Last Friday we had the newlyweds over for dinner for the first time since their marriage. We were expecting the regular ol’ Sarah and Gage to show up, looking all normal and everyday-ish, as in this photo taken at Nathan’s house.
But instead, this is who showed up!
What? Who invited magazine-cover people to our lowly abode?
As we ate dinner with our special guests, they regaled us with all of their honeymoon travels and adventures. We also discussed the wedding day, since it was our first chance to all be together since it occurred. One of the things that came up was their reception dinner and how there was banana pudding on the menu but somehow in the midst of all the celebratory hubbub, neither one of them got any. And they both love banana pudding.
Right about that time in the conversation, I got a text from my friend Cheryl who said, “We have just finished up our family reunion and we have a big pan of banana pudding left over. Would you all like it?”
Ten minutes later, the dessert had been delivered to our front door. So hooray for banana pudding second chances.
After we had finished eating and were hanging out in the living room, Sarah whispered a message to me which caused me to jettison my understated, subtle, diplomatic self, leap to my feet and proclaim, “Well! Don’t you guys need to be leaving?”
Gage looked slightly taken aback, especially when Sarah added, “Yes, we really should be going.”
Even though it was a bit confusing, what man is going to argue with both his new wife and his new mother-in-law at the same time? Not Gage Long, that’s who!
Ten minutes later, it all made perfect sense to him as Sarah directed him through a particular set of turns which led to the parking lot of The Lost Colony where the evening performance was about to begin. I knew she had been planning to surprise him with that because he loves drama so much but she forgot to tell me they were going that particular night after our dinner. Hence, all the whispering, the leaping up from the couch, and the “out the door you go” speeches.
On top of the surprise element, that Friday was one of the three “locals nights” where OBX locals can donate canned goods to a food bank and get into the show for free. Sarah brought seven canned goods and saved the two of them nearly $50 in tickets!
Gage loved the performance and Sarah loved getting to surprise him.
Yesterday afternoon I was regretting the fact that I didn’t have many new pictures to share while we wait on the professional photos to be finished. Once again, a text from a friend saved the day. Kay Daniels had taken some photos with her phone which I will share with you here. But let me just say one thing before I do.
One of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do was to sit on that front pew with my cell phone in my purse beside me and not take any pictures during the ceremony.
I mean, taking pictures is what I do! If I see something beautiful, interesting, memorable, fascinating, unique, or emotional going on, I am going to take a photo! And all of those things were happening . . . right in front of me!
But you all would be proud of me. I determined I was going to stay in the moment and just be the mother of the bride and not the photographer. Thankfully, I had friends around who were NOT the mother of the bride and therefore, didn’t have to feel quite as compelled to stay in the moment.
Here is the foot washing part of the ceremony.
For those who might not be familiar with the concept of foot washing, it is a ceremonial act based on the story in the New Testament when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, taking on the role of someone who served. It’s a symbol of love and humility which is what Sarah and Gage wanted to communicate to each other during their ceremony.
It was such a beautiful moment, not only watching their actions but also listening to the music of Gage’s brothers and their friend, Raegan, singing and playing so beautifully on guitar, piano, and violin.
Other special moments.
In closing, this is my favorite photo that Kay took.
It was a moment that I wasn’t absolutely certain was even going to take place. Even as recently as two weeks before the big day, Sarah was barely capable of walking ten steps across a room without getting fatigued. She wasn’t eating, was getting weaker, and was continuing to lose weight. Bottom line? It wasn’t looking good for a wedding.
When Meagan and I would talk by phone, we would sometimes ask each other the unthinkable question, “Are we even going to be able to have a wedding?”
But we just decided to keep on working and planning, praying, and hoping in that direction. We figured if she needed to go down the aisle in a wheelchair, or if Gage needed to carry her down the aisle, nothing was going to keep her from marrying her man when the day came.
And on May 22, when she came down the aisle on her dad’s arm, resplendent in confidence and strength and beauty, the painful memories of all the painful days dissipated and were replaced by the sacred joy that filled the room and radiated from her face.
Just a few feet away stood her pediatric oncologist who, just a couple of weeks prior, had cared for her at her hospital bedside.
And nineteen years prior, the same doctor had overseen the drastic treatment that would save her life and make it possible for her to take that all-important walk.
She took the walk in all her beautiful, bridal glory toward the man who had waited his whole life for that moment we were told she would probably never live to see.
But she did.
She lived.
She walked.
And a new husband, faithful family, and dear friends all gave thanks . . . for the walk.
