The centerpiece of the Well Worn, Well Loved wedding décor collection is a remarkable vintage King James Bible, filled with a story as extraordinary as the truth it holds. This personal handheld Bible once belonged to a woman named Ethel Mae. She passed it down to her son, James, who later gave it to his daughter, Mary. Mary ultimately entrusted it to me for this collection. Though Ethel and James have since passed away, their legacy of faith endures through this cherished heirloom.

Ethel Mae’s life was shaped by both profound trials and miracles. She suffered from fainting spells, and during one such episode, she fell into a fire, severely burning her arm up to her elbow. Shortly after this tragedy, a woman on a white horse appeared at her home, prayed for Ethel’s healing, and a miraculous recovery followed. Ethel’s arm was supernaturally restored, leaving no trace of burns. This divine intervention strengthened Ethel’s faith, and from that moment, she devoted herself to reading her Bible.

Inside the cover of this beloved Bible, Ethel carefully wrote a guide to salvation, highlighting verses she likely prayed over and shared with others:

• Matthew 10:32: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

• Mark 2:7: “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?”

• Romans 14:11–12: “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

• 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

• 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

• Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This well-loved Bible, with its worn pages and handwritten notes, stands as a testament to a life deeply rooted in faith. It embodies the popular quote by Charles Spurgeon, “A Bible that's falling apart often belongs to someone who isn't.” Ethel Mae’s devotion is woven into its pages, serving as an inspiring example of enduring faith.

Incorporating a Bible into your wedding day adds a layer of profound meaning, symbolizing faith, tradition, and the presence of God’s guidance in your marriage. Whether read from during the ceremony, placed at the altar, or displayed as a sacred emblem, a family Bible connects your union to generations past. It becomes far more than a decorative element—it serves as a living testament to the faith, prayers, wisdom, and legacy passed down through the years.

For couples who may not have their own family Bible, the Well Worn, Well Loved Bible offers a beautiful alternative. Its history, marked by devotion and transformed lives, carries the same weight of faith and love. The well-worn pages, lovingly turned over decades, and the eternal truth it contains make it the most meaningful piece in the collection.

In either case, incorporating a Bible—especially one rich with history—reminds couples of the enduring love and faith that should form the foundation of their marriage. It stands as a tangible symbol of God’s presence, blessings, and guidance as they embark on their journey together.

May your wedding day be enriched by this timeless tradition, a moment when the faith of the past meets the promise of the future!

-Elana Brownfield,

Beyond Blessed Weddings Founder & Owner