e-session {sherri + chuck} 08.01.08
Friday, August 15, 2008 at 10:32PM 
This is a story worth telling.
Sherri and Chuck had been just-friends for years. Last November, as Sherri was preparing to move to Europe for her job as a Coca Cola lawyer in Atlanta, her plans were abruptly way-laid when a check up before leaving resulted in the shock of her life: a diagnosis of cancer.
So she began her cancer treatment over the winter and reconnected with her old friend, Chuck. In the middle of the fight for her life, Chuck promised that regardless of whether they were together as a couple, he would be there for her every step of the way. And Chuck has been there for Sherri, encouraging her and literally carrying her when she couldn't walk. Sherri told us they were meant to be together...it had just been a longer than normal journey to get there.
I called Sherri this morning to find out if it was OK with her for us to blog about her cancer and she said yes, it could actually be good because she hoped that someone else with cancer might read it and realize that there is life after a diagnosis of cancer. That speaks volumes about the kind of person Sherri is: very quietly courageous, with a strong life spirit and a truly giving heart. I also think Chuck's story might give some hope to guys who have been in "friend" status for a long time. ;)
We're so touched that they chose us to document their wedding day and grateful to their planner Calandra Terry for directing them our way. Their November date will have an even more special meaning because Sherri's grandmother will celebrate her 100th birthday the week before (she suffered a slight stroke a couple of days ago and is in the hospital right now, so say a prayer for her) and her parent's wedding anniversary is the week following, right about the time Sherri is scheduled to finish up her last treatment. So there will be so much to celebrate and we are so excited about being there at THAT celebration. They will be married with the gorgeous backdrop of the Tennessee River at the Robert Trent Golf Trail-The Shoals and have their reception at the stunning Marriott Shoals. By the way, Sherri's makeup was done by the fabulous makeup artist, Diann Anderson of Dnani Makeup Studio.
And the next photo is Chuck's son, Carsten, who came along with us on the shoot. We can totally see where Chuck gets his good looks. Wait; parents inherit their cuteness from their children, right?
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Reader Comments (45)
Sherri and Chuckie,
I hope you know that I love you both, and could not be happier for two deserving people. Sherri - to have the pleasure of saying that I've been your friend since age 2 1/2 (through the good and bad) is all mine. You are so beautiful and happy in these pictures that it brings me to tears, and I pray that people know that your inner beauty surpasses your outer beauty. I will always admire your strength and courage. Chuckie - I have always thought of you as being a terrific guy. I'm so glad you patiently waited on Sherri to fall in love with you. I know you will always put her first and love her the way she deserves to be loved. Thank you for being "THE ONE" for her! :-)
Love always and forever,
Kathy
Sherri,
I am speechless! These pictures are absolutely beautiful! Kathy has already taken all of my words that I want to say and I don't want her to get me for plagiarism!! I must also say that the pictures truly capture your inner and outer beauty, personality, and happiness. You have been through a great ordeal but you managed to make "lemonade" out of the "lemon" that you were given! Your relationship with Chuck is an example of how all relationships should be. You built a strong foundation as friends, bonded closer together when support was needed, and used the trying times to strengthen your relationship. Chuck, I don't know you but I applaud you for being a "real" man! Sherri, I have known you all of your life and I only wish you the best of all things. I am so proud of the wonderful woman that you have become. Your story will serve as an inspiration for many.
Best wishes as you start your journey as "1".
With Love,
Cassandra
I feel like the most blessed person in the world right now--my #1 son has found the love of his life. Sherri, I think you are so wonderful. Your personality is overwhelming and I can't wait to be your Mom#2. I love you both with all my heart.
Chuck and Sherri,
I just want to say that I am so excited and happy for the both of you! You make an awesome couple and your happiness radiates for everyone to see! To Chuck, I love you more than words can say and you deserve happiness (which you have found) in all aspects of your life. To Sherri, I am so proud to be able to call you my sister (I predicted that 20 years ago!-smile). You are a beautiful woman inside and out and I love you very much. Congratulations to the both of you. You are both beautiful people and deserve the best. I just want to thank you for allowing me to be apart of such a wonderful part/chapter in your lives!
Sherri and Chuck,
I am so happy for both of you. Your pictures are gorgeous. But what can you expect from 2 beautiful people (inside and out). Sherri, you have been through some stuff which has made you such a strong and courageous woman. Chuckie, you waited and have always been there at the right time. It's not the fastest one that always wins, but the one who endures. I remember when we were 16 and playing Chinese fire drill along with some other friends, and who was right there "sliding" across a row of girls trying to make it in the back seat of the car before I drove off...Chuckie. Sherri, we used to show up at church in the same dress when we were little girls. Now, we will be married to men with the same names. Too funny!!! My Chuck still says he's sitting on your Chuck's side at the wedding since you didn't listen to him about getting together with Chuckie over 10 years ago! My prayer for both of you is many happy years loving and cherishing each other more than you do today.
