This Extraordinary South Carolina Beach Wedding Has the SWEETEST Backstory

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After Lisa began dating Brad, she asked her childhood best friend the earnest philosophical question with so many implications: "Do you believe in soul mates?"

"[We had] a connection that I hadn't ever felt before - it was like a magnet," she said. "Our feelings led us together after a few short months. We knew early on that we would spend the rest of our lives together."

One day, over a casual dinner, Brad asked Lisa if she would marry him. She thought he was joking, so she just smiled and said "I love you, honey."

"From that day forward, Brad asked me to marry him just about every single day," Lisa said. "For almost two years, my reaction to his heart-warming question was the same: 'I love you, honey!'"

The two had been married before, with four beautiful children between them. Their kids were the focus, and Lisa wanted it to stay that way.

"As time went on, our connection and commitment grew stronger and stronger," she said. "The thought of marriage started to settle in, and what I once thought would be a distraction for my kids actually transformed into an example of love. And instead of following my mind, I began to follow my heart."

On Jan. 16, 2015, Lisa's answer to Brad's question changed. The pair were on a getaway with friends at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island in South Carolina. As they were getting ready for an evening out, Brad turned to Lisa with a sparkle in his eye and asked the same question he had been asking for the past two years: "Will you marry me?" - this time, on one knee with a ring in hand.

"With a beating heart, I quickly said yes to becoming Brad's wife," Lisa said. "Exactly one year later, we said 'I do' on the Grand Lawn at The Sanctuary. Joining us were our favorite people in the world. Our four children, and 40 of our closest family and friends. The people who have supported us during good times and bad, never judged, opened their hearts, and accepted us for who we were."

Among the guests was Brad's younger brother, David, who's battling for his life after being diagnosted with glioblastoma - stage 4 brain cancer - three months prior to the wedding.

"After immediate surgery and weeks of radiation and chemotherapy coupled with several visits to Duke Medical Center, David was determined to be there for us," Lisa said. "A selfless example of love and brotherhood that we will cherish forever. Together with their two youngest brothers, Donald and Bob, all four wore hats to honor their hero. 'Hats on' to the most courageous and determined brother."

A story of courage and fierce love, indeed. See the touching photos ahead.