Dear Future Bride,
Have you ever heard of a proposal without a ring? Neither had I—until I met Kayla and her fiancé. Their story was different, beautiful, and deeply intentional. Instead of a traditional diamond, he gifted her a watch. Not just any watch, but one that symbolized something far greater than gold or gemstones—it was a reminder that their love was timeless, that every second of their journey together was ordained by God, and that their covenant was not bound by tradition but by faith.
This made me pause. It gave me a new perspective on how couples can embrace holiness in their engagement and marriage, not by conforming to cultural norms, but by seeking what is meaningful for their relationship and their walk with the Lord. It reminded me that love is not about the size of the ring, but about the depth of the commitment.
For her bridal session, Kayla wore a breathtaking purple dress—rich, elegant, and full of meaning. In Scripture, purple represents royalty, wealth, and priesthood. Proverbs 31:22 speaks of the virtuous woman, saying, “She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.” It is a color that signifies honor, dignity, and a heart that serves the Lord with devotion. As she twirled in her gown, I couldn’t help but see the grace of a woman who knew her worth—not in earthly treasures, but in the eyes of the One who created her.
To end her session, she stepped into a flowing white dress—a symbol of purity, new beginnings, and righteousness. In Revelation 19:8, the bride of Christ is described as wearing fine, clean linen, representing the righteous acts of His people. It was a perfect reflection of what marriage is: a sacred covenant, a fresh start, and a union that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church.
So, dear bride, let me remind you—you don’t have to follow the norms. Your engagement, your wedding, and the covenant you make with your beloved should be what you, him, and God decide is best. Whether it’s a ring, a watch, or something else entirely, what truly matters is that it is meaningful to your journey together.
Marriage is not about the traditions of man, but the divine calling placed upon your union. Let your love story be as unique as the faith that holds it together.
With love and excitement for your journey,
Rae De Lain
HMUA: DeLain Artistry | Venue: Aristide Colleyville | Photographer: Rae De Lain