Love ya,
Sheri (and Chuck) Fulbright
Sherri and Chuckie,
Sherri - words cannot express how incredibly happy I am for you. In all the years that I have known you, I have always felt that you deserved nothing better than the best. These pictures reflect such a sense of joy and warmth that made me smile and, literally, breathe a sigh of 'relief' to see you so happy. If you can believe it, I actually remember Sheri F, you and I talking about Chuckie when we were 16! That should say something if I can remember someone I never met 21 years later. So, to Chuckie, I hope to meet you someday so that I can give you a big hug and thank you for loving Sherri all these years. Congratulations to both of you, and may this be the beginning of a LONG lifetime of happiness together!
With love,
Lisa Ku
Sherri, You look absolutely beautiful. You have always been a lady of such class. I am happy to see you so comfortable in the arms of your soon to be husband. A picture is worth a thousand words and these photos say it all. You guys are definitely meant to be together. I wish you both the best!
Tina
Chuck and Sherri,
Congratulations once again! I am so excited to see the two of you together; you are a great couple. Your story is an insperation to all and should inspire everyone looking and awaiting true love. We wish you all a lifetime of happiness togehter; know if there is ANYTHING that Erik and I can do, we are there for you! Know that you all are in our prayers.
The pictures are beautiful! I love those in the 50's and 60's in the session. I can hardly wait to see the wedding pictures!
Best Wishes!
Love,
Erik, Keesha and Jared
Sherri and Chuckie, I am so very happy for the both of you. The pictures are absolutely stunning. Sherri, I am so very proud of you. Through all of your personal struggles with your health, you never stopped being you. You never stopped being a good and warm hearted and caring person...and one of my most treausred friends. You did not let you illness define you. Sometimes you were brave. Sometimes you felt the need to cry. Sometimes you were just my friend and told me that it was okay if "I" needed to cry. But through it all, we still always managed to get in a couple of laughs and crack a joke or two. May you always be the magical person that you are. Chuckie, thank you for loving my friend and for being the man that you have shown yourself to be. May both of you always be good to each other. (Oh, River told me tell her GodMother Sherri that she loves her and can't wait to participate in the wedding!)
With all my love and prayers,
Tangla (and River too)
Sherri,
These pictures are gorgeous. Simply stunning. And you both look so happy. Congratulations! I wish you both the best.
Love,
Tiffany
Dear Sherri,
You look amazing! Chuck is a lucky man to have found you. Sherri, your story is truly a demonstration of what our heavenly father is capable of doing in our lives. He has carried you through tough times and has given you the gift of a strong, loving man to calm the storm. We wish you both all the love and happiness in the world as you embark on your life journey together.
Love,
Althea Howard & Family
Dearest Sherri:
I can't tell you how happy I am for you!!! Isn't it funny how life works out -- the longer we live, the more we understand what the old folks meant when they say ,"The Lord works in mysterious ways."
The photos are stunning -- but how could they NOT be, given your beauty, Chuck's handsomeness and the love that the two of you obviously share. Enjoy your wedding season!!!
Cousin Kathy, many thanks for forwarding this!
Much love,
Deirdre
Chuck - You are a great guy and I am so excited to see you happy - you deserve to be happy! I have met Sherri one time at work (NWSCC) and she seems very nice and down to earth. I wish the both you the best of luck.
Sherri :
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. You and Chuckie and Carson are going to be the most beautiful family. Your story is truly an inspiration and simply shows the power of God working in our lives to bring something truly wonderful out of every situation. All the best to you! Enjoy this amazing time in your life as a couple!
Erica Matos (Tan's friend)
Congratulations to both of you! The pictures are so beautiful and truly capture your radiance and love. I am so touched and blessed by your story. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. God is so awesome and I cannot wait to see all that He has in store for the two of you! Sherri, Ron and I continue to lift you up in our prayers daily.
Love and blessings to you both from Tampa,
Heather & Ron Simpson
Sherri and Chuckie!
The pictures are just breathtaking! The vibrance in your relationship really shines through in the pictures. I am very happy for both of you and wish you all the best. Your story is truly an inspiration for me that GOD really answers prayers and moves in our lives in ways that we can never hope to attain. Just continue the love and joy...more of that! Love, stephanie
Girlfriend!!
You are a DIVA!!!! I should have known that these pictures would be fabulous! After all this is the same woman who handled the fight of her life with the grace, courage and faith of Job!!! And while you were fighting, you found the love of your life! mmph! mmph! mmph! All I can say is, "you go girl!"
Chucky,
You are truly a blessing!
Love ya both!
