Notes from Noelle: Mr. & Mrs. Kulp

July 30, 2011

Sara Chew and John Kulp became husband and wife and I was honored to be a part of it as the matron of honor, and what an honor it was! Everything about this day was simply beautiful and just the way she wanted.

One of the many duties of the MOH was to give a toast to the bride and groom. As is my nature, I spent time making sure I knew just what I wanted to say (also to keep from letting Sara's tears get to me).

This couple is so special to me. I met John and his brother Taylor as little kids on the soccer field and when Sara and I were seated next to each other in 10^th grade geometry we became fast friends. We’ve stayed up late, drank way too many cups of coffee together, and shopped for the most important outfits a girl will wear, prom dresses and wedding gowns.

I am so honored to share this day with you and to have this chance to tell you how beautiful you are together. God’s love and presence in your life is just beaming today. I want to leave you with a few words to remember when the all the gifts have been unwrapped, linens are folded, and you are back to the core of your relationship, the simplest and purest part of your marriage.

For those of you who don’t know, the song that Sara and John danced to tonight goes back to the very beginning of their relationship. Brian McKight has serenaded them on many occasions counting 5 simple examples of what love means. So my charge to you both begins like this

1. Once a day, tell your wife she’s beautiful

2. Make reservations for 2 as often as you can

3. Never forget the 3 most important words in your marriage, “I love you” or “you are right”

4. Never go to bed angry be4 saying I’m sorry

5. 5 is the number of years you have been waiting for this special day!

John was traditional in the way he proposed, flowers, candles, music and he got down on one knee. As the leader of the household, John, you will be required to make a number of tough decisions on behalf of your family. And Sara there will be times when you will simply have to submit and trust your husband.

But I encourage you both to remember the posture that began your journey as husband and wife the way that John proposed, down on bended knee. The more time you spend on your knees together in prayer the stronger your marriage will be. When there are dogs and kids to be fed, decisions to be made, bills to be paid, and career moves to be discussed spending time in prayer together makes you a unified front that cannot be broken.

And I would also like to challenge you just as Chris and I were challenged on our wedding day to take every opportunity at the future weddings of friends and family to dance - at each step recommitting yourselves to the promise you made today. I hope you can remember tonight and the people in this room who came to dance in honor of you. And I thank you sincerely for the honor I have to be a part of it.