Wedding Wednesday: The Church

Hello! 


Remember me? 


I haven't blogged in awhile because I've been overwhelmed. 


Last Monday, I got some terrible news. Something I knew was a possibility, but thought I was good to go. Let me explain. 

The church where we are getting married has strict rules about weddings. I became a member in January (before we got engaged--and I've been Methodist my entire life). The rules are understandable because the church is gorgeous and in a great location. 


Basically, if you haven't been an active member for more than six months, then you can't officially book your wedding until six months before the wedding date. For us, six months was last Friday. 


Last Monday, I received a call that caused me to burst into tears at work. Yep, I was that girl. Someone who has been a member longer than me wants to get married the same day I do. 

Oh Britney, I feel your pain. 

To make a much longer story short, I spent the next 24 hours crying/sad. It didn't help that there were torrential downfalls here and I had to leave work early due to flooding.

It might not seem like a big deal. You're probably thinking, "Aren't there a million other churches? You do live in Arkansas." But if you're religious, you understand the connection you feel with your church. Have I mentioned my grandfather is a retired Methodist minister and was the district superintendent in northwest Arkansas? I'd be lying if I said I didn't have him call the church to plead my case. But, being the amazing, role model of a grandfather he is, he explained that he didn't feel right putting any sort of pressure on the church. And I understand. Rules are rules. 


But sometimes (as in always), things aren't black and white. 

I am a member of the church, and it was only four days before I could officially book the church. They'd never dealt with a situation like this before. 


So, when I received a phone call from a church representative last Tuesday, I tentatively answered the phone. I'd prepared myself for bad news. 


I was wrong. 


The church is going to do something it rarely does (and has possibly never done). Two weddings on one day. 


The perfect solution. I'm so relieved.  


The first wedding is at 2 p.m. and our wedding will be at 6 p.m. 


I can't wait! 


Other Central weddings:

Hudson Photography

Hudson Photography

A few church/ceremony details: 


Church name: Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville 
Church facts: In its 175 years, Central has had several name changes, spawned several new congregations around Fayetteville, had 51 senior pastors, built and remodeled many buildings, and has grown to its current membership of over 4,000 with over 1,400 worshippers in four services on Sunday.
Officiant: My fabulous grandfather (Papaw)
Number of bridesmaids: 8
Music: Definitely a string quartet and possibly the organ as well 


Our engagement pictures are today! I'm running on two hours of sleep, so I hope they go well ...