A new season of Counting On debuted on TLC Monday night, and we think it’s safe to say the premiere delivered everything that fans have come to expect from the Duggar clan.
The episode centered around the wedding of Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson.
Not only did fans get their first look at the couple’s massively-attended ceremony, we also got to circle back and relive Lauren and Josiah’s courtship.
As we’ve known for months, Lauren and Josiah are not your typical Duggar couple.
And last night’s two-hour-plus mega-episode was not your typical season premiere.
Check out some highlights from Josiah and Lauren’s big day in the gallery below:
The Happy Couple
Josiah and Lauren have been head-over-heels for one another from the moment their courtship began. On this week’s episode of Counting On they relived their whirlwind romance.
Starting at the End
The episode kicked off at the conclusion of Josiah and Lauren’s courtship, as the excited couple put the finishing touches on their wedding preparations. It then circled back to fill fans in on their brief bur passionate romance.
They DO Have a Sense of Humor!
“I can’t wait to meet you at the altar and marry you,” Josiah tells Lauren early in the episode. The comment prompts a Counting On producer to joking suggest that the couple “get a room.”
Meet Josiah
At one point, the episode throws it waaaay back to Josiah’s childhood, as his siblings lovingly recount their memories of the family’s resident prankster.
Meet Lauren
From there, Lauren was introduced to viewers, and the Duggars spoke just as lovingly about their new sister-in-law. “Lauren is already one of the sisters,” Jessa Duggar remarked.
A Courtship Begins
Both Lauren and Josiah can barely contain their joy while discussing the early days of their relationship and the manner in which he proposed.
Working Together
Josiah and Lauren were often paired up during the preparations for Joe and Kendra’s wedding, and it seems that’s when their love blossomed.
Nine Quick Months
At one point, Lauren calculated that it would be roughly nine months from the time her friendship with Josiah began to her wedding day.
Popping the Question
Fans were treated to an inside look at how Josiah popped the question to Lauren, and judging from the reaction on social media, many were deeply moved by the scene.
The Big Announcement
Josiah put a ring on it back in March, and at the time, his family celebrated the milestone with a public announcement welcoming Lauren into the family.
The Seal of Approval
“We have known Lauren and her family for a very long time and have seen how she has grown in her knowledge and understanding of the Lord,” Jim Bob and Michelle wrote.
Zealous Lauren
“She is a wonderful, caring, compassionate young lady, full of zeal for Christ. We are very thankful for her,” they continued.
The Big Day
After all the preparations were complete, it was finally time for Lauren and Josiah to make it official at John Brown University Cathedral of the Ozarks in Arkansas.
The Walk
Lauren was given away by her father, who also officiated the ceremony. They’re a resourceful lot, those Quiverfull folks.
The Vows
Josiah and Lauren wrote their own vows and recited them in heartfelt fashion. We’re sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the bouse.
The Kiss
Neither Josiah nor Lauren had ever so much as kissed another person before they got married. Needless to say, their first kiss as husband and wife was especially significant.
Magnets
Josiah described his Lauren’s attraction as being like two magnets that were finally allowed to come together.
Courting On
According to those who know him best – his siblings – Josiah has changed for the better in his short time with Lauren. He’s even started wearing “more deodorant”!
What’s Next
Coincidentally, the premiere aired on Josiah and Lauren’s one-month anniversary. Duggars being Duggars, you can expect a pregnancy announcement in the very near future.