gary is Tim's brother-in-law, married to Tim's oldest sister Jody and is like a brother to Tim.  He loves to barbecue  but prefers to  partake of Tim's smoked goods!  Gary is also an RN though he has taken a different path with his career and now manages a health system in Arkansas where they live.  He has shown himself to be a godly husband and father.

Gary Paxson

Kim is Sarah's younger sister and one of her closest friends.  Sarah has dragged Kim into all kinds of scrapes and troubles, but they have also shared some sweet memories. From exercising to teaching children's church, Kim and Sarah love spending time together. Kim just got herself hitched in January so she's familiar with the chaos of planning a wedding and is enjoying taking the backseat on this wedding!

Kim Dudzek

Bryce is Tim's oldest nephew, son to Gary and Jody Paxson.  Tim and Bryce have been buddies since Bryce was an infant, small enough to sleep on Tim during an afternoon nap on the couch!  They are both hobbyist photographers and have taken trips together to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Alaska to name a few locations!  Bryce is serving full time at his Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Bryce Paxson

Becca is one of Sarah's "adopted" sisters and closest friends.  It's been more than 20 years since they became best friends. Multiple moves, countless letters and texts, and many a sleepless sleepover night have kept us together and best friends forever.  Truly this is a friendship where iron sharpens iron.

Becca LaDuke

Marc is Sarah's older brother and has become a great friend to Tim since Tim and Sarah started dating.  Marc is attending Maranatha Baptist University studying accounting.  Marc is very knowledgeable and has one of the biggest hearts you will ever find and a sense of humor to match his father.

Marc Griffin

Ashley is one of Sarah's closest friends and like a sister. She shares a love of running with Sarah and is always up for good adventure! Ashley's infectious laugh is always present at sleepovers and get-togethers. Her sweet conversation has been a blessing in their more than 20 years of friendship.

Ashley LaDuke

Zach is Sarah's youngest brother and has officially earned the title of "best-man-maid."  Since he has finally figured out how to pronounce Tim's last name correctly, he is also a groomsman. Zach is currently a teacher at Academy of  Excellence. Zach has also become a great friend since Tim and Sarah started dating.  Zach rolled his ankle last fall but still completed a 5k in October in northern Wisconsin.

Zach Griffin

James (Jim) is Tim's brother-in-law, married to his middle sister Becky.  Jim and Becky spent a decade in Nairobi, Kenya as missionaries with AIM Air before returning to the states and Jim attending seminary.  Jim now Pastors Clinton Bible Church in Clinton, WI.  Jim also, has become like a brother to Tim and is great to quote The Princess Bride with as well as some great Weird Al songs.  Sarah has denied Jim's request to start this ceremony off with "Mawwiage, mawwiage is what bwings us togevah today"....

Pastor James Levander

Silas and Mic are Tim's nephews, sons of Jim and Becky Levander.  They spent a decade in Nairobi, Kenya with their parents.  Mic was born in Nairobi and has dual citizenship.  Silas is attending luthier school where he is studying how to make stringed instruments such as violins and cellos. They are both tender hearted young men that are seeking to honor God and their parents.  They’re both also fun loving guys as evidenced by Silas in the above family photo…

Silas and Micaiah Levander

Ben is Tim's nephew, son to Gary and Jody.  Ben is a super smart, senior in high school looking forward to starting in the engineering program at Cedarville College next fall, with aspirations of working for NASA one day.  Ben enjoys track and is a natural at shooting when he's gone out with Uncle Tim, including archery, which he's excelled at in High School.  In fact, he just took #5 for the state of Arkansas and will be headed to nationals!!!  Ben is also seeking to follow God's leading in his life.

Ben Paxson

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

Well, you will be treated to a brunch reception catered by Savino Brick Oven Pizza. Yes, that amazing pizza baked in a wood fired brick oven that one can get at the Boone County Fair! There will be the option to partake of traditional brunch type food as well as delicious pizza. And of course, coffee will be served!

Sarah & Timothy

Sarah & Timothy

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