Sweet Bell Ringer Girls

When I was a little girl I was the bell ringer in a wedding, which meant I walked down the aisle ringing a little bell to signify that the bride was coming next. For years I had planned to include some of the young girls from among our family's dearest friends so this would be a special memory for them as well. Although most of them are too young to understand the story of God's faithfulness in uniting Stephen and me, I pray that they may one day look back at the pictures from this event and be encouraged by our courtship and marriage.

I found a beautiful white dress for less than $20 on eBay and ordered one for Sheridan so Mama and I could make sure the dress was of acceptable quality and the sizing was accurate. The dress looked so sweet on Sheridan so we encouraged the mothers of the bell ringers to order identical dresses and have them shipped to their individual homes. We were even thrilled to realize that the flower on the front is detachable and can be used as a barrette in the girls' hair on the day of the wedding.

Finding bells for twenty seven girls became a concern when we couldn't find them online for less than around $15 each! As the Lord has done time and time again, He provided these pretty little porcelain angel bells for the most reasonable price possible at the most unexpected place - the Dollar Store! They were all just $1 each! I didn't especially love the angels at the top, but the girls' hands will be covering the angel almost entirely, so only the ivory bell and roses will be visible. Because we could only find twelve at our store, I emailed a picture to both of my grandmothers and asked if they could keep an eye out at their local Dollar Stores. Within days we had collected more than enough from an assortment of Dollar Stores!

I am so thrilled when I hear from the mothers and older sisters how the young girls are so excited about their special job as bell ringers!