Monica
Sherri-
These pictures are absolutely stunning!! I can literally feel the love and happiness that you two share just from looking at them. You are such a special, beautiful person inside and out, and to know you is a blessing. I am thrilled for you, absolutely thrilled. May you cheris and enjoy each and every one of the multitude of blessings that God has in store for your lives together as husband and wife. All the very best,
-Cardina Johnson and family
Dear Chuck and Sherri,
Your story is an inspirational one as well as an amazing story. I love it!!! When my mom told me that you two were engaged I think I screamed loud enough for the world to hear. I am so excited for the two of you and wish both of you the best. Your pictures are beautiful and heart warming. I want to be like ya'll when I grow up!!! Anyway, have fun on your journey to the altar and I will see you two on your big day...Much love and happiness......
Jothanie
It's challenging for me to find words to express how elated I am for Chuck and Sherri. I've known Chuck for several years, and I feel like I've gotten to know Sherri through Chuck. If I've ever known two deserving people, it's certainly these two. She brings a joy to his tone, conversation, and life that I've not witnessed from Chuck in all the years I've known him. This joy is absolutely contagious!....there have been times that I'm excited and lifted after having had a conversation with him about their new journey. God bless you both!
These are great pictures!
Hey Roomie!
When I first saw you at UA in the lobby of Parker Adams, I knew we would become fast friends. We did and then we became roommates. And we've had an awesome journey over the past 18 years!
I know this battle hasn't been easy for you, but God never places more on His children than they can handle. I also know at times it seemed too much for you to bare, but through it all you've been a beautiful, strong, God-fearing woman with the grace of a queen! Even when you felt your worst, your best shined through! I'm honored that I've been able to witness the blossoming relationship between you and Chuckie. I saw how he cared for you and prayed for you in the hospital and how he took care of you once you were released. As the saying goes, "God saves the best for last!" His hand is upon your lives and your relationship. I hope you both know how blessed you are to have found each other, finally! Your relationship is truly a "Match Made in Heaven." I am so happy for you guys!
Oh, by the way, the pictures turned out beautiful! I don't know what you were so worried about!
Much love to you both,
Veleta
Chuck:
Congratulations to you and Sherri. I can remember hearing her name years ago in high school when you had your first crush on her.. not so much of a crush, was it? You deserve much happiness and i am so excited that you have found it. You are a wonderful person and a great father! Have a wonderful life together.
Chuckie and Sherrie,
"Awesomely beautiful"--a new expression-- I think; but that expresses your blog completely. The story and pictures are really touching. We've always heard of Sherrie, never officially met her, but feel as if we have. Of course Chuckie, you have been our son forever. We love you both and pray that you will have a long and happy life together. Our prayers are with you and have been since we heard from Joyce of the rekindling of your romance.
Chuckie and Sherri,
This beatiful love story is just breath taking and so are the pictures. You guys are gioing to make the most wonderful couple.
In these pictures you look as if you telling a love story and living it as well. Let love and pray will keep you together. WISHING
YOU BOTH THE BEST.
Jack and Sue
Sherri and Chuck-
Congratlations on finding that "special one" just for you! The pictures are beautiful and your love for each other is clearly shown in each picture.
Sherri, welcome to the Barton-Fields-Thompson Family! We look forward to meeting you at the Family Reunion. May God Bless and keep you both.
Claudia
What a pleasant surprise when I opened up this e-mail! I am so happy for you, cuz, and I cannot wait to meet the beautiful Sherri! I want you to know, Sherri, that you are marrying one of the most beloved members of the Barton clan. Our next reunion is next summer, here in Los Angeles . . . the perfect opportunity to introduce you to the extended family. I'll expect to see you all here. :-) From what I read above, this is a very special union, one certainly smiled upon by God. I pray for continued health for all three of you and that you may enjoy a long and happy life together.
All my love,
Anne
These pictures are great Sherri ! I am so happy for you and Chuck . I know you will have a great life together ! I am so excited about the wedding . I know it is going to be beautiful just like these pictures ! God bless you both !
Chuck and Sherri,
You guys look amazing! God has truly blessed the both of you!
Love,
Kim Jackson ( Misti's friend)
Sherri and Chuck,
I am sooooo happy and excited for you both. Sherri, you have already been more than a wonderful friend and, to have to know how much you fought for life this year (and WON) was hard, but it is thrilling now because we all know that you have been victorious. Chuck, we cannot wait to meet you and already are so overwhelmed with the great stories of your love and care for our Sherri (so thank you!). Here is a blessing for you both from Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
All our love,
Kami, Tony and Marley
First, I want to say I TOLD YOU SO! For everyone reading this Chuckie (I can't make myself call him Chuck) has ALWAYS been MY FAVORITE. In fact, when i was little and he would come to the house..i would rush to the bathroom along with Sherri to freshen up lol! I've always known that Chuckie and Sherri were meant to be. I mean he was the only boy Jay(sherri's 1st dog) ever liked. Chuckie, I'm so glad Sherri finally jumped on the bandwagon and you are finally about to be my unlce. I love you...always have always will! Sherri, God has TRULY TRULY blessed me by giving me an aunt like you. You are my role model, and I find strength and courage whenever I think of you. You are honestly the STRONGEST woman I know. I love you more than words can ever express. Now that i've burst into tears..I'm done typing this! And now you can quit calling and asking if I've blogged!
