Two weekends ago we went out after it snowed and bought our Christmas tree. This year we have nicknamed it leaning tower of tree. We have it leaning against our back sliding door to avoid having it fall when we are at work. We put up our decorations and we are looking mighty festive around here.
This past weekend was a highlight of December for me. Chris and I went to Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate with my best friend Amanda and her husband (now) Stefan. I was thrilled to serve Amanda as her Matron of Honor (that makes me sound old).
It was an amazing weekend, with lots of memories. I'll sum it up with a couple little highlights:1. seeing my best friend after 3 months...shortest length in a while.
2. watching as Stefan saw his bride and wife walk down the isle toward him and tears welling up in his eyes.
3. bachelorette party fun!
4. watching Amanda put on her wedding dress and almost crying because I was so excited and it was such a sweet moment.
5. being able to tell Amanda just how much of a blessing she is. If you would like to see my toast look below I have copied it onto here.
Lots of love to Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Schaefer!
Good Evening. My name is Kristen Johnson and I have the absolute joy of being a part of this day for Amanda and Stefan. I remember the day Amanda and I met in my freshmen statistics class at Elon. She was sitting next to me and struck up a conversation which led to lunch and to an amazing friendship. I also remember the first time I saw Stefan. I had gone to Inter Varsity at Elon and he was up there eating worms for a skit. I found out after that night that my friend from statistics class had just started dating the guy that ate worms and later gold fish.
As our friendship has deepened I have watched Amanda and Stefan grow as a couple, encourage each other, love each other and most importantly deepen their love for Christ as a couple. I have many fond memories of time spent with Amanda. From Bible Study freshmen year to pulling off several pranks mostly on Stefan, baking endeavors, meal runs, target sanity runs and after she left to come back to Cleveland, long conversations, trips up here to introduce me to the real meaning of snow and be a part of her family traditions and so many more. I have been blessed with a true one of a kind friend in Amanda. She is a beautiful person inside and out, she is honest and encouraging. Every step of the way she has looked out for my best interest, she has cheered me on in my crazy endeavors, she has cried with me when I needed someone to cry with, she has celebrated joys and successes with me and she has been a constant encouragement to me. Stefan, you have a wonderful person to stand by your side in the adventure of life.
I have one quick story that reflects Amanda, her love for others and her spirit. My freshmen year of college was an adjustment period. I struggled with the newness of everything and being so far from my family. That year my birthday fell on the same weekend as parent’s weekend at Elon and I was next to miserable. I was culture shocked, cold, sick, tired, counting down till I could go home and the invasion of parents coming to see their student was not helping. Amanda found out it was my birthday and took it upon herself to make it one to remember. She picked me up at work and informed me that we were going to her house. When we got there she had invited several friends and made a cookie cake. In an effort to decorate it she had melted chocolate and formed balls to write happy birthday. It was a great attempt but looked a little weird. We pulled the balls off stuck them in a bag, labeled it and stuck them on Stefan’s porch. This was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. That night without even knowing it she gave me a gift no amount of money could have purchased. Amanda gave me the friendship and love I needed at that moment. Everyone in this room that knows Amanda knows this is just one example of many stories that could be told about her going above and beyond in relationships and life.
Stefan and Amanda your marriage is going to be amazing. I have known since day one and through many conversations that you both love and respect each other deeply. Stay centered on Christ, He must be at the center of every decision, conversation and prayer. He has great plans for you and I cannot wait to see and experience with you everything He will do through you as a couple. You will be in our constant prayers as you move forward. I love you all and am thrilled that I get to witness this and be a part of this with you. Take a moment a look around for a second….you are married!! YAY!
Stefan and Amanda, congratulations, enjoy the rest of the evening, your honeymoon and setting up your home and marriage. Here’s to Stefan and Amanda.
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