Hello friends and family! We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well and safe. Thomas and I wanted to reach out with a message of first prayer that in these times you all are taken care of and have peace of mind. Secondly, we wanted to share some updates about our wedding plans. We understand that these times are profoundly concerning and ultimately unpredictable. With that being said, this is a time to be wise. We can only do what is in our power to control. We are being mindful of the current situation and keeping a close watch on the unprecedented events. Thomas and I have decided that we still would like to go ahead as planned and wed Saturday August 15th, 2020. We are hoping and praying that we will be able to continue on as planned BUT we are also keeping in mind the fluctuation of this global crisis. This pandemic could possibly stretch a few months further than we would like but we are prepared for that reality as well. In keeping with the rules and regulations set for our state concerning this situation we are willing and ready to comply. We want to ensure everyone is safe during this and would not push for anyone to travel if they don't have to. Please check in here for any news and updates about our wedding going forward. As of now we will still wed but with a small intimate few and have a small backyard reception to follow! In the meantime, please please stay safe, be wise, and don't miss opportunities to help someone in need or be that voice of peace and love people may need during these troubling times! We love you all and are excited to continue to raise hope and show love in the ways we can! If you have further questions you can reach out to the email or phone number we provided below or just check the FAQ page on our website! Thanks again for your patience in this and cooperation! email: tantwill@aol.com phone: (937-450-1099) phone: (440-487-8150)
Thomas and I met at the Cleveland Clinic where we both worked at the time. I worked as a nutrition coordinator in the meal pantries for the patients, Tom at the time worked with the sanitation staff of the clinic. We became fast awkward friends, having random "run intos" in the long corridors of the main campus clinic. Also at the time I was starting a brand for a business I recently created and I was in desperate need for models. I remember liking the way Thomas walked, he had a "coolness" about him. So I asked if he wanted to model for me in a fashion show I would be featured in. He said yes! and the rest is history! Little did I know years later I would be the one saying yes to him! After a series of fortunate and unfortunate events throughout both our lives we remained friends! We were the kind of friends that sharpened one another, we both liked to challenge one another and build each others character. The foundation was always solid! We always revered one another as friends and it eventually grew into something deeper either of us didn't even expect as time went on. Cut to today and here we are! Excited and ready to celebrate our love! Thank you all who have supported us and come to share in this special occasion! We love you!
Thomas and I went on vacation last summer, a 7 day cruise through the Mexican Rivera. It was such a magical and unbelievable experience! My sister was getting married on the cruise ship and invited anyone who wanted to tag along after the wedding ceremony to vacation while they honeymooned. Thomas and I had the best time of our lives traveling and experiencing things we never even imagined before together. From sailing in the deep blue waters to snorkeling with the deep blue creatures! We had a blast! On the second to last day of the cruise Tom wanted to get professional pictures taken on the ship. So we dressed up and went to pick a backdrop. The photographer begins staging us and shooting some shots. After the third photo I'm over it quickly and turn to go because we had enough "good ones". Tom insists that we take a few more although i'm spent and ready to go. After a short protest I finally give in and turn to the set to take a seat. When I turn back around to the camera man Tom is on one knee holding a ring with a nervous/excited expression on his face. I'm stunned at this point, meanwhile this is all photographed according to Toms plan! Of course I looked shocked because I was not expecting it! Thomas said he carried the ring every day of the cruise waiting for the right time and moment! I said yes and couldn't be more happy with my decision!
In our dedication to each other we also desired to dedicate our love and vision of marriage to God. So for one year we decided to do a year long "consecration". That basically means a dedication to abstain of anything of your choosing. If anyone in this culture, society, and day in age know anything about relationships, they know it is very difficult to maintain certain disciplines on top of living a balanced life! And wow! is it difficult! That was one of the reasons we decided to do it. We live in a very indulgent, "here and now" society. Instant gratification, no one wants to wait for anything anymore. I've learned, if its worth it, you can wait for it. Waiting brings to the surface your truest heart and exposes what is really in you. We wanted to be the best versions of ourselves before we go before God. This included purging ourselves of old selfish habits and toxic behaviors to give selflessly to one another. Through this experience we have had the opportunity to know God as so much more than just the creator of the whole world, that "invisible man in the sky". But rather, as grace giver, merciful Father, a redeeming lover who doesn't look at your faults and flaws and condemns you to guilt and shame because of your past or mistakes. A God who esteems us and our desires when we choose to put Him before ALL things. Living life abundantly, joyously blessed beyond measure and overflowing! HIM as a FAITHFUL God who will never abandon and leave you in times you feel alone or want to give up, because lets face it RELATIONSHIPS ARE HARD WORK!! We would be fools to think we can do it alone, on our own understanding, or by the influences of this world. So we are dedicated to more than ourselves, more than just love, but the institution of Gods original design for marriage, the way its meant to be! <3