Mr. and Mrs. Steel Rocha

On Saturday, August 24th, Steel married the love of his life, Taylor, and we officially (and legally) welcomed her into our family. If there was ever any doubt that God sanctioned this marriage, all we have to do is think about the spectacular weather He sent us that day. A cold front gave us a high of 81°. Heaven rejoiced, and I wore my coat and Uggs at the reception.

The wedding was held at Taylor’s parents’ home in Patterson, California and attended by family and a few close friends of the couple. They exchanged their vows under beautiful willow trees. Steel and Taylor’s nieces and nephews served as their wedding party. We celebrated with dinner in the backyard as we watched a magnificent sunset. (I can’t wait to see the official photographs.)

One of my favorite parts of the evening was visiting with Steel’s high school friends. I love these boys, and it was so much fun telling stories and laughing as we reminisced. They were terrific boys, and they are now magnificent men.

I’ve previously written about watching this fairytale develop; this wedding was a perfect chapter of the love story. I spent a lot of time thinking about my speech but didn’t remember a word of it when I got up to the microphone, so I’ll share it here:

I’ll never forget the phone call from Steel, telling me he met a girl at a craft fair. It sounded like the beginning of a fairy tale. He gushed on and on about her, and when he was finished, I said, “So, are you on your way to buy a ring?” He was so smitten. Then, when I met her myself, I understood. She was the one.

Taylor, we’ve been praying for you for a very long time. I knew immediately that you were meant for Steel. We’ve loved you from the beginning. You bravely joined this crazy family, and you fit in immediately. You are the perfect partner for our son and the answer to this mother’s prayers. We love you more.

Steel – We have always been your biggest fans. For many years, I tried to find the perfect girl for you, but you found her on your own, and the fairy tale came to life. You have always been a source of joy and entertainment to everyone you know, but I have never seen you as happy as you’ve been for the last 12 months. It is true love. I have no doubt you will be an exceptional husband. Your father has been the best example of cherishing a wife, and I know you will follow in his footsteps. Being your parents has been a privilege, and we love you more.

May God continue to bless you, your marriage and the life and family you will create together.