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Love among the ruins
Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 01:44PM 
On Monday, Chad, Erica, and I set out for tiny, rural Yemassee, South Carolina. Specifically, we were bound for the Old Sheldon Church Ruins, in Beaufort County. The low country.
The ruins is a mystical place. Built in 1757, the church was burned by British troops in 1779, during the Revolutionary War.
It was rebuilt in 1826 from what remained, then burned again in 1865 by General Sherman's troops near the end of the War Between the States. No rebuilding would follow.
The church's ruins are so majestic, I've never seen a photo that did them justice.
But we still try. Click to embiggen:
The kids and I chose this location for their engagement shoot not only becuase of its beauty, but due to their love of history. Particularly they love South Carolina history.
The weather was perfect as only autumn in South Carolina can be: sunny and just warm enough, just cool enough, for comfort and enjoyment of the outdoors.
It was a wonderful experience, and one I will never forget.
We traipsed respectfully in and around the ruins before and after a lunch at Waffle House.
Now there's a recipe for a perfect day: Early afternoon at the ruins, take some pictures. A pecan waffle with ham-studded hashbrowns and black coffee at Waffle House. Late afternoon at the ruins, take more pictures.
Shoot until the light is gone. Drive home in the dark, tired but so happy.
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i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
= e.e. cummings =
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It's a privilege to be around Christian young people who are deeply in love, and who have resolutely not followed the world's example in their courtship, but rather have kept it clean and decent.
How sad that this sort of behavior is considered freakish by most people today. Young men and women need to respect themselves and one another once more, enough to honor the concept of sacred marriage.
Between one man and one woman, for life. It's a narrow path, and a happy one.
Well I guess that's enough preaching for today, except to say, TG and I -- together with Chad's parents, Greg and Jane -- are grateful to God for our children's testimony of faith.
We are overjoyed and to whatever extent you rejoice with us, we are happier still. We look forward with keen anticipation to April 27, 2018 when, God willing and the creek don't rise, Chad and Erica become man and wife.
If you'd like to see Cherica's complete engagement gallery, click here.
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Happy Thursday
Reader Comments (17)
Hon, I have to tell you.......
Your posts are very, very hard to read!
When you try to scroll down, your blog jumps all over.
I could not read the full "Love Among The Ruins" post.... It scrolled too far down... When I tried to scroll a bit farther... Then I realized this, and tried to scroll up. It did, for a tiny bit of time, then jumping again.
I have had simiar experiences before. I think I even told you. But this was the worst. I have not, not, not been able to see/read all of this "Love Among The Ruins" post.
-sigh-
If you read this, would you please post a question, yourself.... Asking if anyone else has such problems, reading your blog?
People do not want to sound fussy, and tell a blogger, about a problem. I guess if they simply can't easily read, they go away.
But I do tell. I don't know if anyone is having problems with mine. I want people to tell me, if they do. I often ask such, myself... Like if I changed something, or the like.
I'm sure this is a lovely post. But I can't read/see it.
-sigh-
Luna Crone
@Luna ... I'm sorry. What you're describing doesn't happen to me on either of my computers. Sometimes viewing problems are due to the device or the internet service of the reader. I know that another reader used to complain, and then she upgraded her internet service and the problems vanished. This may or may not be the case with you; I just know that I have no problems viewing my web site, ever, even when I am out of town and using another internet provider. I wish I could be of more help. xoxo
Dear Jenny,
FYI - I've never had any problems reading or viewing your blog.
For reasons near and dear to the heart, I could read this post over and over again! It's perfect in every way :)))
@Jane ... I'm so glad you enjoyed it! We are a couple of fortunate and blessed mothers. We love Chad and we love you and Greg! xoxo
Jenny! I just can't tell you how much I enjoyed this! I love seeing the two of them together and the way they look at each other. And you are so right - one woman, one man, for life! God's way is always best.
I went to the gallery and was trying to keep track of my favorites but there were too many. They are such a photogenic couple and those ruins are absolutely breathtaking. One of my favorites is number 14, but they can't go wrong with any of them.
PS - I've never had a problem viewing your blog.
Just beautiful. It is rare for people to stay chaste until their marriage nowadays, but that rareness also occurs in my grandchildren's lives too. My daughter's Karen and Jennifer also had made that decision. It does a heart good to know that perhaps we had something to do with their decision?
@Mari ... thanks for taking the time to look at the gallery and I'm like you -- every time I think I've singled out a favorite, I look at the next one and change my mind. What with the subjects and the location, it was hard to take a bad picture. What fun. xoxo
@Judy ... yes we did, but ultimately they made the choice to take the high road. I'm so glad that some still do. xoxo
LOVE is in the air! Erica and Chad are a beautiful couple; I wish them many, many years of happy days, and years.
This is a beautiful post, and lovely photos, Jenny. The 'ruins' are magnificent!
xoxo
Oh goodness gracious; I went through Cherica photos, Jenny. I kept thinking this one is my favorite, no that one, but honestly they are all beautiful in their own way. Such a darling couple.
(p.s. I've not had a problem with your posts; if I ever do it's because of my computer)
xoxo
@Sally ... I'm so glad you like the gallery! Yes they are sweet and so compatible, it's a joy to behold. Thanks for the input about viewing! I know that it can be difficult when a web site won't load. I've had computer problems myself from time to time, and I know it's frustrating when we have to call the provider! Arrrgghhh! xoxo
I went through the entire album and loved every picture. Your photography is superb. Without a doubt, the first picture is my favorite. I love the ambiance (including the twig) around Chad and Erika. It wraps its arms around the subjects. Chad and Erika are beautiful people. I wish them many years of happiness together.
@Cheryl ... funny but I didn't like that first picture; I wished I'd used flash because they were in shadow. I almost didn't include it in the gallery. But it's Chad and Erica's favorite too! Thank you for your kind words, my friend. xoxo
how lovely,
Hi Miss Jenny...LOVE the photos!!! What a beautiful pair...and that spot was absolutely perfect! Beautiful and full of history. Thought the shots of Erica holding the magazine was cute! Looks like she was letting Chad know the "rules"...Hahaa
I had absolutely no problem reading or viewing your blog OR the photos...
hughugs
@Irene ... Thank you, dear Irene! xoxo
@Donna ... Yay, you were able to see them! I'm so glad. Yes she was telling Chad how things are going to be, haaahahaha!!!! xoxo
Beautifully stated of an even more beautiful couple!
Love to you all,
Anna
@Anna ... Thanks dear. Love to all of you too. I can't wait for you to meet our Chad. God is so good. Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo