*** Hey ladies, this is Melissa . . . I added a couple of additional pictures to the bottom of this post. My favorite is obviously the one where the entire Living Proof Staff is throwing up gang signs . . . I mean, A.A.V. (All About Vangie) Signs. Classic LPM ***
Hey, Siestaville! How are all of you? We have had quite the whirlwind weekend! Hawk (Michelle) and I had the great joy of serving at the Desperate For Jesus women’s conference at Dr. Tony Evan’s fine church in Dallas alongside speaker Tara Jenkins. (Oh my word, I loved getting to know her. God is raising up such wonderful and powerful young women to serve this and the next generation. We’re in good hands, Sisters.) My dear friend, Priscilla Shirer (Dr. Tony and Dr. Lois Evan’s daughter and one of our favorite Bible study teachers/writers on earth) emceed the event and I love any time I get to spend with her. I had a blast with the women who attended just like I knew I would. They don’t just listen to the Word around Oak Cliff. They participate in the Word. Groups don’t get better than that one.
I finished my second session late Saturday morning, threw the baton into Tara’s able hands and took a run for the airport. Hawk and I had a huge event to attend back in Houston and we’d make it by the skin of our teeth. Even the least weather delay would have caused us to miss it. When we got to DFW, the Houston flight prior to ours was delayed and the one after ours was canceled but we sailed out of there on the everlasting arms of God and made it to the church on time.
Since you got to meet my dear friend and coworker, Evangeline Harris, a few weeks ago on our second SSBS video greeting and knew we had a wedding on the horizon, I thought it was only fair to let you know that our Vangie is now (drum roll please) Mrs. Darren Williams. (I think I heard trumpets in the distance just then.) The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! Our bride was an absolute vision and her groom was so handsome. The chapel was full of family and friends who cheered them on to the altar after a courtship fit for a Lifetime movie. Both of them have long histories with God and each loves Jesus more than anything on earth. Isn’t that the ultimate? It was truly the culmination of two great stories into one fabulous book.
Evangeline has nine – count them, NINE – brothers and sisters and, yes, all from the same set of (courageous…and maybe tired) parents. She honored me so much by asking if I’d take part in the ceremony. As I addressed them both during the service, I told Darren that he had no idea what all he’d inherit when he fell in love with Vangie. Not only did he instantly have 11 in-laws and all their spouses. He had all of us at LPM who are as thick as blood with his new wife. I told him he’d just inherited 15 lily white women, some of whom attempt to take the edge off with self-tanner. But I’ll not say who. Let me just say I was among the tanner ones at the wedding. Thank you, L’Oreal.
Needless to say, the LPM staff was there with few exceptions and in rare form. (Curtis graciously babysat so Amanda could come without a preschooler and a toddler who would have added considerable color and volume to the whole affair). Both Diane and Kimberly on our staff were bridesmaids alongside other close loved ones of Vangie’s. Both of them bawled their heads off during the ceremony. It was emotional for all of us because we’ve all been on hand every single day of this sweet romance since their Sunday school teacher, Lisa Weir (also a good friend of ours), introduced them at our church last year. Our Vangie had held out for the right man for 20 years of adulthood and I don’t mind saying it paid off.
Nancy, another of our LPM sisters and my close friend of 20 years, did a Scripture reading so she was sitting on the pew beside me, right by the piano. (Do you guys like these kinds of details?? Sorry if you don’t. You can proceed right to the pictures if you’re rocking back and forth with frustration.) Right before I went onto the platform to speak over the couple, Nancy leaned over to me and said, “We’ve done a lot of things together at LPM but this one may have to be at the very top.”
I looked at her and said, “Yes, indeed.” This was the first time we had actually ever married someone off. Michelle (AKA Hawk) better run for her life before we start thinking we’re on a roll. I told you several weeks ago in the greeting where I introduced the bride that we made up hand motions to “All About Vangie.” And, yes, we did them 100 times at the wedding. That morning, all of us traded texts that had just three letters in them: “AAV!” I don’t think it would be all that hard to change the hand motions from AAV to AAM. Be afraid, Michelle. Be very, very afraid.
OK, OK, I’ll shut up and let you see some pictures Amanda snapped at the wedding for our LPM photo library. She didn’t take many so she wouldn’t impose on the professional photographer but I think you’ll enjoy the ones we have.
