It’s an interesting thought to realize there are some people you’ve known your whole life (or their whole life if your a few years older!) but when you get down to it, you really don’t know them at all. Justin is one of those people. Our dads are brothers. We are cousins. Yet, because we lived in different areas we really didn’t see each other often. Sure, we have pictures of us together here and there as kids, and a few random ones in his high school years, but when I got a call from him late last year about wedding photos, one thing that really excited me was knowing that through this process I’d get a glimpse into the man he has become, as well as meet the love of his life!
Gabe and I were able to get together with Justin and Jacqueline at a coffee shop near the University they attended at the time, and while we discussed photos, I think what we enjoyed most was simply learning about these two. From her black belt to his obsession with strawberries, they both have their quirks. Actually Jacqueline does, literally, because Quirke is her maiden name! They met in Chinese class of all places, but I believe it is their love for God and culture that ultimately brought them together in a way that no one can separate. Throughout it all over the last 8 months, from answering all of my crazy get to know you questions, to phone calls here and there, as well as a little snail mail, these two were such great sports. Not just in the “go long with it” sort of way, but in a genuinely interested, heartfelt, ready to conquer the world sort of way!
There is a tenderness in Justin and a gentleness in Jacqueline that compliment one another well, and one of the ways in which it was displayed most beautifully was with Danielle, Jacqueline’s sister, on their wedding day. There was such a sweetness in watching Jacqueline set aside the time to do Danielle’s hair and makeup, putting her sister before herself, making her feel beautiful. The way in which Justin embraced his new sister-in law and spoke gently to her after the ceremony was an automatic display of brotherly love, the way a big brother loves and protects his little sister.
Roman12:9-12 says “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” We have no doubt that as they journey together through this life, marriage will bind them with God individually and collectively in ways they never thought possible.
We were honored to be part of their day, and are even more honored to be a part of their life from here on out.
