it's time to begin,

isn't it?

imagine dragons - it's time

I'll never forget the first time Ica whipped her mini-self into my world. It was my first summer of having "internships" and I was still teen-age. Nineteen. I was a little frazzled, my room was a little a mess, and Ica was a little a late. The other girls, dressed adorably, sat quietly and properly on wooden kitchen chairs in my bedroom-slash-office. We were all waiting on Ica. And she arrived with flair. "WAAAAAH! KRISTEN LEEEEEIGH!" [*jumping jumping jumping*] She had wild highlights in her hair, jewelry was her side-kick and she couldn't stand still. She was the best-dressed of us all, surprisingly not the shortest, and very, very loud. She came bearing gifts (head-bands she knit herself) and a heart full of love. She's a bottle rocket with fire in her eyes and cupcakes in her hugs. She was the heart-beat of the group and a never-ending source of positive affirmation, praise and compliments. I envied (in a "good" way) her way of confidently, quickly and easily showing love and making strangers feel like you're her dearest friend.

Over a deck-lunch of my mom's taco salad, us four girls chatted about those things brand-new girl-acquaintances talk about: future plans and boys. Ica was the oldest of the crew, and also the only one with a boyfriend. "Yeeees. His name is Tiiim. Tim Remo. Supremo Remo! Hahaha! He's fun." I had already looked through all of her vibrant and carefree profile pictures. And I knew that there was a "he" in her world. A "he" who would look take her to art galleries and write sweet things in comments about her. I think we all knew she'd marry that Tim-kid someday.

Over the last four years, I've watched from the cheap-seats while Ica and Tim grew up, stepped up and became inseparable. I love when I get to know couples who are able to maintain giddy-infatuation after they have walked through serious testing. I don't mind tooth-ache-sweet couples when they've proven themselves. Ica and Tim have stood the test of time. In fact, I remember talking with a friend at one point and even saying "If those two don't make it, I don't know if I believe in true love anymore!" ;) Thank you Jesus for making a goofy, determined, happy, kid-loving, large-hearted, gifted Tim to team up with the darling, fiery, dedicated, creative Ica-lady.

Sweet friend, your wedding day will be a day of great rejoicing. Long-awaited, much-anticipated and like a giant hand-made gift wrapped in velvet bows - a gift, a celebration and a party!