I’m thinking she must have taken this one before the ceremony while everybody was waiting and I was already in the Greenroom with Vangie. This is my man and our Bible study/event coordinator Jennifer Hamm’s man, respectively Keith and Chad. Yes, Keith has on Wranglers. He wore Wranglers to Melissa’s reception, too. Vangie didn’t care. She loves that Keith Moore.
This was one of the best wedding cakes I’ve ever tasted. I didn’t get a chance to ask Vangie who baked it. She was pretty busy.
The foyer at our church had been transformed for the reception into Vintage Vangie. Her good taste was everywhere. Honestly, I’ve never seen the foyer more beautiful. Everything was either white, black or hot pink. Here are some goodies:
A little wider shot so you can get the idea:
Yours truly with the bride and groom! I love them both so much. (That’s a side clip of sorts if you’re wondering what’s going on with my hair. I tried something new. Not sure it works out of the context. Maybe not even in it. If you weren’t wondering, forget that I brought that up. It was otherwise a very Spiritual evening.)
The B and G cutting that gorgeous cake:
Vangie and Lisa Weir.
Stunning Bride.
Living Proof Staff with the Bride. Again. It’s ALL. ABOUT. VANGIE.
Vangie and Darren are off on their honeymoon in San Diego for the week. You can imagine how abuzz LPM will be when she gets back to us. She only had one request of us when she left: “Don’t talk about anything fun till I get back!”
Oh, Vangie. We talked about something fun today all right. We talked about YOU. We just can’t help ourselves. We’re AAV.
Thanks for the commentary. Personally, I like the details.
Have fun in San Diego V and D! (My husband and I are headed there from Kansas the first week of August for a few days of relaxation…)
Maybe Vangie can tell me the “hot spots” to check out?????
Don’t know why, but Ms. Beth, you were on my mind in my quiet time this morning and I sent up a prayer for ya…hope all is well in your neck of the woods.
Pat from Kansas
You will NEVER waste a prayer on me. Thank you, Pat!
Was Vangie kidnapped two weeks ago? I nearly cried when I opened my “Inheritance” UPS box and there was no PINK tissue! By the way, the next day after session one, my new invited friend accepted Christ into her life at my house! I explained what I learned at St. Louis LPM “Imago Dei”, John 20:22 about Christ breathing the Holy Spirit into them! And guess what?? She claimed it as her DAY (which you challenged) and when we looked at the calendar it was the July 22nd! Whoohoo! Wild ride right there Mama Beth! Wild!
Right on!
Oh my heavens! I was at St Louis LPM (even have the pink t-shirt to “proof” it!) Such an amazing event. Thank you, Beth. You were so on your game!
Speaking of the pink Living Proof shirts, I’ve found that if I don’t put mine in the dryer, it will retain its bright color much longer. It is still as bright pink as it was when I bought it.
Patti
What fun! I remember meeting Evangeline when I came into LPM a couple of years ago to get a Bible study. Sweet, sweet lady. So happy for them!
Beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing the pics with us. Congratulations to Vangie & Darren!
Hey there Siesta Mama,
Thanks for sharing the pictures and I loved every itty bitty detail you shared! You seemed so worried we’d yawning! I loved, loved it! Vangie was absolutely stunning and glowing with such joy! I don’t know her but I thought she was just precious! It is so encouraging to hear of someone who has found out it is worth the wait! I have been waiting 26 of my adult years for the “one” God has for me, that would include my purity as well. (Is that TMI?) Sometimes that ole devil likes to tell me otherwise, but I don’t follow his advice. I must also say, loved the hair and I thought you looked just lovely,
as always..Blessings to you! Thanks again for sharing!
I love, love, love hearing stories like these! It gives me such hope knowing that God truly is THE matchmaker! What joy for those who wait upon God for HIS best! Thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle
Columbus, OH
So sweet! And I love your side clip hair thingy; very cute Siesta Mama….
And my advice to Michelle – run for the trees!!!!
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
Oh, I’m one that LOVES all the details! Thanks for sharing. May God continue to bless Mr. and Mrs. Williams!!
Love and prayers to all,
Kelli
Hi MamaBeth! Thanks for sharing!
I trust the Prissy/Missy/Sissy reunion was fun.
Congratulations Vangie & Darren! What a beautiful bride!
Yes, we love details, and your hair looks fabulous as usual.
Hawk – if they find you a good prospect but it doesn’t work out, feel free to give him my number. 😉
AAV
Dear Siesta Mama,
Whenever I see you spending time with us I always wonder does it ever make that handsome as ever Mr. Moore feel neglected or is he off watching a deer hunting show? Whatever the case, please thank him for me for being so gracious to share his dear lady with us..Marylee
Usually when I’m on here after hours, my man is not home right then. Keith’s really hard to neglect. He doesn’t mind saying, “Could you put that up?” Grin.
