08/14/2026
Saint Emily, Beyond the VeilWhen we first set out to find the perfect dress, none of them felt quite right on their own until three generations gathered in a cozy little bridal shop in Granville, Ohio. My grandma, my mom, and I loved the top of one dress and the skirt of another, so we pinned them together just to see. Stepping in front of the mirror, it wasn’t just silk and lace coming together; it felt like the dress had been waiting all along for us to figure it out.Then Tanya the shop owner stepped back and said, “Let’s call this one Saint Emily,” my sister’s given name, Emily, symbolizing her grace and spirit that we cherish deeply, and illustrating how love continues to inspire us even in small, meaningful ways.She had no idea that was my sister’s name. The whole room went still, and a wave of emotion washed over us as we felt an unmistakable presence fill the room, reminding us of enduring love and the ongoing presence of loved ones in heaven.Since that day, my sweet grandmother has joined my sister in heaven. Though neither can be here in person today, this gown carries their love and memories, symbolizing the enduring bond of family love blessed by my grandmother’s presence that afternoon and filled with Emily’s spirit. As I walk down the aisle, I feel their presence as a symbol of love that endures beyond loss, walking right beside me, as close as thread to fabric.
