Todd and Brittany, Wedding Day, December 15, 2018

Dear Todd, 

When you were born on March 23, 1989 we had no idea that our first grandchild would bring a love to our family that we'd never known before. There is a reason we use the word grand...everything was grand as we stared at you while you slept, took pictures and videos of your every move, and became convinced that you were the prettiest, smartest baby ever.  As your parents' first child, they were blessed that you were an easy baby, fun toddler, quiet little boy, and polite and obedient teenager. But you are blessed as well. They've provided a warm, loving, secure home for you where you were encouraged in your walk with God. They've prayed for you, and your mom has been faithful to send scripture to you and your siblings every morning. They've cheered for you in all your endeavors, given advice when needed and your mom was the very best nurse to you during two painful illnesses.They not only took loving care of you, but also taught you about the greatest love of all, God's love, as they lived out their personal faith before you. Buddy and Kerri live a Biblical marriage of faith, fidelity and family that will serve you well in the future.

And then you became a big brother to Trey.

And again...to a sister, Ashley.

They adore you! They've watched you through the years as you focused on earning your bachelors' degrees, and then working full-time and successfully completing your master's degree. You have been and still are their role model, and you live that title well.

And then a puppy... Andy.

God blessed you with a quiet, reserved personality, but  those who know you best also know that He gave you a perfectly awesome sense of humor, too. Your best man Bryan, has been your best friend since first grade, and the two of you have shared crazy times, serious times and everything in between. You played soccer, loved skate boarding, video games and snowboarding. You became a licensed real estate appraiser at the young age of eighteen, bought and paid for a new car, finished college and bought your first house. We have always been so proud of you. You are a hard worker, with integrity, honesty and commitment. I love you more than you will ever know and I'm so excited to see your future unfold.

This is your wedding day. You are marrying the first girl you kissed, way back in middle school. On Valentines day,when you were in seventh grade and she was in eight grade, Brittany gave you this teddy bear. Though you both went your own way after that brief middle-school romance, you met up again in 2011 and have been together since. Before this day is done you will be husband and wife. God is good and His will for us is perfect. 

Dear Brittany, I still remember the day I met you and the first meal you had at my house on Easter Sunday. I remember hearing about your childhood and feeling a definite connection because we share the loss of parents at a young age. We had many long conversations over the past eight years. Though today you will become Brittany Hamm, it seems as though you already are. I love you so much and I am so very happy for you.

Sweet memories of your mother, Kim. Her sister, your Aunt Angie described her as a firecracker with a zest for life. She could take five dollars and turn it into an amazing adventure with you and your brothers. Her love for you was a powerful thing and she loved dressing you in the finest things and brushing your hair. I understand when you would cry about it she would tell you that beauty is pain. She made beautiful dresses for you and she definitely would have been in the middle of all the wedding plans. She would be so very, very proud of you. I know her love for you will be felt today as you become Todd's wife.

And your dad, Dean, was your best friend. He was described to me as one of a kind. He was very smart and very funny, though he always told the worst jokes! He loved his music albums, Star Trek and he adored you! He cared deeply for you and took his role as your daddy very seriously. I love the pictures of the two of you having fun. I know he would love to be here today and I know that he would still be spoiling you and would be so very, very proud of everything you've accomplished. His love for you will be felt today too as you walk toward your future.

I know you  have been a wonderful and loving big sister to your two brothers and that they love you and have relied on you at times. I know they are proud of you too.

Memories are precious and pictures tell the story so perfectly. And your stories continue beyond the families that you were born into. This is your story, the beginning of your family...your love story. 

 

Then Iceland happened. Todd was prepared. He'd had the ring for a while, and when the opportunity to travel to Iceland for a photo shoot presented itself, he knew that would be the perfect place for a proposal.

Wedding plans began immediately. Longtime friends and family members were asked to be a part of your special day. Kumiko, the matron of honor, and childhood friend  took her role seriously and a beautiful wedding shower was planned.

Todd and Brittany, today, December 15, will be a date to celebrate each year as you remember the vows you will say to one another before your family and friends. Marriage is God's gift to us on earth. Be thankful for each other, nurture each other and grow together and not apart. God in the center of your marriage will give you many happy years.

Colossians 3:12-15  Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love, the perfect bond of unity.And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.


Our hearts are full with love for you both. May God richly bless your marriage and your home.

                            Nana and Papaw