I tell people my husband is so blessed to have such an amazing wife – and it is all God’s fault. He makes me amazing. Not being a talker, my sweet husband answers with his dashing smile and that love twinkle in his eye. I expect Beth’s Man agrees!
Thank you, Beth and your wrangler jeans Man for sharing your lives to build up the kingdom of God!
Speaking of fine men, congrats Vangie!
I’ve got a few wedding pics up on my blog right now, too, Beth. Our baby girl got married a week ago!
Congratulations, Cheryl!!
Went to a wedding this past Saturday, too & guess what the colors were-white , black & hot pink, but this one was in Florida. LOL.
Love the details!! Sweet pictures and praise God for a sweet start to marriage- surrounded by her two families!
Congratulations to Vangie and Darren and thanks to you mama Beth for all the wedding details. Sounds like a real fun time and I loved the colors, black, white, and hot pink. I was looking at how cute and young you look with the happy couple and was thinking “does she have a pony tail” so was glad you explained about the hair clip. It’s always good to hear about you and Hawk and your busy schedule. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m glad you do.
Love you
Carolyn
Oceanside, Ca
Oh you had me laughing out loud at the “some of whom attempt to take the edge off with self-tanner”! Too funny!Seriously now, thank you for sharing the beautiful wedding and details!
Blessings,
michelle in VT
Deelightful! You know we’ve been waiting for the details. Thank you for not letting us down. BTW I was likin’ the hair thingy.
I was also at a wedding here in H’ville Sat evening, so it was fun imagining how Vangie’s was going. I got to quickly hug the neck of the MOB before she had to run. But I thought you should know she not only looked amazing in her full length, ice blue gown with matching jacket, but she had a serious poof going on. And it was looking good. You were so generous to share details, it only seemed right I should return the favor.
The most fun for me was having my family of five all show up spiffy and clean. Oh yes, I just happened to have a camera in my purse (I thought it best to use the carryon version). Definite possibility that pic shows up on this years Christmas card.
Ok, one more detail: L&J ran off to their vehicle between sparklers. Lovely! Of course, I had to let my man hold mine. I had waay too much flammable product on my hair to risk that.
Wedding Blessings!
Kath,
put my name on the list for one those Christmas cards! not only do I want to see that spiffy clean clan, but my interest is now peaked with all that hair product! haha : )
Big grin! I had just had my hair cut the day before and dared not wash it yet. I never can quite reproduce the salon look, try as I may. All my youngsters tried to whine their way out of dressing up, but I threatened that nothing short of a hospital admission would get them out of their RSVP’d dinner.
I love love stories. The details made me feel like I was at the wedding too. Thank you so much for sharing and I have to say “Ditto” to the sister that thanked Mr. Moore (and, by the way, the rest of your sweet family) for sharing you. Love you!
Love the details-weddings are so much fun! The first time you told us about Keith’s ‘Texas Tuxedo’ my husband adopted that style!! We attended a wedding in May and the groom and his groomsmen work black Wranglers with tux jackets. The groom designed belt buckles for them that had a beautiful cross made out of horseshoe nails and had ‘Brothers in Christ’ engraved on it!
Congratulations to Vangie & Darren! She’s always as sweet as can be when I’ve called LPM. You have the perfect staff, Beth! They’re ALL priceless!! (Guess you already know that!!)
Have a blessed week!
thank you SO much for coming to Oak Cliff and speaking to us this weekend! what a blessing! i heard you at the last D4Jesus conference and brought my girls from church back again this year. God revealed some amazing things in my life this weekend, confirmed them through you and I am so grateful. I sat on the back row of the bottom floor Friday night and knew, that in spite of there being 5000 women there…He saw me. what a joy. thanks again for your sacrifice of time and teaching. it wasn’t lost on me.
What a beautiful wedding!
What a beautiful wedding!!! Love the all about vangie hand signs yall shared in the video!
And personally siesta mama….. your hair looks lovely!! As always 🙂
Beth…I love details and the more the better. I also love seeing all the pictures. Thank you so much for sharing such a special event with Siestaville. Give Vangie my best when she returns.
