My parents just celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary in July. Forty years of marriage, guys. That's extraordinary! I'm so thankful to have such an example to look up to. We can all probably agree that marriage takes a lot of hard work. These days, marriage isn't much of what it used to be. It used to be forever. And now, it's forever if you feel like it for so many people. It's so sad. But for my parents, forever is forever and we were able to take part in a beautiful celebration, the renewal of their marriage vows, during our family vacation at Sunset Beach.

The day was a bit dreary so we spent it playing corn hole in the driveway and hanging out at the house. The ceremony was planned for 6:30 on the beach. The anticipation of whether it would have to take place indoors was lingering throughout the day. My sister-in-laws and I moved forward with our baking and decorating plans as normal for the evening while our littles napped. During the late afternoon the skies opened up and it poured rain. Holding out hope, we continued to get ready. "Please, God, let the rain stop in time for the ceremony." Sure enough, it did. Not long before it was time to head outside, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and God painted a rainbow in the sky over the ocean. All around us, the skies were dark, but right where we were standing, it was bright and cheery. God is so good. And He cares about the small things in our lives as much as the big things. It was a beautiful ceremony and a perfect night. After the ceremony we headed back to the house to chow down on an awesome spread catered by The Purple Onion Cafe. Towards the end of the evening, God showed off his magnificence even more by painting one of the most gorgeous sunsets I have ever seen. What a night. Surrounded by family and friends and the beauty of our undeniable Creator.

And now, for the photo overload. You're welcome. =)

A bouquet for the table...

Before vacation, we collected anniversary cards from family and friends who have known my parents from all walks of life, and then used them to decorate the dinner table.

This cake was a "happy accident". Not sure if we had enough frosting to cover it, we decided to only frost the top and in between the layers. It turned out way better than our original plan and added some nice (and much needed) contrast to the right side of the table.

We kept the decoration and dessert table a secret from my parents all day. This is when we finally revealed what we had been up to!

 

A bride always needs a pretty bouquet. My dad ordered this one as a surprise for my mom.

The group gathered to celebrate was made up of family, friends and two of the pastors, and their wives, from my parent's church who came in for the night to lead the ceremony.

Love my sister-in-laws... this picture just makes me smile. Oh, and they
are the decorating superstars. So talented at making things pretty.

The whole gang, minus my parent's neighbors. They were the lucky ones who got to take the photo.

Mom and Dad, thank you for being such a good example for us. Forever is forever. We're grateful for your commitment and hard work. Because of you, we have this family. Because of you, we know our great God. We love you forever - to the moon and back!