The Donovans

Amy closed the bedroom door. Alli, now dressed as the most beautiful bride, sat in a chair by the window. In her hands was a card. Her name, written in Drew’s handwriting, was on the front. Alli said, “I have no idea why I’m crying” as she brought her hand up to her face to wipe away a tear. Like most wedding days, it had been a very busy morning. Alli was now sitting in the first pocket of silence she’d had in a while. She took a few deep breaths as she prepared to open her letter from her soon-to-be husband. With a quick swipe of her finger, the envelope opened. It was time to see what he had to say. As Alli’s tear-filled eyes glided over the words on the card, Amy’s mind brought forth an old memory that brought tears to her own eyes.

On October 13th, 2018, our friends Jess and Alex Soucy got married. Drew was also a guest at that wedding. During the cocktail hour, we gathered around a table with him and caught up on life as we munched on tasty hors d’oeuvres. Drew told us a little about his time at Go Forth (an event hosted by FOCUS for missionaries transitioning away from campus). As he spoke, we knew there was something else he wanted to tell us about. From the gleam in his eyes, we just knew. Then he finally came out with it…he had met a girl! Her name was Alli, and just like Drew she was transitioning away from her time serving as a FOCUS missionary. He pulled out his phone to show us a picture of them together and there was no doubt that he was twitterpated.

As Amy watched Alli read Drew’s letter, she melancholically stewed over the conversation that took place a year and a half ago. She watched the pure joy, excitement, and anticipation radiate off of Alli. She remembered seeing the same joy, excitement, and anticipation radiate off of Drew when he first spoke of her. It’s a rare event for us to shoot a wedding like this, where we were friends with the bride or groom before the other one was around. But we both agree coming away from this wedding that it is the greatest honor to walk with a friend on their journey to the altar. We remember what Drew’s life was like before he met Alli, and we see how much more full his life is now that he’s found her.

Alli and Drew, while you two were getting ready the morning of your wedding, Amy got to share a quick conversation with Drew’s mom, Jeanmarie. She said that Alli is the answer to so many prayers prayed for her son. Anyone lucky enough to be a guest at your wedding would surely agree that your marriage is the fruit of many prayers and graces. Alli, you are truly a gift to Drew, and Drew, you are truly a gift to Alli. Our prayer for you is to never forget that! When life presents challenging situations and stressful times, remember the workings of the Lord which brought you to one another. God gives us such good things. We’re praying for you always, and hope to visit you in Alabama again one day!