Yesterday, was our family’s fourth wedding. Our youngest daughter, Danielle, married an incredible young man, Wyatt.

Wyatt and Danielle truly complement each other. Both are incredibly strong, committed, determined, loyal and caring people.

My mind was filled with so many memories of Danielle the weeks prior to her wedding. She always had a fantastic smile and an infectious laugh. I remember waking her up in the morning as a toddler. Her eyes would flicker open and then she would smile this brilliant smile that would melt your heart.

I have a family portrait that is one of my favorite photos. Deb, me, Dani and her siblings are dressed nicely and standing outside. Dani had to be about three years old. All of us are posing and smiling. But Dani is standing with her hands on her hips, chin up and eyes squinted like she is about to take on the world. That’s Dani. Beauty and strength. Grace and courage.

Dani is one of the most creative people I know. Everything from making clothes, painting, crocheting, drawing, dancing, singing, and baking, I’m constantly amazed at what she can create. Many of her creations spring from designs she has in her head.

And her creativity isn’t just for creativity’s sake. Many of her creations are gifts for others. They’re expressions of deep care and love. Whether she’s baking cookies, crocheting a stuffed animal, or hand-crafting a gift, Dani’s creativity is others-centered.

And boy, is Dani determined. I remember several years ago she decided to conquer some of the big fears in her life. And she did it. One by one, the giants fell as she faced them head-on. She is so inspiring!

As we’ve gotten to know Wyatt, we have observed a similar strength in him as well. He is dedicated and determined. Last year, I saw firsthand his ability to endure through difficulties that would make another person cave. I admire his honesty, loyalty, and commitment.

But what really grabs me is watching Dani and Wyatt together. Wyatt is able to draw out Dani’s strength, courage and creativity. He brings out her smile that I love. I can tell she feels loved and safe around him.

When Danielle entered Deb’s and my world, she instantly grabbed our hearts. And we’ve been hooked every day since. I have cherished holding her little hand, hugging her, talking with her, laughing with her, crying with her. I am a rich man having been part of her life and watching her grow.

While most people get to experience the beauty, creativity, courage, humor, commitment, loyalty and other amazing traits that make up who she is, I’ve been privileged with behind-the-scene access. I’ve gotten to see and share in everything she’s poured into creating such wonderful character. I’ve felt the flames that have forged these precious traits into my little girl. Her determination has made me proud. Her courage has inspired me. Her joy has made my heart soar. And her tears have broken my heart. And through it all, I am forever proud to be her dad and friend.

Yesterday at the courthouse, surrounded by family, Danielle shifted from being my daughter to being Wyatt’s wife. While she still has my heart forever, she now has his and he has hers. And where I have memories of holding her little hand and seeing her brilliant smile, he now gets to hold her hand and see her smile every day. And while I’ve shared the behind-the-scenes access to her creativity, strength, loyalty and love, he now has privileged access to her amazing qualities like no one ever will.

My amazing daughter is now his amazing wife. She’s been part of my life almost every day for over 26 years. God willing they will share a rich and full life together for well over double that time.

I love the following quote from Elder Aimilianos:

“Marriage is a journey of love. It is the creation of a new human being, a new person, for as the Gospel says, ‘the two will be as one flesh’. God unites two people, and makes them one. From this union of two people, who agree to synchronize their footsteps and harmonize the beating of their hearts, a new human being emerges. Through such profound and spontaneous love, the one becomes a presence, a living reality, in the heart of the other. ‘I am married’ means that I cannot live a single day, even a few moments, without the companion of my life. My husband, my wife, is part of my being, of my flesh, of my soul. He or she complements me. He or she is the thought of my mind. He or she is the reason for which my heart beats… in marriage, it seems that two people become together. However, it’s not two but three. The man marries the woman, and the woman marries the man, but the two together also marry Christ. So three take part in the mystery, and three remain together in life.”

Wyatt and Danielle have started a new life together. Together, hand-in-hand, they will embrace and experience everything the years will bring.

So now all four of our children are married and fully living their lives with the ones they love. Our home is quiet. Beautiful memories echo around and bring both smiles and tears. But they are echoes. Our four babies, who we loved more than life itself, no longer live here. We’re simultaneously filled with unspeakable joy for them and deep grief as we miss each of them every day.

Life moves on. With Dani and Wyatt’s wedding, Debbie and I end a beautiful chapter of our lives.

Debbie and I have been transitioning to our next stage of life over the last few years. With Danielle‘s wedding, we step fully across that threshold and move into a new time together. We are both still fairly young. So we look to the future with hope for new opportunities, new adventures, and new experiences that will make our lives rich and full of memories and relationships. To God be the glory now and always!