Category Archives: Marriage

by - 0 comments

in sickness and health

 

In sickness and health…

Who knew we’d be putting our wedding vows to the test so early.

In February Jeff ruptured his achilles tendon playing flag football. Now, if there’s one thing I’m certain of it’s that my man is no wimp. He actually tried walking limping on it for two weeks, before caving in to get the MRI and discovering the seriousness of his injury. Dr. Badway performed surgery to repair the tendon, followed by six tumultuous weeks in a cast.

We were recently asked if Jeff’s injury had caused our marriage to struggle. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that we are still head-over-heels-in-love newlyweds. Or it could be that there are so many couples around us struggling with cancer and life threatening problems; but for us, it hasn’t been a struggle – simply an adjustment.

Marriage is not a one-stop destination. It’s a journey. And along the journey, there will be several adjustments to deal with.

Sure, I’ve had to lug heavy photo equipment to multiple photo shoots. Sure, I’ve had to become a professional photographer overnight, learning lighting, the camera and photoshop overnight. But the Word tells us that love is patient and kind. This is just my first opportunity to show my love. ‘Cause love is so much more than a feeling. It’s an action. It’s a sacrifice. It’s an honor.

Wednesday is the big day. Praying Jeff will be allowed to come out of the cast and into a walking boot.

by - 0 comments

the dress

It’s my favorite question to ask the bride when we meet for the first time.

“Have you found the dress yet?”

And then, her eyes light up and a smile creeps across her face as she describes in explicit detail the gown she will wear. Somewhere in the fog of detail, her and I forget we’re meeting in the studio to supposedly discuss photography packages. Instead, we’re both caught up in a steady stream of lace, ruffles, pearls and satin.

Months later, I’ll find myself stowed away in her dressing room with a camera in hand, capturing giggles from bridesmaids and picture-perfect curls being formed. And then my favorite long-awaited moment comes. She slips one leg into the mess of fabric. The gown is pulled up and laced tightly, she’s adorned in simple jewels and she turns to take in her reflection for the very first time.

And for one brief moment, the room goes still. I forget about my camera, and we all sigh in unison. The vision before us can only be described as breathtaking. It doesn’t matter how many weddings we shoot, or how many brides I meet – the moment she first appears in all her anticipated glory is nothing short of epic.

And the moment always reminds me of that upcoming wedding hosted by God himself in which all of humanity has been invited. A wedding which will make the Royal Wedding look like child’s play. Christ is the groom and we, the body of believers, are His bride.

The cotton candy colored sky and the white-topped mountains are only a foreshadowing of God’s glory and creativity, which will reach its peak with the wedding feast ushering in a new heaven and new earth.

The wedding attendees will be clothed in special garments. Like any typical girl, I’ve already begun thinking about what I will arrive wearing. My dress won’t be self-made or even purchased from a famed boutique, because it could never, ever be good enough. The way I live my life on earth will determine the beauty of my future dress, and as Isaiah writes, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Isaiah’s defines filthy rags as menstrual garments– how ridiculous to think about showing off a used tampon! In the same way, it’s ludicrous to assume that any of my “good deeds” could impress a holy God. For my sins far outweigh any good I have done.

However, God Himself will provide a garment for me, which will be unequalled! “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” (Isa. 61:10)

I won’t be able to enter heaven without my special wedding garment, this robe of righteousness. Only God can give me the glorious robe; it’s a free gift. And I’ve already accepted it. Have you?

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matt. 22:11-13

*Picture courtesy of Jeff Mullikin Photography

by - 0 comments

2.14

Today is Valentine’s Day; a day that will no doubt begin with a groan from those whose Facebook status still reads single.

And yet…

220,000 men will drop to one knee with that life-changing question

180 million valentine cards will be exchanged

196 million roses will be purchased

And, if that hasn’t convinced you that love is in the air-

11,000 children will be conceived today!

Valentine’s Day is a reason to celebrate. Because, five months into my new marriage, I’m still in love with Jeff Mullikin.

So, I give you, 14 more reasons why I love him on this famous 14th day of February:

14. Because when I am sick, he insists on coming with me to the doctor.

13. Because he somehow always knows where to find my phone when it’s lost.

12. Because I love the way my 2 year-old niece adores him and affectionately calls him, “Deff”

11. Because he still tells me I’m beautiful.

10. Because he SPOILS our dog. 

9. Because he actually rode a roller coaster for me at Silver Dollar City this winter.

8. Because he always talks to me with kindness. He never raises his voice at me.

7. BECAUSE HE’S SO HANDSOME!

6. Because I love working with him.

5. Because he won’t watch a Chief’s game without his jersey on – even if he’s all alone.

4. Because he still opens my doors (unless it’s freezing and I’ve already ran straight for the car!)

3. Because he shoveled the snow off the sidewalk last night before my friends came over without even telling me. 

2. Because he named his flag football team, “Tebow Time”

1. Because he now introduces me as “his wife”!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day Jeff! I love you!