TIL' OUR LAST SURRENDER

Believe it or not, the video featured above is a one minute clip of a WEDDING.

This wedding will most likely not be featured on MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS. The bride's dress will probably not make an appearance in BRIDES magazine. The decor, venue and catering might not be used as inspiration for people planning their future wedding on THE KNOT. 

However, I believe this wedding should be an inspiration to all. Not only on their big day, but EVERY SINGLE DAY. This wedding is LOVE in the purest form. 

Of course every wedding is about love, or at least should be. But, this was different.

This wedding did not care about the details. This wedding did not fuss about seating charts or arrangements. This wedding did not have plans. From the outside, this wedding did not resemble what we are made to believe the day should look like.  

However, on the inside of this wedding was space.

A space where family and friends gathered in love to celebrate life. A space filled with calmness and peace. A space where worries did not exist. A space where the present moment was the most important one. 

A Heaven-like space where you could hear the angels singing in approval. 

This wedding was a perfect reflection of the way Matthew and Madison choose to live their lives as independent souls AND as a beautiful union. 

On August 11, 2018, Matt and Madi hosted their 3rd annual pool party. Matt and his best friend, Ross (marriage officiant), were the ONLY two humans in attendance that knew what the day would entail. 

A day to celebrate the beauty of life turned into so much more. Within the span of a few hours everyone in attendance experienced a surprise proposal, an impromptu wedding, unplanned speeches, last-minute dances and a celebration.  

Madison was given 40 minutes from the time of her engagement until her wedding ceremony.

She was not given time to make a Pinterest board or follow Instagram accounts for wedding ideas. She was not given time to stress about the invites or worry about the colour palette.

Heck, she was not even given time to find a wedding dress.

She was given a moment. A moment to decide if she wanted to walk in the direction of love. A moment to move forward without fear of the future.

A moment was all she needed. 

I cannot remember how long the entire ordeal was. At times, I felt behind. I felt like I was trying to catch up to the beauty of what was happening.

In some ways it flashed before my eyes, but in the same breath, I can recount so many memories.

I remember the backyard erupting in excitement when Matt got down on one knee. It felt like we ALL GOT PROPOSED TO. It felt like our team just scored the winning goal in a championship game.

I remember being called up as Madison's "babe of honour" and feeling completely overwhelmed with gratitude, but also wondering if my swimsuit and towel was acceptable attire for the ceremony.

I remember frantically writing a speech on my phone that would adequately articulate my love and appreciation for Madi and Matt. 

I remember seeing the smiling faces, the happy tears and the endless amounts of hugs. It did not matter if you knew the person or not, you hugged in celebration. 

​I remember Brandon (Madison's brother) asking me to play Old Blue Chair by Kenny Chesney as he took Madison's hand and danced with her in honour of their father. 

I remember being fully present. 

I REMEMBER JOY.

The day was about love without expectations. The day was about giving without the hope of receiving. The day was about unconditional love.

Love that accepts one as they are, completely and utterly imperfect. 

Love that is unafraid of what is to come.

To the outsiders the day looked very spur of the moment, and in many ways it was. 

But, Matt put in A LOT of behind the scenes work. He planned and kept BIG secrets to pull this off. 

He made sure to fly people in who were important to Madison. He hired caterers, photographers, videographers, and bartenders. He made everyone believe, including his wife, that the day was nothing more than a pool party.

And folks, he did it all while battling one of the most ferocious and uncontrollable diseases out there. 

Cancer.

Talk about a fighter.

Matt did much more than just plan a wedding for his future wife. He planned something that could touch the lives of many outside of that space. 

At the end of the night, he handed out little cards that asked guests to donate to CancerCare Manitoba in lieu of presentation.

He asked for generosity and kindness to those suffering with the unbearable.  

​He asked for wedding guests to give to a foundation that aims to provide people with more time. 

More moments. 
​
Today, they have raised close to $20,000 for CancerCare Manitoba. 

CAN I GET AN AMEN??

​Matthew and Madison are two of the greatest LIVING examples of what is means to love without restraint, to give without expecting anything in return, and to live every day like it was your last. 

So very blessed to know them and be part of their very special day.

If you are inspired or feel like giving this Holiday season, feel free to donate by clicking the link below. All proceeds stay in Manitoba and go directly to helping those have more tomorrows with their loved ones.

http://support.cancercarefdn.mb.ca/site/TR?team_id=2892&fr_id=1227&pg=team