“My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

“When they talk about each other, they glow,” Father Jamie Weber said during the beautiful ceremony at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“There is so much joy in their eyes,” he said. “Their whole face lights up.”
All of us present at the wedding knew exactly what the priest was talking about. We knew that look.
In fact, Cherrell had the beam before her and Nico even went on a date.
“I remember that look,” my wife, Kari (Cherrell’s aunt) said. “Whenever she talked about him, you could tell he was special. She was giddy.”
Cherrell had been crazy about the cheerful, kind bearded young Nico. Everyone knew it: her friends, co-workers, even parents of patients (they both worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital).
Everyone knew…except for Nico.
“Nico’s been in this relationship for two years,” said Mica, Cherrell’s maid of honor, “but Cherrell’s been in it for three.”
“We all knew Cherrell was in love with Nico,” the priest said during their ceremony. “Except for Nico.”
“It all started with epilepsy camp”

The happy couples: Cherrell and Nico, center, flanked by Kari and myself

At Epilepsy Camp, Cherrell started falling for Nico, blown away by his natural talent working with the children. And Nico saw Cherrell doing the same. He started to wonder about this bubbly, fun, energetic, nurturing kind girl who was always popping up.
It wasn’t long after camp the two went on their first date (Cherrell asked). And on that first date, Nico was sweeter and more chivalrous than Cherrell could have imagined. That’s what Cherrell told Mica.
“She didn’t even know that kind of chivalry still existed,” Mica said.
Cherrell fell deeply in love

From the beginning, everyone had a feeling the two were meant for each other. For one, they look so good together. And, secondly, they compliment each other remarkably well both with their looks and their personalities. Kari and I knew just from a few selfies and a FaceTime.
The wedding sealed the deal further. Before, we were convinced they’d get married. Now we’re convinced they’ll live a life of joy and love, spreading the emotions everywhere they go. They’ll be great nurses, great people, great parents and a wonderful part of each others’ families.This was clear at the wedding. The families couldn’t ask for a better new addition.
“Everyone loves Cherrell,” Weber said. The congregation smiled and nodded.
Mica echoed this.
“I’ve never heard anyone say a bad thing about Cherrell,” she said. “If I ever do, I’ll kick their ass.”
Both Cherrell and Nico exude kindness, love and joy. They’re truly remarkable people, and they deserve each other. They have a nice community in Cincinnati, good jobs and a lot to build on.
Everyone knows they’ll soon be parents. What a lucky little fella.
“May your love and your bond carry you forward,” Weber said.
With all the problems in the world, with all the poverty and depression, domestic violence, hatred, anger, division, death and destruction, it can be easy to lose sight of all we have to feel fortunate about, all the reasons to be joyful. If I get discouraged, I’ll think of Cherrell and Nico. I’ll think of their family-to-be. I’ll think of the way they beam when they talk about each other, and I’ll think about my wife, Kari, and how I “beam her up” every chance I get. That’s pride, and, when you have it, you don’t even know you’re doing it. It’s not intentional. It’s love – a love that brightens you and empowers you every step of the way. It’s worth celebrating.