BTW…way to go, Siesta Mama!! Tony Evans is one of my favorite preacher/teachers…isn’t he the greatest? I have not had a chance to hear or read anything by his daughter, Priscilla, but if you share the same stage with her, she has to be fantastic. Have a great week, dear one!!
I love details!! Especially when someone that has a way with words the way you do is the one sharing the details!! The wedding sounds beautiful and from the pics it looks like it was gorgeous! I loved the cake table! That pink and black and white is soo great!! Simply fabulous!
I have to tell you that it’s encouraging to hear of someone who waited for Mr Right and how God brought them together in HIS time. Not gonna lie, it gets a little tough sometimes, especially when I’m surrounded by friends getting married and having babies. Most of the time, I’m good to go, but it never hurts to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and the fact that He has the best timing! Tell Vangie I said thanks for sharing, through you, this experience with us!
You looked beautimous and it looked as though you were rocking the side clip! I never could pull of the “side” hair dos. Braids, ponytails you name it…I used to try to do the whole side pony tail thing in true “Deb” from Napoleon Dynamite fashion. Thankfully I have cut my hair to short for THAT to happen again! (I know you’re all glad to know that…)
Big hugs to you and yours!!
Nikki
Nikki – You are so precious!
Adrienne
This is SO random, but I just have to be honest and tell you that I obviously admire you for your obedience (I know, all of the Glory goes to God) and appreciate you encouraging me to stay in the Word, but I wish we were the kind of friends where you could help me style my hair!!! You are SO good at it. I’m trying to grow mine out and am very awkward with my styling skills. Maybe when you retire (haha) you might be able to help us gals with our hair?
Love,
Angie xoxo
p.s. Congratulations to Evangeline and Darren! She was a gorgeous bride!
The hair explanation made me laugh out loud. AAV – her day was gorgeous!
Happy Monday, Beth!
Thank you for all the fun details about Vangie & Darren’s wedding. As I scrolled through the posts I can see that no one was complaining about your attention to detail. : )
What a blessing it is to share such a joyous occasion with so many you love!
Have a wonderful week!
P.S
The self tanner comment had me in stitches.
Thanks for a great laugh!
Yes, wondering about the side clip? 🙂 You are to funny!!
Beautiful Bride and its always a joy looking at pictures!!
By the way if I ever get a wild hair and move to Texas where they drive a little crazy (considering I drive on old country roads) I need you to have some kind of cook out so I can meet your daughters cousins. I’m thinking you said they were Keith’s nephew’s.?… I can’t remember whose wedding they were at but they were some cute boys!!! I hope you know what I’m talking about? Anyways just in case you don’t know 18 more days till Lexington 🙂 Next time you do a random post I have the funniest story ever!!! I can not wait to tell you. It’s about killed me. 🙂 I LOVE YOU SIESTA MAMA!!
What a sweet wedding and fun post. Love every detail. The Wrangler jeans crack me up. 🙂
Oh, I was so hoping you’d post an update about their wedding, after hearing all about it in the video the other week!
Congratulations, Vangie!
Mrs Beth that was just a precious post. The pictures of the wedding were gorgeous and I must say your man Keith is sooo darling. I showed my husband his picture and that he was wearing wranglers to a wedding and he just smiled and shook his head!!! Have a blessed night Beth!!!
P.S. I loved todays Ruth study!!!
Congratulations Vangie and Darren!!! What a beautiful day it must have been and thank you Ms. Beth for all of the detail……your posts make me giggle and I needed them today!
Love you,
Andrea
Congratulations Vangie!!! You are a beautiful bride!
Mama Beth, your hair looked wonderful as always! 🙂
What a fun wedding! Love the hot pink! Wish I would have been that adventurous. 🙂
Beth,
Anyone who loves a good story never says ‘cut to the chase’. Can’t imagine that coming from here…ever. I’m willing to take what I dish out, so bring on the details! So happy for Vangie and Darren…may she look back and testify to the young’uns what God did for her!
We happened to get to dance all night to Sir Paul (Mc Cartney that is) Sat. night as he was in concert here in KC. Now I know it’s not Christian music, but it was some good stuff!! That was definitely a stroll down memory lane. Bet there was some kinda dancing going on at ya’lls place, too! Music just moves and soothes the soul, I’m so grateful for it!
Prayed for your time in Dallas. God uses that Tony Evans to speak a timely word to my soul like no one other than you and Chuck! Bet you didn’t know that the three of you hang out regularly in my kitchen!! (grin)
xoxo,rene
Nothin’ better than food and Bible Study!
