Kathryn and John spent four of their six dating years living in separate parts of the country and recently, even different parts of the world. So when they came together on July 23 at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Tulsa and pledged a lifetime together,  their joy in finally being married was evident on their faces and simply beautiful to behold. She was so relaxed and beautiful in her long strapless gown. Her veil was stunning in its simplicity. Her mother sewed it into her long brown hair as Kathryn smiled beneath its soft folds. For Kathryn and John, their wedding was first and foremost a religious ceremony, sanctifying their relationship before God. They also stressed the importance of the day as a time to spend with family and friends, many of whom they won’t see for awhile when they leave for Israel, where John is studying medicine.

Kathryn, a high school English teacher, made her love for literature a very tangible part of her wedding day. Her bouquet included pages of poetry shaped into flowers with the help of some of her students.Kathryn sings in the church choir and many choir members came to perform during the ceremony.The couple walked from the church to their reception at the Holiday Inn Tulsa City Center. Kathryn chose the venue because of its close approximation to the church and totally played on the citrus tones that decorated the ballroom. On every table, colorful fruits filled white bowls and vases. A jazz band kept cool tunes flowing during dinner before launching into spirited tunes that filled up the dance floor later. When they took the dance floor, we could see it was their dance alone. All the time they had spent apart, all the time they would now spend together _ they danced and hugged and sometimes teared up, without saying a word. Later, they would tell us what they admired about the other, things like the other’s selflessness and strength. But in this moment they were awash in emotion and quietly together,  a lovely, loving union.  _ Kelly

He was the man in uniform, called to attention by the awe of seeing his bride enter the sanctuary. She swept up the aisle on her father’s arm, with a smile as stunning as her full gown. Watching Olivia and Jake get married a few weeks ago was, for me, like looking through the box of photos from my parents’ own wedding. It had to be the uniform, of course. (And the sweet way Jake gazed at his bride.)  My mother married into the Navy. Olivia was marrying into the Air Force. She and Jake looked so classic and so happy shedding the nerves and coming back down the aisle together. Even at the glorious country club party that followed Jake and Olivia’s wedding, the uniform was a reminder to me of all the sacrifices that those who serve and those who marry them make. I spent a lot of time with that old box of photos last year. My parents were celebrating their 50th anniversary. I imagine the day that Olivia and Jake open up their own box and are transported over decades, back to the day their marriage was brand new. The ceremony took place at East Cross United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, followed by a reception at Hillcrest Country Club. Family friends helped turn the club’s ballroom into a beautiful wonderland of soft tulle and yellow lights and colorful table bouquets by Flowerland. DJ Connections kept the tunes coming and the crowd dancing until it was time for the couple’s departure. What a party! Olivia and Jake are off in a burst of bubbles. Congrats to a beautiful couple and our best wishes for a long life together! _ Kelly