I met Amy on February 1, 2004. A group from our church was having a Super Bowl party, and they’d invited us. I didn’t really want to go. I barely knew the people hosting the party, and I didn’t know anyone else who would be there. But we went anyway, and I’m so glad that we did.

Amy was hard to miss. She was boisterous and lively. She was loud. She was wearing a tiara and playing a major role in the formation of a human pyramid. She was not the sort of person I normally spent a lot of time around. And yet, we hit it off right away.

I can understand why she’s flown off to have a private, just-the-two-of-them wedding in a tropical locale. There simply wouldn’t be a venue large enough to hold everyone who loves her, because Amy is everyone’s best friend and she wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. Her heart is as big as her laugh. And that’s saying a lot.

Last week Amy moved to a new home in a new city. Today, Amy’s starting a new life with her husband Joe. I hope she knows, though, that even as nearly everything is changing, some things will remain the same. Namely this: We love you.

Congratulations, Amy and Joe. I hope you had a beautiful day today, and I know you have many more ahead of you.

More wedding wishes for Amy & Joe: