Throughout my childhood, my family and I typically attended mass on Saturday nights. We were little Catholic creatures of habit — occupying the same pew and even sitting in the same order.
For a period of years, a certain young couple usually sat in the pew ahead of us. I thought the man very handsome. And I envied the beautiful woman’s golden locks.

From that church pew, we watched as the couple courted, married and started their own family. As time marched on, we were lucky enough to watch as their oldest child grew from a teeny, tiny baby into a darling little girl.

I stopped going to church at 19. I lost track of this family.

Almost five years ago, my little brother, Matt, started seeing a beautiful young woman. I instantly recognized her name — she’s the oldest daughter of the couple we used to sit behind in church. Candace is the little girl I used to smile at during mass. Sometimes I’d even make silly faces at her (if my mom wasn’t looking). But truth be told, I was much more amused by her than what she was by me.

Yesterday Matt and Candace got married in a beautifully touching ceremony. Afterwards, there was much laughing, dancing, drinking and celebrating.

Here’s to the newlyweds! Wishing you an abundance of love, happiness, and prosperity. We love you both so much!

(Sorry for crappy quality of the photos. My camera battery was shot. Anywho… People in last photo: my little sis, mom, me, dad, little brother, my new sis-in-law. )