Shari & Redding

When I first met Shari, it was a cold and snowy morning in January. We chatted for a long time over a hot cup of coffee. Within 3 minutes of talking with her, I knew 3 things for sure: 1. She loved her soon to be husband, Redding. 2. She loved her family dearly. 3. She was super excited for her wedding to be a family reunion of sorts with her new and old families. 

Shari and Redding were joined in marriage on March 29th, 2014 at Dannen Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies. Dannen Chapel holds a very special place in my heart. You see, not only do we personally know the Dannen family, but it is where my dad, the first full time Chaplain in the history of the YMCA of the Rockies, preached the first winter we lived in Estes Park. It was like coming home for me. The Chapel is also important to Shari. She worked for the YMCA years ago, and decided long before Redding came into her life that she would be married there. She felt a sense of calm and peace when standing in the majesty of Ypsilon Mountain at her old stomping grounds. I understand that feeling all too well. 

It was a breezy day (that is what the weather casters call it. I think its more like hurricane force Estes Park winds, but hey, I'm no meteorologist) but the sun shone perfectly overhead on a cloudless day. Both Shari and Redding were nervous, but that jittery, excited kind of nervous. Redding's three adorable and incredibly polite children were in attendance on this special day, as was Redding's father, and Shari's sisters and parents. By the time the ceremony ended, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I found myself choked up watching the delightful tears that spilled from the eyes of Redding's children as they proudly watched their father wed the love of his life. 

Shari was right. She loves her man. She loves her family. And this was a family reunion. There was a lot of love, a ton of laughter, and enough memories to last a lifetime made on this special day. To Shari and Red: may the sun always shine on your face, May the winds of fortune always carry you in the right direction, and may the promises you made in that chapel in a place that some call heaven on earth be the promises that you build your marriage upon. Promises of love, faith, and family should always be your your foundation. Cheers!

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