I love everything about this post…the Friday night visit is such a normal thing to do and that is AWESOME 🙂 The fact that Sarah walked down that aisle on her Dad’s arm is so heartwarming…in any wedding that is such a meaningful part of the ceremony…but for this wedding it is that much more meaningful…continuing to pray that all medical issues just disappear 🙂
Monique,
Yes, seeing Sarah on Steve’s arm was so heart-warming. She felt so good on her wedding day after feeling bad much of the week; so very thankful.
Becky, Love the photo of Pastor Steve walking Sarah down the isle!! The love on your face for Sarah and Steve, in that moment, says it all and is precious beyond words!! Great picture of you too Becky, nice job selecting your dress, very pretty. Praying for continued blessings for Sarah. ‘Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow’
Gloria,
Thanks so much for your sweet words. That was definitely a moment to be remembered for all of my days–seeing the two of them coming toward me.
I appreciate your compliments on my dress. It was fun to wear.
Wow! Your posting gave me goose bumps or duck pimples – talk about timing on the banana pudding (it is a favorite here too). You looked so lovely and I was trying imagine what you were thinking watching your daughter walk down the aisle. Have never seen a foot washing at a wedding before. The entire wedding, clothing, reception, etc. seemed to have an old fashioned theme, and the foot washing which I haven’t seen in a church for about 10 years, seemed to fit nicely. Know their first year will have its ups and downs, but with the Lord continuing to go before, beside, above, and below them, they will accomplish much. Their love for each other just permeates through the pictures.
Sharyn,
Yes, they set out to have a vintage theme for the wedding and I think they succeeded! The two of them share a love for old stuff; one of the many things they have in common. 🙂
Banana pudding has to be one of the best things the south has to offer. Yumm. ❤️
Ellen,
I agree.
If I was really being authentic I should have said ‘nanner puddin’!
I love reading your writing Becky. Reading about the walk brought tears to my eyes- she was a beautiful bride. Having followed her since her transplant days seeing her all grown up and a married lady is such a joy to my heart.
And what a fun surprise for Gage!
Hope you all have a good week!
Heather
Heather,
From transplant days to wedding day. What a journey it’s been!
Thanks for hanging out with us through it all.
Yes we did. We rejoiced and gave thanks.
Such a beautiful bride, beautiful couple. Love all the pics and stories you have. Looking forward to many more.
Joy,
I’m always thankful to hear readers say they are looking forward to more pictures and stories. I don’t want to overload anyone but love sharing!
What a beautiful update and I am so thankful her day was special. I pray that upcoming medical stuff will not be disruptive and that she and her husband are able to savor the days as newlyweds.
Robin,
Not disruptive is a great way to put it. A doctor visit here and there is fine but we’re hoping for no more repeats of the weeks before the wedding!
And yes, they are certainly savoring their newlywed days.
Love your stories and testimonies, Becky. You are an inspiration. ❤️
Cheryl,
Right back at you, friend!
Dear Becky, what a beautifully written and illustrated blog. To capture so much history and emotion into a single blog edition – you are truly gifted. The “movie star” couple looked so regal! So many pictures worthy of framing during this beautiful time in your lives!
Fred and Lucy,
Yes, we are not used to having movie stars come to eat with us. We got accustomed to these particular ones pretty quickly, though.
Thanks for your always encouraging words.
Beautiful pictures.
Do you have any pictures of Sarah and Mr. Driscoll and Mrs. Driscoll together at the wedding?
Your dress looks lovely Becky
Katrina,
That’s a great question. Yes, I got word that the photographer DID capture a photo with them together. Will post as soon as I get it!
So wonderful to see more beautiful wedding pictures!! (Aren’t we fortunate for digital photography instead of the old film & flash bulbs!) And how very special for Dr. Driscoll to attend the wedding. The newlyweds look so happy ~ glad Sarah was able to surprise Gage with a night enjoying The Lost Colony. (I’m old enough that I still think of Andy Griffith when I hear The Lost Colony.) I hope all the Smiths & Longs have a wonderful week!!
Sue Ellen,
A lot of people don’t know Griffith got his start right here in Manteo! Good trivia question, right?
And yes, I am grateful beyond words for digital photography. It would have been SO expensive back in the older days.
So glad that Sarah was able to make that walk. And to have her pediatric oncologist there was extra special for both her and him!
I had to laugh at my mom yesterday when she told my brother to take lots of pictures at this daughter’s wedding. I don’t think he will be getting his camera or phone out either. We told her the photographer would take lots of pictures.
Phyllis,
When you are a parent of the bride, you just have to trust other people to capture the moments. Not easy to do!
Congrats to your family on this big event!
Reading this just gave me chills. What a beautiful couple! So thankful for many answered prayers! Continuing to pray for sweet Sarah to get back to 100% very soon!
Bridgette,
100 percent is a beautiful number. Thank you for the prayers and the encouraging words about the post. Chills for me, writing it!
