The Clerxes

Every room of the Berard house contained people busying themselves. Faith’s sisters and soon-to-be sisters-in-law applied final touches of makeup before getting into their bridesmaid dresses. Faith’s mom, Pat, gave us a tour and showed us where everything was set up for the reception following Mass. Amy captured photos of bridal details while Kyle photographed reception decor downstairs. Typically Kyle would be at the groom’s location instead of the bride’s. COVID has changed the appearance of many parts of the wedding day; he usually spends his morning hanging out with the groom and groomsmen taking their photos. Not today.

Like most couples moving forward with their weddings during the pandemic, Faith and Will knew that things were going to look different than how they originally imagined. Faith was able to have most of her bridal party since it was made up of family members who would already be in attendance. Will, on the other hand, would only be able to have his best man, Br. Cyril, present. But on the morning of their wedding, we learned that Br. Cyril would unfortunately no longer be able to attend.

News like that hits you deep. The world and the flesh knock on the door of your heart to say, “Isn’t this just terrible?” If we had only the world to fall back on, this really would seem to be a terrible situation for a wedding. Thank God we have more than the world!

When Faith first contacted us to say that they were moving forward with their July 3rd wedding and would still like photos, we were elated. Faith and Will serve as an exemplary couple who have put Jesus and the sacraments before the pleasures and expectations of the world. Every setback they faced leading up to the sacrament couldn’t remove the joy in their hearts to be marrying one another. Even the last-minute blow of Br. Cyril’s unfortunate circumstances did not put a cloud over the day. The joy was there, and the joy was contagious.

Faith and Will, celebrating your wedding with you has caused us to rethink our own wedding day, and we’d definitely do many things differently because of how your wedding has inspired us. The closeness of family and pure excitement for your Mass were such blessings, and we imagine that is exactly the kind of celebration that makes Jesus smile. Your wedding day has already passed and is now behind you, but the grace from the sacrament you received will be renewed each and every day. If you bring the same love and joy for the Lord to your own family, good has a great advantage over evil in this spiritual battle. Thanks for inviting us to share in your celebration!

Love,

Amy and Kyle