Wedding Crashers - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

[I recently found this blog saved in the notes on my phone. It's from a few months back in Serbia, but I figured I'd post it anyway!]

I love weddings. I love the reunion with friends and family, the food and dancing, the sentimental speeches, and the Christ-like picture of a groom coming together with his beautiful bride. So, when I was given the opportunity to attend a wedding in Serbia I obviously took it.

My teammate Jen and I spent one afternoon helping a local American missionary make decorations for her wedding. We spent the afternoon sipping on coffee, stringing doilies on twine, and talking about the crazy missionary lives we live. Vicky told us all about her Serbian fiancé, Dejan ("Dan"). She told us the story of how they met, how she had sworn to never marry a Serb, and how they fell in love. For the first time in about seven months, life felt really normal that afternoon.

A few days later we received an excited call from our new friend. Vicky asked Jen and I to come to her wedding to assist as coordinators, to help any way needed on her big day. The wedding was less than a week away in a nearby town. We agreed to help, full of joy for the opportunity to attend a Serbian wedding and to bless Vicky and Dejan.

Words cannot do justice to describe their wedding. It was full of joy, love, and life. Serbian music flooding into my ears, stumbling through the repetitive traditional dances, and sampling the many different wedding cakes; it was a memory I will forever cherish. Vicky looked absolutely stunning in her lace covered dress, the most beautiful smile painted on her face. Dejan's joy was beautiful; the way he looked at his bride with deep loving eyes. The wedding took place in a fairy tale of a church, dating back at least 100 years. The church's tall ceilings, stone floors, and big wooden doors were perfect accents to the beauty taking place within those four walls. Once the ceremony came to a close, we headed out to a rustic, authentic Serbian restaurant for the reception. One room held the bridal party and many of the guests, as well as a live Serbian band. Another room held an American karaoke DJ, and the remaining guests. The final room held all of the cakes. (!!!)

We danced, we ate, we celebrated, and we sat in awe of the amazing evening we were witnessing. It's moments like these that I seem to remember the blessings I'm constantly living in, swimming in, breathing in, and I am just so grateful. Thank you Jesus.