We sometimes get asked why we are choosing to get married, in a world where love and commitment can take other forms, and where divorce is not uncommon. We have taken time to reflect on these questions ourselves, and this is our way of inviting you into something that is deeply personal to us both.
Marriage in God’s big picture
The Bible begins with God instituting the first marriage between Adam and Eve, and ends with an invitation to a lavish wedding feast between Christ and His Church. Yet, along the way, it tells us something unexpected: marriages on earth will not carry over into eternity. Instead, marriage will have fulfilled its purpose of pointing us to a greater future reality—the perfect and everlasting union between God and His people.
So, what does that mean for our marriage on earth?
1. A lifelong covenant (promise)
For us, marriage is more than a legal procedure or social contract, but a sacred covenant (promise) we will make in the presence of God and our witnesses. On our wedding day, we will promise to love, honour, and cherish each other through the good and difficult times. We will promise to grow together, support each other's dreams, and face life’s challenges hand in hand—an exceedingly tall order for two imperfect individuals.
Because this promise is meant for a lifetime, we do not enter marriage lightly. Yet, we embark on this journey with great hope and joy.
2. Following God’s design
One of our favourite reflections on marriage is captured in this quote:
"The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."
— Matthew Henry, 17th-century theologian
We believe this quote beautifully captures aspects of God’s design for marriage: a man and a woman equally valued, brought together for intimate companionship, and called to love and serve each other in complementary ways (Ephesians 5:22-33).
3. Rooted in God’s love
We see ‘love’ as more than a feeling, but a series of choices, words, and actions consistent with how God defines love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Our promise to love one another is modelled after Christ’s love for us, and enabled by God. Therefore, even when feelings fluctuate, and when love requires sacrifice, we want to be able to say: “I still choose to love anyway.”
What your presence means to us
By being here, you are more than a guest. You are a witness to the promises we are making to each other before our God. Your presence affirms the commitment we are making, as we seek to live it out within our community.
Please continue to walk alongside us and keep us in your prayers as we begin this new chapter!
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for being part of our story.
Alyson & Ben