Bri and Dan's wedding

Well, as 2011 rolls in, I have realized that I have about a dozen weddings to attend this year, so it seemed fitting to attend the first one in January. Bri and Dan are good friends of mine -- in fact, I introduced them. Long story short, snowboarding and me being overly friendly at youth group is how Dan met Bri. The rest is history.

Bri and Dan are impeccable people. They both have a passion for Christ, they both are silly and energetic, but passionate and self-less. If you are ever in a bind, these are your people who will pull through every time. Unfortunately, another commonality between them is that they both lost their mothers. Dan's mom died when he was young and he was essentially raised by his Grandma, whom we all refer to as "Hammie." Bri's mom Renaye was a radiant gem, and I see so much of her personality shining through Bri. Renaye loved her family, a great pair of shoes, and any sort of adventure she could take on as long as her husband Dave was at her side. I had the pleasure of being a part of their family for a few years during high school, because their family vacations always included friends - even the bigger trips.

Never in my life have I felt so excited for two people to be married. (Maybe my mind will change when I walk down the aisle?) Dan's smile and tears, Bri's flawless charm. Her dress was beautiful, her hair looked incredible, and she had a permanent smile. The ushers stood up against the windows while she walked out so Dan couldn't see her, when they threw the doors open it was a moment that I'm sure everyone who was in the room won't forget any time soon. (Plus, she walked down the aisle to a piano playing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" -- how cute!)

Their wedding was a union of two people who truly deserve the best after all they have overcome and for the example their lives are especially to the kids they volunteer time with on a regular basis. They are a true inspiration and pave the path of perseverance. Their new life together will always reflect love for each other and for Christ and that truly makes me smile just thinking about it.

So weddings of 2011, the bar is set pretty darn high. And Satterfields, congratulations! I love you guys!