Love is in the Air!

I recently had the privilege of attending the wedding of the son of my good friends and BMM missionary colleagues, Larry and Sallie Fogle. Their youngest child and only son, Ryan, was married to Becky Toppen right here in Grand Rapids, so it involved little travel. I think you'll enjoy the pictures.

The first picture is Joshua, the ring bearer, nephew of the groom, and oldest grandchild of my friends, Sallie and Larry. If you knew the family as well as I, you would know that there is one very dominant theme among most of the family members--they have red hair. Although Joshua's sisters are not red heads, he inherited the family genes. Isn't he a sweety, as he intently carries the pillow down the aisle? Joshua is five, and is definitely the protector of his younger siblings.

The bride was escorted by her biological father, on her left, and her step-father, with whom she had lived much of her life. When asked who gave her in marriage, both of them replied in unison, "Her mother and I do." It was unique.

Finally you see Ryan and Becky as they exchange their vows. I've known Ryan since he was a wee little guy, and I've been around since he began dating Becky, so I enjoyed attending the event.

Both Ryan and Becky are believers. Before their wedding, one of the officiating pastors gave a brief synopsis of God's love for Israel and the Church, and told us that the ceremony to follow was a picture of this love. I'd never heard anything like that done before, but it was very effective.

Ryan is a computer programmer I believe, at least he does something with computers. Becky is still in college, working to become an occupational therapist. I pray they will experience the Lord's blessing on their lives together, as they seek to serve the Lord together in the coming days.

So now, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Fogle.