On facebook when I posted their sneak peek, I wrote the following: You spend YEARS wishing and hoping and praying for good over their lives– and then they leave and you don’t get to teach them anymore. And yet a handful of years later, you see that there is THIS much good.  It is the ultimate description of my time with Claire and Tyler.  I will always love these sessions with those I taught, and hold them closest to my heart.  There is such history between me and these students of mine (Claire, in this case).  Since many of you didn’t have students in my program, I feel like I should paint the picture for you. Many of these kids, these girls who become #jgbrides, were fully involved in my program. Involved to the extent that I had them in my classroom for  between 3-4 hours a day between choirs and electives, and then spent a few hours with them each evening for rehearsals. I joke with their parents at their senior nights that I think I get more time with them during their high school years than their parents get…and they become so so dear to me.  I wish for their good in all ways, support them, cheer them on, see them play in sports, teach them music but much more so respect and kindness and character and joy, and try to encourage them to not sell themselves short in their futures.  And then they graduate. And while you keep track of them all here and there from a distance, it is impossible to stay that close to 20 kids a year.  But I never stop caring, stop wondering, stop praying, or stop cheering for them.

Claire is one of those kids. And also one that I never had to wonder what would come of her life, because I knew she was meant for greatness, as they all are.  But I knew she would get there.  She is heavily supported by a wonderful family (and her mother is nothing short of an earth angel to me), and I dream for my kids to relate to each other how her and her sister do.  And now, I get to see this.  Claire, who has found her match. In Tyler.  They met through campus ministry, and got to know each other for months of walks around campus before they decided to date.  And soon, they get to begin life together, always by each other’s side.  I know that even more good is coming their way, even more than Claire has been blessed to have- and I cannot wait to witness it!  Meet Claire and Tyler:

Claire is vibrant, and outgoing, a performer and lights up every room she is in.
Claire is vibrant, and outgoing, a performer and lights up every room she is in.

Tyler is a little more reserved than Claire, shy and quieter, and watches and pays attention to Claire. He clearly adores her- and will clearly take care of her and respect her for all their days.This sunrise… my absolute dream lighting. Favorite here!You guys are PERFECT!

I hope you love these favorites, Tyler and Claire! I ADORED my time with you guys, and cannot wait for your wedding!