OAK's newest couple: Meghan and Jonathan. I am already a big fan of this
young lady and can't wait to spend the next year helping her prepare for the perfect wedding day. Here's her engagement story in her own words: "As much as we tried to deny it, I think we knew from day one that we were each other's soul mates. We met a little over seven and a half years ago, and have been inseparable ever since. We started out as friends and grew together into this amazing relationship that only God could have created for us. When I look back on all that we have been through together, I know that we are truly blessed to have each other. In October we went to lunch, like we always do on our days off together. We got home and I went to put new sheets on the bed. That's when he pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him. It was so simple and such an honest, bitter sweet moment. I wouldn't have it any other way, and look so forward to the wonderful ride in life we will take together with God's guidance and support."
0 Comments
Cancer is an ugly, ugly beast that just doesn't seem to be going away. After a conversation with a loyal customer yesterday, my eyes were opened to the reality that we never know what those around us are experiencing on a daily basis. As I scroll through all of the various Social Media outlets I see more and more facing illnesses and pain. . .EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
We face a different side of "reality" everyday at OAK. I get the honor of working alongside couples who are deeply in love and anticipating their dreams coming true. I get to help ease nervous butterflies and get to use the beautiful things God has given us to make beautiful memories for those in love. My brother, Dr. James Benjamin Gatewood, is a fantastic oncologist in Ocean Springs. He devotes his life to making sure even the sickest and frailest person is as happy and as pain free as possible. When I think of all of these details, I feel convicted to use my gift to help ease someone's pain, too. I think about the fiancé who spends her days sitting by the bedside of the man she loves, not getting to plan her own wedding because she doesn't dare think about herself. About the groom who watches his bride struggle to think about how she will fix her hair for her wedding (will she need a wig?) or if her shrinking body will fit into her dream dress (can it be altered any more?). So, now is the time to act. While we can't offer much in the way of medical relief here at OAK, we CAN offer what we hope to be a little sliver of hope, a little stress relief, maybe a small gift that those who are suffering during what SHOULD be a joyful time in their lives, can hang on to. So, here we go. . .We want to find "that couple" to "give a wedding" to, and we need your help. We need YOU to nominate an engaged couple - one who is hoping to get married in 2015. One who is facing something that could steal their joy from time to time. One who is madly in love and selfless and wants nothing but to see the other happy and healthy. One who would trade anything for a "boring" life free of hospitals, doctor visits, bills and medication. And WE want to give that couple a wedding. Do we have it all figured out yet? Nope. Do we trust that God will provide for us in this mission as He has every step of our OAK journey? Absolutely. So, as details are being nailed down, we ask that you guys get the ball rolling. Send us an email (use the link on our home page) with the story, maybe a picture, of the couple and why they deserve a wedding "on the house." We will narrow down entries the best way we can, and then open it up to a "vote". Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will announce the "winner" . And, until then, hug your loved ones and let them know you love them :) - Bethany [email protected] |
Archives
October 2017
Categories |