Mr. & Mrs. Sullivan

Guests slowly made their way out of the reception tent. They clutched purses and jackets in their arms. The night of celebrations and dancing was coming to a close. Shoulder to shoulder they stood, as one by one they reached out to take a sparkler. As the flame passed from guest to guest, the lighting was always the same. The pregnant pause and an eventual burst of stars and sizzle. All were smiling as the joy of the evening continued on and the golden light grew brighter and brighter. As Liesel and Michael stepped up to the entrance of this aisle made up of their family and friends, the cheers erupted. They ran through this light tunnel, surrounded by their loved ones, hand in hand. The ending of their perfect, long-awaited wedding day. When they reached the end of the sparklers, it was time to say goodbye to all of us. As we hugged and congratulated Michael, he left one final memory on our hearts.

Looking over at his new bride hugging her family and friends, Michael said, “Liesel is the most incredible person I know, and now I get to call her mine. There is nothing more amazing than that.” The twinkle and joy in his eyes spoke louder than his words. Liesel and Michael are an example of two people who truly cherish knowing the other.

During Fr. Mahoney’s homily at Mass, he spoke about the 5-month postponement of their wedding due to COVID. He declared that love delayed is not love diminished, but love deepened. Seeing the love shared between Liesel and Michael was a testament to this, but so was the love shared between their families for each of them. The Frasers and Sullivans were so excited to welcome Liesel and Michael into their own families. They had been hoping and praying that Liesel and Michael would find someone like the other long before they did. Love delayed is not love diminished, by love deepened.

Liesel and Michael, we relearned so much about what it means to love and serve another person by watching the two of you, and your families, throughout your wedding day. In Scripture, we are constantly told to love one another, love our neighbor, and love like Christ. Not only do we see you love each other like this, but everyone around you. Liesel’s work as a music therapist in hospice and Michael’s career as a Philadelphia firefighter further testify to your loving hearts. It was an honor to serve you on your wedding day, and we look forward with joyful hearts to seeing the life you live together!

Love,

Amy and Kyle