Love the wedding details and pics. Congrats to the happy couple!
Congratulations Evangeline and Darren! What a blessing! It so blessed me when you mentioned that she had let the LORD bring her man to her! AMEN! Love that and enjoy the Sunny CALIFORNIA…I am praying you both some gorgeous sun and fun!
Oh I love every single detail Beth!!! I caught myself smiling the whole time I read it. Saying a prayer over Vangie, her man, and all of you at LPM. What a blessing y’all are!!!
Big hugs,
Fran
so sweet!
loved the commentary AND the pictures!
Congrats, Vangie!
I was wondering as I was going over the prayer requests if you all were still throwing AAV signs. I really felt like a spectator for a minute and was pacing back and forth for the pics (in my mind).
YAY for AAM!!!! It really needs to be AAH since she will forever be the Hawk.
Love and prayers!
Congratulations Darren & Vangie! It looked like a beautiful wedding! My nephew is getting married near the end of August, and their colors are navy blue,hot pink and white. I know he will look sharp in his “mess dress” Air Force uniform. So will his future father-in-law.
Beth, you have been on my mind and heart a lot lately. I have learned in the past to pray for the person that God brings to my mind, no matter how often. I don’t really know any specifics or if they affected the person, but I am content with that. I love you SO much!
*I also liked the self tanner comments. I just started using the spray on kind, and apparently I need A LOT of practice because to me, it just looks like I’m dirty because I didn’t put it on right. I even had a line of it on the inside of my foot!(I just made sure I wore sandals that had a strap in the same area of the line). Love hearing from you,loved the details! Have a great week,everyone! Joan
I love ya’lls love for each other! Congratulations, Vangie!
Congratulations, Evangeline and Darren! May God richly bless these first sweet weeks of marriage.
I was at the Oak Cliff conference. I was visiting with my brother in the area- I took notes and shared with my “old girls” group today- I can’t wait to receive the cds and dvds- you and Bishop Evans just down right spoke to me- I am such an unexpected type for the Holy Spirit to continue to “SLAY me”- You and Bishop Evans did so- thank you for sharing what God puts on your heart- Lots of love and blessings to you and yours. You are greatly appreciated. I pray for your health and energy, Kathy, Austin
Congratulations Vangie! To God be the glory, great things He has done! You are one good looking couple. Thanks for sharing, Beth and Amanda. There is something about a wedding that makes me want to jump up and down and clap my hands and squeal.
Love all the details! Thanks, Mama Siesta!
Ooh! I love me a good wedding – the kind where everything is pretty and sacred and magical, but also the couple is comprised of two people you absolutely adore, two who are good for each other in every way and actually stand a chance of making it! Now that’s what I call a good wedding. Looks like you all had you one of those there.
Thanks for sharing. I love pictures of people’s weddings – even ones I don’t know!
Blessings to the happy couple!
so happy for vangie and darren! love the details, siesta mama, we obviously gotta know where you were sitting!! and thank you for explaining the cute sprout your hair was doing in the first pic… the next pic gave us more context -and i want to say you worked it! but you are adorable whatever the hair day offers, so am i surprised? no 🙂
siestas, i have to announce that the Lord broke up my dark sky with a bright weekend of encouraging and blessing my little soul! someone must have chimed in, in prayer -i know you did, mama beth, thank you! i got to spend 3 days with a coworker from papua new guinea, both of us png girls here on american soil. it was such a breath of fresh air! thank you Lord for gracing me with your attention.
love ya’ll!
Yes, the sprout! That’s what I’ll call it from now on! I learn so much from you guys.
Congratulations Vangie & Darren!!!!
Aw, that is so very sweet ! Congrats to the bride and groom !
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Janesville, Wisconsin
Congratulations Evangeline and Darren!
By the way, if Hawk is not too cooperative with you “marrying off” services, I’m game! Can’t find a single Christian man in CA! Going a little extreme there but sure feels like the truth sometimes 🙂
Doing much better with life (just wanted to let you know). God has been so sweet to me as I’ve stilled myself, pressed into him and given him my feelings and heartache. Starting to better understand the whole connection between faith and feelings…thank you again.
Please continue to pray for little Andrew’s family (the Jackson Family).
Much love,
Bethany
Siesta Bethany,
I have been thinking of you and praying for you since you left that message about Andrew. It’s so nice to see your sweet smiling face back in Siestaville! I will continue to pray for Andrew’s family and for you. Blessings my fellow Siesta! Marylee
I hear you Bethany!!!!