Shannon here: Futuristic Fiction Author, Susan J. Reinhardt shares insight into her real life romance. Comment or answer the question at the end of the post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy of The Moses Conspiracy. Deadline: April 11th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Susan:
A Wedding to Remember by Susan J. Reinhardt
Our wedding preparations started 15 years before we met. When good friends decided to tie the knot, several of us got together and came up with a unique idea. We loved the symbolism of the Jewish Wedding Canopy. The huppah represented the new home the couple would make together, the hospitality they would extend to others, and the divine origins of marriage. Thus, the idea of a Christian version was born.
My best friend, Caz, was the super organized, leader type, while one of the other gals was a talented seamstress. They designed, cut out, and transferred Scriptures onto the white satin fabric. One side proclaimed, “King of Kings,” while another said, “Messiah.” We added our embroidery skills and filled in the letters with gold thread. The results made all of us wish we could get married under this treasure.
After the couple’s wedding, the canopy was tucked away in storage. A few people used it over the years, but the unstable frame made it a risky business.
Fast forward to when Beloved popped the question, and we began making plans. Our desire was to honor the Lord in every aspect of the wedding. The canopy would represent our home together, as well as declaring our mutual submission to God and each other. The frame issue was resolved by my future husband’s carpentry skills.
We then turned our attention to music. Neither of us wanted the traditional “Here Comes The Bride” tune, but couldn’t find an alternative that suited us. The husband/wife team that led worship at the church we attended agreed to sing at the wedding. She brought a pile of music to church, and we met after a Sunday Service.
Our hope faded as we eliminated song after song. Then she pulled another song from her briefcase. “Oh, I grabbed this as I left the house.” As her sweet voice filled the room, the tears ran down my face. It was perfect.
Added to these special touches that pointed to the One who brought us together, I wrote our vows, and we asked several people to lay hands on us and pray during the ceremony.
When Beloved passed away 3 1/2 years later, the amateur video became a precious reminder of that joyful occasion. God gave me many memories that still warm my heart and assure me of His care and attention to the smallest details of life.
Christian marriage symbolizes the relationship between Christ and His Church. Romance is lovely, but two hearts dedicated to Him paint a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us.
Author Bio: Susan J. Reinhardt’s publishing credits include numerous devotionals, some short articles, and appearances in several anthologies. In 2013, her novel, The Moses Conspiracy, debuted. The Scent of Fear and The Christmas Wish were published later that year. The third book of The Moses Trilogy released this month.
A Christian, widow, stepmom, daughter, and friend, Susan is active in her church. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, couponing, and hunting for small treasures in antique shops.
You can find Susan at http://www.susanjreinhardt.com/, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt, https://twitter.com/susanjreinhardt, https://plus.google.com/115064050406996403268/posts, https://www.linkedin.com/pub/susan-reinhardt/6b/a9b/b37, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7012233.Susan_J_Reinhardt, and https://www.pinterest.com/susanjreinhardt/.
About the book – The Moses Conspiracy: A trip to post-terrorized Washington, D.C. in 2025 and a buggy accident in Bird-in-Hand, PA set in motion events that expose a diabolical plan to destroy the Christian community. Ellie and John Zimmerman find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening investigation, fighting a shadowy enemy.
The small community is shattered when the unthinkable occurs. Will family, friends, and neighbors band together or allow fear to prevent them from taking action?
Question: Have you ever used your talents to help with a wedding? Sewing? Building? Flower Arranging? Share your talent with us.
Come back April 1st for Laurie Alice Eakes!
Susan, your wedding must have been exceptionally lovely and meaningful. I enjoyed reading about it. Thank you for sharing. You don’t have to enter me into the drawing, as I already have the book, and in fact I’m reading it at the present time. It is most definitely a page-turner!
What a wonderful wedding! The only talent I’ve ever been able to offer is reading.
Hi KayM – Thank you for your kind words. It was a very special time in my life. I’m glad you’re enjoying The Moses Conspiracy and hope you’ll consider posting a review.
Hi Sheila – Thank you. Reading could be very helpful at a wedding. I’ve seen some people share poems or essays at weddings.
Hi Shannon – Thanks for having me on your blog today. I’ll be back later to say, “Hi,” to everyone.
God bless,
Susan 🙂
What a beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing, Susan.
What a lovely and romantic story! So glad you shared it with us, Susan. Shannon, thanks for hosting Susan! 🙂
Oh, Susan, how lovely! In all the years I’ve known you, I don’t remember hearing this sweet story. Thanks for sharing. But I would like to know what song your friend sang, that brought you to tears?
I have Moses Conspiracy–let some other blessed person win it.
Jen
What a sweet story…thank you for sharing.
What a lovely picture you’ve painted, Susan! Makes me feel as if I had been there. But then, that’s what we writers do, isn’t it? Bless you, my friend!
Glad to have you here, Susan and enjoyed your post. I’ve taken care of the flowers for a few weddings. Everything from the bouquets to the boutinierres and floral arrangements for decoration. I use silk flowers and I’m by no means a pro, but I’m crafty enough to muddle through.
Hi Jean – It was such a privilege to work on this canopy. Getting married under it was the icing on the cake. 🙂
Hi Jen – It was based on the Song of Solomon. I’ll have to see if I can find the name of it. It’s been a long time. 🙂
Hi Karen – It was an amazing, romantic year. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Hi Melanie – I have many lovely memories and sharing them is like taking them out of a box and living them once again.
Hi Kathi – Thank you. I struggled a bit to put these moments on paper, but I’m glad I made the effort.
Hi Shannon – I’ve seen some gorgeous silk flowers. You’d never know they weren’t real unless you touched them. I’m sure those brides were thrilled with the results.
I have a winner! Jean Fischer won the drawing. I appreciate Susan for being here and everyone else for stopping by.
Back to the drawing board. Jean already has the book and has generously suggested I pick another winner. Congrats! Kay M won the drawing.