-Leslie
Congrats! I pray that God continues to bless you. The pictures are great! Have a wonderful life together.
Mr. Smith,
I'm happy to find that God has answered your prayers. You finally get to walk into the prayers you've prayed for so long, and Ohhh, doesn't it feel so good to have the love of your life by your side. I wish you both peace, joy, and happiness. May God's riches blessing be upon your marriage. And whatever the future holds for you, whether good or bad, just look back over your life and see how far God has brought you, and know without a shadow of a doubt that he will take you through. I'm praying for you both. Because Love is all you need to make it. with much love and prayers. Callie
Chuck and Sherrie,
You guys deserve every happiness! May God bless you! The photos are beautiful.
Chuck and Sherri,
Wishing you the happiness that only God can give. While I don't know your story, I do know that life throws us some curves but if we wait God will give us the desires of our hearts. There is a radiance of a deep, passionate, and tender love that comes across clearly in each photo. I wish you both all the best and Sherri welcome to the family! I'm looking forward to meeting you at a future Family Reunion. Look us up when you come to Atlanta. You have plenty of cousins here.
Congratulations Cuz....
Chuck and Sherri,
I wish you all the best. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Sherri yet, but I'm sure that she is a wonderful person for Chuck to have choosen her to spend the rest of his life with. May you both have everlasting love, health and happiness.
God Bless and Keep You,
Gwen Daughtry
Sherri and I would like to thank each and everyone of you for the outpouring of love we have experienced with this blog. We are excited about our big day and can't wait to see you all.
Liss and Bill,
We absolutely love the pictures and Chuckie and I had so much fun with you in downtown Huntsville on that HOT August afternoon. Every time I see the pictures, they make me feel so happy and excited. You captured how Chuckie and I feel about each other and how grateful we are for each day that God has given us life.
To our friends and family,
I want to echo Chuckie's words as to how touched we are by your words of love and support. Many of you have been with me in my journey through cancer, and I am so grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support. It has made a difference, and I thank you for that.
XOXO,
Sherri
Sherri,
Before you stand beside the Colonel, remember there is someone else on your other side. We’ve seen the Lord’s miraculous work over the past months. You need no other proof of His love for you. He’s also finished a story that was once thought incomplete. Now, it’s beginning in many exciting ways. I know I've teased you lately by saying, "Finally, you fell, bumped your head and come to your senses!" Ah…don’t you just love a happy ending?
Chuck,
I knew you first and over the years you’ve become one of my prayer partners – always honest. Thank you. On November 15th, the boy who never gave up will take a once hesitant girl’s hand. God truly listened to all those talks we had, but mostly your prayers. Although I knew, like many what was meant to be, in everything it’s all in His time.
Also, Mr. Smith, you court my friend like men used to do in the “old days." You are a true romantic. I hear you two refer to one another as husband and wife. For me, this means you already adhere to: "for better or for worse" and "in sickness and in health."
Thank you both for making my friend happy, Tameka
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more…”
-Philippians 1:8
Sherri,
OMG...You look amazing. What an awesome blessing. I'm so happy for you. I can not think of a more deserving person. I wish all the best to you and your new family. Love always. GOD Bless!
Sherri,
First let me just say that your photos look AMAZING, you look beautiful in every shot!. You are such a sweet lady who has been through a very difficult ordeal. Yet whenever you come into the store you are always so positive and cheerful. Your story is truly inspirational and I am very happy for both you and your fiance Chuck.
Mona
Sherri, Congrats to you and your hubby to be! I am so happy for you, you deserve all the happiness in the world and ahead of you. Its crazy how its been 10 years since we were in Sheri's wedding and we were reminiscing about stories of places you all took me when I was little.
Best Wishes & Lots of love, Bianca (Sheri's god-sister)
Dear Chuck,
I'm really happy for you and your gorgeous bride, Sherri. I am really touched by your story and I will be praying for Sherri and her grandma. These photos are beautiful. I'm so happy that you have found her and happiness. Love, Hoso
Sherri and Chuck,
My prayer is for 100% restoration in your lives. I have seen first hand what this illness can do to people and you two are showing what people can do to this illness. BEAT IT!!! DEFEAT IT!!! Be an example for others.
STAY BLESSED!!!