Joy & Dean
We met on a Thursday and on Sunday we were at their wedding.
When we sat down for sushi after a long day at Universal Studios, we were beat and definitely looking worse for wear. The restaurant we picked had one other couple inside, leaving as we arrived, and the rest of the tables were empty. We stayed because we were too tired to try and find anywhere else and we crossed our fingers that we were close enough to the sea that nothing there would kill us.
It turned out the food was pretty alright and about halfway through our meal another couple, around our age, sat down across the dining room. Whenever the AC clicked off, the restaurant was plunged into silence, which made us hearers of each other’s conversation – whether we wanted to be or not. While we carried on our own conversation, I kept hearing words like church and worship. By the time we were ready to leave I was pretty sure these were church people and I asked Reiley if he thought we should ask where they go to church – since our first Sunday in the area was coming up.
So, as we were walking out Reiley looked at the guy and asked, “Hey, we overheard you guys talking about church and we are visiting the area and looking for somewhere to go on Sunday.”
The guy immediately told us what church they went to and then the couple exchanged a look.
“Should I?” He said.
To this she nodded.
“So, we’re actually getting married there Sunday after church. We’d love to have you guys come.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you. Congratulations.” Reiley and I stammered, surprised at the invitation.
“Well, thanks so much for inviting us. We will definitely see you at church Sunday.” I said. Purposely leaving out the part about the wedding, feeling a little awkward about the thought of going to a stranger’s wedding.
As Reiley and I walked back to the truck the shock wore off and we decided we’d go. Why not? That would be a story to tell wouldn’t it?
Well, the story only gets better. Not only was church that Sunday great, but we also had so much fun at the wedding! It was a beautiful set up. Tables set out around the parking lot wrapped around the space creating the feel of a big banquet. White linens fluttered in the wind and greenery was laid with casual beauty in the center of the tables. By the time we arrived the sanctuary was packed to standing room only and the sweet simple ceremony included a message written by the couple about love and marriage. After the couple, Joy and Dean, said I do they took the stage with guitar and cello to play a worship song.
When the ceremony was over their community of about 80 people made their way outside. Seating was open and the buffet line was busy. The groom, Dean, played a few songs with an old band buddy and the evening was filled with music, conversation, and laughter.
Yes, it was a bit awkward at first, being that we didn’t know anyone – not even the bride and groom really. But, as the night went on we made an effort to introduce ourselves to the people sitting around us and we saw quickly what a great community this really was.
A few days after the wedding Joy and Dean reached out to us to invite us to dinner, so we made a date and met them for a fantastic steak dinner in town. We sat with them over a great meal and immediately hit it off. (Remember that cheesy thing I said early on in this trip? It’s like meeting a friend of a friend when you have Jesus in common. Well, it’s true.) We probably spent over an hour talking everything from theology to Harry Potter and everything in between. After dinner we walked over to a little open market kind of place and picked up some ice cream to enjoy on the deck.
By the end of the evening Joy and Dean felt like old friends and we were excited to see them again at church on Sunday.
As our stay in Florida went on we continued to chat with them at church and over text and before we moved on to Alabama we went out to dinner again.
This time, over burgers and cokes, we shared stories of growing up on different sides of the country and our walks with Lord, funny experiences at churches and book recommendations.
As we said goodbye to this couple we’d only known about a month we shed tears in the parking lot.
It amazes me and yet it somehow doesn’t; the experience of finding family in unexpected places. I am so thankful they boldly invited strangers to their wedding (although after getting to know them this doesn’t surprise me too much – it’s just the way they love like Jesus) and I am so thankful the Lord has us in a season of saying yes to what otherwise might seem uncomfortable.
It might seem weird to meet people in passing and attend their wedding four days later, but the more I follow God the more I think weird is what I’m going to end up being; and if that produces friendships and experiences like these I wouldn’t want to live my life any other way.