caroline//cutshall

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Michael & Maggie // Boulder, Colorado

I first met Maggie in college, through our university ministry, The Annex. We really started becoming good friends, though, over the past year and a half when Joe joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church of Boulder and started working with Maggie in the music department. It has been such a gift to know her. Photographing Michael & Maggie's (engagement photos and) wedding was really, really special to me. Not just because they've become good friends over the past couple years, but because, from a short distance,  I saw their relationship unfold from the very beginning and knew in my heart these two belonged together.I first met Michael at my own wedding and had no doubts that Maggie found someone who genuinely and purposefully made her happy and loved the Lord in the same way she did. When Michael floored Maggie by flying out to Boulder and proposing at Chautauqua, I was ecstatic. Seriously ecstatic. Not surprised in the least (again, maybe this is prideful, but I totally called it), but I was over the moon excited that these two people from two separate parts of the country found each other. I think what excites me the most is that it is so evident... so completely undeniable... that God brought them together. That this is his plan for their lives.We love because He first loved us. Their confidence in his goodness and his love for them enabled them to courageously  start dating while they lived thousands of miles away from one another. It enabled Michael to pursue a job in Colorado, and the Lord was faithful. It enabled these two to walk down the aisle of FPC, vow to love one another forever, and drive away (in an awesome lime green convertible) with the truth that God has an incredible road map for their lives together. Maggie and Michael's relationship is anything but a random connection. The union of Maggie and Michale is clearly and unmistakably intentional.You've heard this verse many times, I'm sure. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." To me, it sums up the story of these two wonderful people so beautifully.Their wedding day was full of family and friends and adorable vintage tea cups. I remember the cutest flower girls  in their tiny pink dresses (Maggie, do they make them in my size?) and toasts and suspenders and the most beautiful flowers. Peacock blue and pinks and golds. An adorable Russian nesting doll cake topper (so Maggie) and a sunset that was made especially for them. Sparkly lights and pink pumps and Banjo Billy's bus to take them to Shupe Homestead (if you are engaged and looking for the perfect venue, go right now to visit Shupe. It is such a hidden gem, but I have a feeling it won't be for long... for their reception. I remember a hilarious bridal party that, when asked to make a crazy face for the camera, did so with zero hesitation (love it). The girls praying for Maggie before the ceremony,  the insane dancing, the way they looked at each other during the ceremony... all of this, I'll never forget. Maggie and Michael, your wedding was beautiful, and I'm so glad my instincts were spot on. That you too are, indeed, made for each other.Cheers to your plans, your hope, and your future. Congratulations!