A couple days ago I took a few moments to relive our wedding, browsing through photos of the ceremony, reception, and the events that surrounded our big day. It still feels like it was just yesterday. I love how colorful and lively everyone was; the images of our wedding were perfect. I couldn’t help but […]
Karen’s Thoughts on the Wedding Song A wedding at Sylvan Lake, from my perspective, is one of the most beautiful places in the Black Hills! When Ann asked me to sing at the wedding, gosh, I was honored and blessed and excited! The suspense kept building as I waited to hear what the song was […]
I love looking at these old photos and seeing how God grew us up and then brought us together. Ann and I had two different lives from two very different parts of the country. It baffles me with amazement when I think about it. God was preparing each of us for this life before we […]
Two months ago I had the privilege of being the best man for my friend Joe Baker. Joe and I have been friends since we first met in the fall of 2003. Our meeting and the friendship that developed was orchestrated by God. Through the eight years that followed, God used Joe and three other […]
Before I sent Joe an email asking if he had a photographer for his wedding, I said to myself, “This will probably be the craziest wedding ever.” And believe me, it was. Ann and Joe are an amazing couple with a pretty amazing outdoor skillset – and we used just about every one of them […]
Years ago men used to have go through stages in their lives. When they turned into young men, the older respected men around them would pass on their approval through initiations. These young men would have to earn the right to become men. In our world today we have lost something vital in a young […]
So our adventure began in Denver, Colorado. I found myself there the week before the wedding with bryan, joe, ann, and kim. The first night we just explored the nightlife of downtown denver where we saw everything from horse carraiges to homeless people on laptops. The next day Joe, Bryan, and I headed out to […]
The honorary position held by “Best Man” seems to be an outdated tradition that lends no real significance. Were my responsibilities as a best man supposed to carry some lasting value? When you think about a bachelor party, it cost so much money; does it really prepare the groom? And why rent or buy a […]
Dear Joe, by the time you read this letter you will; be married to a lovely girl, Ann. My very best wishes. I know you will be kind, funny, wise. sensitive, and interesting. Your parents are all of these things and love you with all their hearts. I know you will be strong and share […]
I was thrilled and honored to be Ann’s maid of honor. From kindergarten on, Ann and I have been inseparable — we have shared laughs, tears, adventures, broken hearts, and I can safely say that I have considered myself a member of Ann’s family thanks to the thousands of miles we spent in the back […]
One of the best gifts of my life was given from one of my best friends, Joe Baker. That gift was to be invited and encouraged to attend his wedding in South Dakota. Despite significant physical challenges, I drove from Philadelphia to Sylvan Lake, SD, along with two great female friends and an overheating Live […]
Joe and Ann’s wedding was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have attended in my lifetime. The reception that followed captured both their personalities and spoke of their shared interests, inviting everyone to take part and rejoice in the “wild love story”. For their first dance, Joe and Ann asked a dear friend (Torie […]
Ann, you have captivated me, inspired me, and have filled me with Joy. You are beautiful, fun, creative, and caring. I am excited to spend the rest of my life with you. I promise to Love you with my whole heart and put you first above my work and my own desires. I promise to […]
