celebration of marriage for

Madison likes to joke that she and Jacob met "in true Mississippi fashion - at a family get-together." Jacob, on the other hand, likes to remember that he had no intention of staying at said get-together as long as he did. But neither had a clue what - or who - was in store for them. While, to assuage any ickiness, they are NOT related, Madison and Jacob did in fact meet at Madison's cousin's house, surrounded by her family. Sitting outside, Jacob saw her through the window - perfectly framed, as if she were in a real life 5x7 - and thought for several minutes about how to catch her eye and start a conversation with her. Madison, on the other hand, noticed Jacob and avoided him as best she could! Although she thought he was handsome and wanted to get to know him, she also couldn't handle having her family watch her try to smooth-talk her way into a first date. Little did she know that Jacob, although completely taken by her, was struggling with how to navigate that very same thing; you're supposed to meet the family WAY later! After what felt like hours of eye contact across the room, Madison finally made her way to Jacob to ask him to open a jar for her (smooth, right?). Seizing his opportunity, Jacob made sure to stay glued to her side, where she gladly accepted his company, for the rest of the night! They spent the next several days talking for hours at a time about everything: life, politics, favorite shows, family, and everything in-between. The rest is history. The best part of their story? While neither knew it, both person's families had been praying for the Lord to send them a partner; they feel that their story and the paths that led them to one another are evidence of God's abundant grace and His loving kindness that He gives His children good gifts. James 1:17