Mr. and Mrs. Larkin

We learn a lot about each of our couples by looking at the people who surround them on their wedding day. These are the people who raised them, the people with whom they choose to spend their time, and the people with whom they share their hearts and lives. In a sense, the guests are an extension of the couple: they help to make the new family more whole since none of us are called to live out the vocation of matrimony without the support and guidance of a community.

It was precisely someone in Molly and Mason’s community that moved us to take on their wedding. We’ve said this before, but we are now living in a slower season where our time and efforts are needed in our home, and that means we have less availability to serve brides and grooms on their wedding days. We do make exceptions, but the business feels a bit more close to the chest in this season. When we got the inquiry from Molly and Mason, we thought they sounded lovely, but we were honestly preparing to say we weren’t available. But before we did, we started to notice more of the details from their inquiry: basketball at UConn and FOCUS missionary in Philly. This sounds like our friend Grace’s “Molly.”

Grace was a FOCUS missionary at the Mount and we were blessed to know her during her time here in Emmitsburg. We’ve also enjoyed hearing about the missionary who walked with her during her conversation, about whom she always had the greatest things to say: Molly. After receiving confirmation—with more capital letters and exclamation marks than you’d believe!!—that this was, in fact, Grace’s Molly, we realized that in a way Molly and Mason were a part of our circle, too, even though we had never met them.

From our consultation call through their wedding day, we couldn’t have been happier that we took their wedding on. They are wonderful people to know, and we certainly left them better than we came to them. Mason wasn’t “thrilled” to be taking pictures, but he was a wonderful sport and completely focused on his new bride. Seriously though, we had to be careful while culling our group shots because Mason was often looking at Molly instead of the camera! Molly was as joyful and peaceful as could be throughout the entire day. At one point she did compare her nerves to how she felt before a game, so she’s had plenty of practice staying cool under pressure.

Their Mass was completely packed and there wasn’t a single seat left open in the quant, historic church. Fast forward to their reception, and there were barely any seats in use because everyone was on the dance floor. We will admit that Kyle had to find Amy a few times as she got lost in the dancing and conversation herself; it was just too fun and inviting! As we said earlier, the wedding guests are like an extension of the couple, and this group could not have been more warm and fun!

Molly and Mason, congratulations again on your marriage and newly established family. We think of our own marriage and how we’ve always tried to trust in God, and he has always blessed us—though sometimes in unexpected ways. Marriage is a bit like a wedding day: there are times for praying, times for crying, times for laughing, and times for dancing. God remains present through it all. You have a great foundation in the faith that will help you to keep that truth in your hearts, and a wonderful community surrounding you to provide extra help in hard times. We will be praying for you and your family! Thank you for allowing us to serve you on your wedding day.

Love,

Amy and Kyle