A Joyful Weekend in Glenwood Springs

Many of you know the story of my friend, Marla.  She and I started teaching together at Malley, then came to Glacier Peak together as part of the core team.  She was one of the most amazing teachers I have ever known, as well as someone with just a contagious spirit and light about her.  In December of 2002, Marla was in a terrible car accident on the way up to Winter Park, and was left with a traumatic brain injury and a severely damaged right arm.  In the days following the accident, Marla was unconscious, and when she did regain consciousness, there were many weeks when we weren't sure what kind, if any, type of recovery she would make.  Thanks to her incredible strength and determination, along with the amazing doctors and therapists at Craig Hospital, Marla has come farther than any of us could have imagined.  She truly is a miracle.  She had to learn to walk, talk, and read again.  Through it all, she has been an inspiration to everyone she has come into contact with.  Just six months after the accident, she was able to walk down the aisle as one of my bridesmaids.  Her progress has included traveling to an intensive speech therapy camp in Michigan, passing her driving test to get her driver's license again, and becoming an assistant at a preschool in Glenwood Springs.  And finally, finally, Marla has found the love that she has always deserved.  This past weekend we were privileged to be invited to Marla's wedding in Glenwood.  She married an amazing man named Mark, who she met while in Michigan.  He is a speech pathologist, and has an incredible gentleness about him.  You can tell that they just adore each other.  It makes my heart so happy to see just how joyful and fulfilled my friend is.  It's been a long time coming, but so worth it!  Enjoy the pictures!  There are a lot, but I just couldn't help it!

Mr. Riley looked very dapper in his tie!

The chapel was small and very quaint.

Here comes the beautiful bride!

The benediction.

Reciting their vows.  From the back of the church, you could just feel their devotion to one another.

Lighting the Unity Candle

Wow.

Mark serenaded Marla with a love song.

Exchanging rings.

Finally!

Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Marla Townsley are presented to their friends and family!

What an amazing day!

Riley and Vaughn enjoying some appetizers at the reception.

Marla was nice and didn't smash the cake into Mark's face...I wouldn't have been surprised if she did! :)
I absolutely love these two pictures.  They danced to "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," and truly the whole room felt the love between the two of them.  I actually had goosebumps watching the two of them in their own little world.  It was a really emotional day for everyone.

Marla and her dad, Leo were so sweet dancing together.

Me and the silly boys!

At the end of the reception we were able to greet the happy couple.  It's hard to express in words how happy we are for Marla and Mark.  

After the wedding, we hit the Hot Springs Pool!

And then Johnson Park Mini Golf, which had OUTDOOR Skee Ball!
It was great to get out of town for a couple of days, and so special to have such a wonderful reason to do it!