It was a small gathering, in a quiet room, where the only sounds were the occasional happy whispers of dearest friends. The chandelier above, with its thousands of glass prisms, glittered from the ceiling and the mirrors on opposite walls bounced reflections into eternity.

The alter stood in the middle of the room, a cathedral unto itself, and I couldn’t help but think about all the forevers that have been promised across its sacred, holy plain.

They knelt, holding hands, unable to take their eyes off of each other. And all I could see was her, my baby sister, dressed in white, with tears brimming at her lashes, vowing to be his wife, to love him and be with him always, and in turn opening herself not only to his vow to do the same in return, but to the blessings of God upon their lives both now and throughout eternity.

I, believe in marriage. I believe in the family. And I believe in the joy that comes from the relationships of husband and wife, parent and child.

The world around us would tell us otherwise–that marriage isn’t important, that infidelity is no big deal, that a full bank account is better than a full dinner table. But I do not, nor will I ever, buy that.

Marriages are worth fighting for. They’re worth fighting to keep. And they’re worth fighting to have. Children are worth loving and raising. Families are worth creating.

It is within the nucleus of a family that the promises of eternity rest.

And that is what I know.

—

Kaycie & Alex were, what we Mormons call, “sealed” in the Columbia, South Carolina Latter-day Saint temple at 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 12. It was a happy day for our family and I feel blessed to now have two incredible brothers-in-law. More pictures on Facebook.