Tania and Josh Tie the Knot!

Two of my dear friends, Tania and Josh, got married on Saturday, March 10th. It was a beautiful wedding and one of the most causal and joyous I've ever been to. The groom and groomsmen all wore blue jeans and everyone in the wedding party (bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen) were barefoot. They wanted their marriage to be based around creating community with others and intentionally kept the wedding more relaxed to try to create a feeling of being at home. They certainly succeeded!

The wedding was particularly touching because Tania's first husband was kidnapped and killed by Columbian guerillas when they were working as missionaries in Panama in 1993. They didn't know for 8 years that Mark had been killed. Her daughters, Tamra and Jessica, grew up without knowing their father (Tam was 2-1/2 and Jessi 11-months when Mark was kidnapped). Tania not only gained a husband on Saturday, but the girls also got a dad. I got choked up during the ceremony when Tam and Jessi also shared vows with Josh. It was incredibly touching.

The entire day was a celebration and it was great seeing Tania and Josh and their families again, not to mention many more old friends from here in Orlando. I had good conversations with Tania's dad and Josh's mom. They both are always a joy to talk to and tremendous encouragers.

Tamra and Jessica were looking absolutely beautiful!

I also got to meet Scott and Julie's new dog, Daisy, for the first time ever during the reception.

The reception was also a great time of catching up with many old friends including Brenda, Sue, Twyla, and Scott.

I can't imagine a more happy, meaningful, or joyous wedding. It focused on God, the love between the bride and groom, family, friends, and extending their love for each other to all those around them. I pray all of Tania and Josh's days together are as joy-filled as Saturday was.

The happy couple is currently honeymooning in Costa Rica.

See more photos from the wedding here.