How the Collection Began

As I started the process of designing what would eventually become the Draped in Majesty Collection, I thought I was simply creating beautiful drapery backdrops.

But God had something much deeper in mind.

The first thing the Lord gave me was the verse that captures the heart of the collection:

“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.”
Psalm 96:6 (ESV)

While sketching designs and arranging flowing drapery, I suddenly found myself hearing the old worship song Sanctuary (or Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary by Thompson & Scruggs). I hadn’t heard or even thought about it in years. But I recognized the internal audible voice of the Holy Spirit who often puts songs on my mind to communicate a timely message.

So I played the song and sang along as I worked and worshiped. It was during this time that He gave me the idea to interpret different sacred spaces that have held God’s presence throughout history into the drapery designs—the Tabernacle, Temple, Chapel, Sanctuary, and Cathedral.

As the collection began taking shape, so did a much deeper message. As I reflected on the words of the song, I was reminded that God’s greatest desire isn’t simply beautiful places for our worship—it is to make each of us a living sanctuary where His presence also dwells.

Then, just before I was ready to publicly launch the Draped in Majesty Collection, I woke one morning with a strong sense that the Lord wanted me to share the inspiration behind it here before I shared the collection itself.

As I prayed and reflected on everything He had been showing me throughout the design process, one truth became unmistakably clear.

These weren’t simply beautiful wedding backdrops.

They were telling a story.

The greatest love story ever told.

It was then that I realized the story didn’t begin with the Tabernacle… or the Temple… or even the beautiful churches and cathedrals that have been built throughout history.

It began in a garden.

God’s Heart Has Always Been Relationship

From the beginning of creation, God’s heart has always been relationship.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in close fellowship. His desire was never simply that His children would know about Him, but that they would know Him personally—that they would walk with Him, talk with Him, and experience His presence every day.

When sin entered the world, that intimate relationship was lost. Humanity was separated from the holy God who created them. Yet even then, God never stopped pursuing His children.

Throughout Scripture, we see the unfolding story of a loving Father making a way to dwell with His children once again.

“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 25:8 (NKJV)

In the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle so His presence could dwell among His people. Within the Holy of Holies, above the Ark of the Covenant, His presence rested among Israel.

Later came Solomon’s Temple—a permanent place dedicated to worship and to house His presence. Centuries afterward, chapels, sanctuaries, and magnificent cathedrals were built as places where believers could gather to seek Him together. Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. As His children gather in praise and worship, His presence is often experienced in beautiful and powerful ways.

But these sacred places were never His final destination.

From the very beginning, God desired something even more personal.

Not simply to dwell with His children…

…but also to dwell within them.

That is why Jesus came.

Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus made a way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to be reconciled back to our Father. The separation caused by sin was removed, and the invitation into relationship was restored.

Now, every person who places their faith in Jesus Christ becomes a living temple of the Holy Spirit.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God…?”
1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)

God’s presence no longer dwells behind a veil or within buildings made by human hands. He chooses to dwell within those who belong to Him.

This is the greatest love story ever told.

A loving Father pursuing His children.

A Savior giving His life to bring them home.

The Holy Spirit sent to dwell within His children as a comforter, a teacher, and a Spirit of truth—making each believer a living temple.

Yes, the Draped in Majesty Collection was inspired by the sacred spaces throughout history—the Tabernacle, Temple, Chapel, Sanctuary, and Cathedral. Each backdrop representing another chapter in the story of God’s desire to dwell with us. Yet every one of them points beyond the beauty of buildings, drapery, and décor to the greater story they represent.

As you exchange your vows beneath one of these backdrops—or include one in a special place on your wedding day—my prayer is that your marriage will reflect Christ’s love for His Bride, the Church. And long after your wedding day has passed, may you remember that your love story is ultimately a reflection of the greatest love story ever told—not simply the story of a bride and groom, but of a loving Father who never stopped pursuing His children until the way was made for them to walk with Him once again.

May God bless your life and marriage abundantly!

Elana Brownfield
Owner & Artistic Designer
Beyond Blessed Weddings