Love conquers all

A stunning couple, she sparkles, he glows.

Breaking from my routine Georgian observations to report the first casualty of our American absence: Not long ago we received the sweet news that the last Larson was to wed, and bitter, due to scheduling, finances, and some 7000 miles, we would not be there. For years we've said we'd fly from anywhere to be there when the day came . . . we just never thought we'd be in Georgia.

We spent the day celebrating in our own way: we sent online messages, we frolicked to Nordic wedding music, and we sought the perfect Georgian gift. It was a joyful day, and we received this one picture (above), so now you've seen as much of the wedding as we have.

It started (for us) back in September at another family wedding when a certain brother brought along his girlfriend, a classic "taking things to the next level" move. A family friend had all the Larsons over for a post-wedding dinner, but just prior to beginning, the couple announced their own plans to marry, so it became an impromptu engagement celebration.

 The food was delicious, the company gracious. We mingled and got to know our future sister-in-law.

 With the sun setting behind the mountains, the Larson guys did what they do best.

It was a marvelous evening, little did we know at the time the last we would spend together before our departure. Over the next few months the wedding date proved elusive, until the stars aligned for March 2.

Although we weren't able to attend the ceremony, we are so glad that we could at least meet her, it sweetens the bittersweet. We look forward to a lifetime of happy memories together, and we wish her welcome to our family!