Such an amazingly beautiful couple!!
Love guided that walk!
Mrs. Pam,
Love-guided walk.
Most definitely.
You have such a lovely way with words. Your words make the entire event come to life for those of us that weren’t actually there. I’m so happy that everything is going so well right now. The happy couple is positively glowing!
Gayle,
I love the chance to make the events come to life and glad that I have dear online friends who are willing to take the time to read the words and see the photos.
And yes, glowing is the right word. 🙂
The walk! The beautiful walk! Tiny women often have trouble finding clothes that don’t make them look like they’re wearing children’s clothes. But Sarah was had a total adult look about her. And poise. My goodness that poise! And beauty!!
My goodness, a banana pudding second choice, a timely text from Kay, Sarah not just surviving but THRIVING and taking that walk… the number of miracles in your life never seem to amaze me.
And your ability to turn all your followers (including me) into bawling babies never ceases to amaze me. I guess you’re just amazing!!!
Jan,
You are so right about petite women having to work harder to find clothes that suit them. That was one thing I loved about Sarah’s dress–AND the alterations. It fit her like a dream and when she put it on, there was no doubt it was a woman in there, and not a little girl. Thanks for taking note of that because was a worry of Sarah’s as she was dress shopping, that she would be able to accomplish that. (And we’re thankful to Meagan for finding the dress for her!)
I’ll fit right in the lineup of bawling babies! So many happy tears lately.
For the walk!!!! Prayers answered. She was beautiful and following her life journey made us all thank Him for that moment.
Kathy,
It was so meaningful to know that my blog friends have been able to experience Sarah’s wedding through photos, posts, and the live stream. So many of us have been together on her journey for a long time.
Okay — this is beautiful and I am bawling my eyes out (happily)…. God had a plan this whole time, and we got to watch it unfold into THIS walk….. Thank you so much for sharing…..!
Beth,
His plan unfolding into a walk.
I love that.
It seems I will have leaky eyes with eveyone of the wedding posts. What a stunning bride! God is good.
Guerrina,
Weddings and weeping. They seem to go together.
She was stunning, indeed. And I was so thankful for the strength she had that day.
Beautiful!
Your words and the pictures!
❤💕❤
Liz,
Thank you so much. Such a joy to get to share them.
I have to be honest here and say this post made me tear up. Beautiful pictures and such a tender showing of Jesus’ love for each other…I’ve not seen this done in a wedding before and I really think it’s so meaningful!
So very happy for all the blessings in light of all the recent burdens for this dear couple.
Still praying for continued blessings and a lifetime of love and laughter!
Suzanne,
All the blessings in light of all the burdens. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
And yes, the foot-washing was so very meaningful.
Well, Becky, you did it again. You brought tears to my eyes with your writing. You are such a gifted writer!!
Those magazine-cover people look just amazing! Her rosy cheeks and big smile melt me. They make the cutest couple!!
So beyond thankful that Sarah was able to make The Walk. As I watched the wedding, Gage’s emotions were so cute and his love for Sarah and his excitement was so very obvious…..he could barely contain himself. 🙂 I just love when guys are not afraid to show emotion! I also wondered how on earth Sarah was able to maintain her composure throughout the wedding, especially after all she had been through in the weeks prior. She’s amazing!
Lee Anne,
Gage is definitely at ease with his emotions; I love to watch him experience life so fully.
And I loved Sarah’s rosy cheeks and smiles, as well. A night and day difference from those long days in the hospital.
And thank you for your encouragement about my writing; that means so much.
Sob! Snuffle! Snort!
Love this–No words! ❤️
Can’t wait for more pics and writings of The Day!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Sounds like I need to air flight some Kleenex to Wisconsin!
Love to you guys. Congrats again on the house! I need to come see it–and you.
I got chills reading this post… as someone behind the scenes with Dr Driscoll, these moments make every weekend call, every holiday that had to be worked, and every long day totally worth it!! There are not many success stories that even compare to Sarah! Every one of them makes my heart smile! I hope that as the treatment gets better for pediatric cancer, that there are many more who live, and walk down the aisle to their beloved!! God is good, all the time…. all the time God is good…. that is something I tell myself each and every day!! Love you guys and love all the beautiful pics!!
Tiffany,
You were there prepping Sarah for her transplant all those years ago. To know that Sarah’s journey has been such an encouragement to you as you help other children and families means so much. I know you and Dr. Driscoll and ALL the medical folks involved in caring for those kids put in longer hours than any of us can ever imagine. All of us (and our family, especially) want to say thank you for literally making a life and death difference in children’s lives.
And lastly, it’s always a comfort to know you are a phone call (and a few steps) away whenever we are Duke. Thanks for your always-giving heart.