04-13-12 ~Ring Ceremony~

 Like I mentioned in an earlier post-

my family was not able to attend our temple ceremony.

It was hard

BUT

we planned to exchange rings at an additional ceremony.

It was in front of all our family

with the traditional bridal party arm in arm

and where my dad could walk me down the aisle.

I had always dreamed of the day my hero of a dad would walk me down the aisle

and him and I were ecstatic for the moment to come.

The sad thing was this handsome guy below was sick.

Poor fellow...

we watched our ceremony again and his commentary wen as follows:

"This is where I was deciding whether to pass out or thow up"

-

"This is where I was sure I was going throw up"

-

"This is right after my grandma and aunt popped me all their tums"

-

you get the picture

But all was OK, I didnt know (good thing), and he felt a little better as the night went on.

The ceremony was wonderful and perfect, just like the one in the temple.

 Dun Dun DunDun...DUN Dun DunDun

Such a special moment for my daddy to walk his very daddys-girl daughter

down the aisle.

 My dad took my hand...put it in Josh's...and said:

"She is my most precious possession and I love her more than anything in the world, all I ask is that you take care of her and love her as much as I do...take care of her, she is your responsibility now"

Granted...I have since learned I will always be my dad's responsibility in his eyes...but he was trying :) and it was one of the sweetest moments in my life.



 The rest of the ceremony went wonderfully like I said.

Josh's uncle, Scott, is a bishop in our church and performed the ceremony.

He spoke the most perfect words

made everyone feel comforted

involved

and said nothing to make anyone feel sadness for not being in the temple.

It was about Josh. Me. Our families. Our marriage.

Nothing else.

Then I was able to say a few words...

I honestly hadn't thought too much about what I would say

until the time came.

I ended up thanking everyone for their support and love.

Then I bore my testimony to my parents about how I would never ever do anything to keep them from my wedding unless I knew what I was doing was right and true. I explained for the millioneth time it was so difficult but I was grateful for their grace and love.

There honestly wasn't a dry eye in the whole place.

I was so grateful then, more than ever, to be surrounded by our family and very close friends.

04-13-12 ~Our Family~

I have been blessed with an incredible family

turns out

so was my sweet husband.

We are extremely lucky.

Once my mom met his family and heard stories about them

she used to cry because she was so happy I would be marrying into an amazing family.

Now her and Josh's mom, Linda, text and talk.

They are adorable...and they get along so well...my dream!

Our day was special because of the covenants we made and the people we shared it with.

We are so thankful for both our families and for their constant love and support.

Along with my two wonderful in-laws...

I gained an older sister, a younger sister, and 2 more brothers-but this time, younger

I am thrilled!

 And it wouldnt be right to not acknowledge my incredible parents.

They worked so hard and supported me so much to make my dream wedding come true.

They have been my biggest cheerleaders since I was born...

I wouldnt be who I am

or where I am

without them.

I love you mom and dad more than you'll ever know!

04-13-12 ~details~

Just some beautiful pictures to show some beautiful detail.

If you know me...you know that

gold

ivory

lace

were the absolute perfect colors for me.

It didnt even take me 2 seconds to decide that detail for our day.

I loved it. Classy. Elegant. Simple...I so badly wanted it to comprise those three words...

and in my opinion-our wedding did just that.

~

HONEYMOON

~

In other news...in t-minus 7 hours Josh and I will be leaving on a jet plane to...

TURKS AND CAICOS

We are beyond excited!

Josh served a mission for our church to Jamaica.

While there, him and his companion were called to open the islands of Turks and Caicos for missionary work...they were the very first two.

Amazing right?

He loves his mission and he loves Turks...almost as much as me...NO.JOKE.

So off we go to where he finally gets to get in the water and swim, lay on the beach, and be a tourist!

04-13-12 ~girls and boys~

Is this not the greatest picture?

These boys do this exact pose for every friend that gets married.

The "bicycle rider" is the coeveted position and Josh finally got to experience it.

When they pulled this out no one saw it coming and stopped in their tracks to watch and laugh.

I have been extremely blessed with amazing friends.

All my life.

From friends that I met in Europe I still remember and hold dear,

to friends I left in washington 13 years ago that I still talk to.

But moving to Arizona and meeting the people I have...

to gaining best friends from my time at BYU...

Blessed doesnt even begin to describe how I feel about them in my life.

I wish I could have 20 girls in this picture with me

but Josh drew the line at 6...understandably so when a double digit # freeked him out



 But how grateful I was to have these girls by my side on our day.

Each one has a different story and we each have a different relationship...

one I treasure.

I met Kenzie on the first day of 7th grade where she confidently waltzed up, sat down next to me, and became my forever friend. No one can make me laugh like she can.

Missy whit...Whitley...is the sister I never had and is part of the family that held my hand through my conversion and everything that goes with it. We will always have a relationship like no one else...and I hold that super close to my heart.

Kylee-my sweet Kylee. We went from school friends, to going to Newport together (6 times), to becoming the very best of friends. Living with me for 3 years and being there for every breakdown and every crazy story makes her a true and amazing friend-who I miss terribly while shes on the other side of the country being a star.

Natty-cakes. Hahaha oh she is the best. We went from knowing eachother in choir in junior high, to being on pom together, to deep chats on the track during football games, to the best of friends who only grew closer at college in another state. No one seems to understand my deep thinking like her.

Suz...oh I truly only wish everyone knew Suz like I do. The outspoken, honest, smart, loving, crazy at times just like me ;)  do anything for you, amazing friend she is. She is always there no matter what.

 The sweet Karly Andrew, who I will always know as Karly Kimball. She was in my first ward at BYU and lived across the hall. She was stunning and sweet as could be, but I remember that halloween night where her and I sat and talked forever...becoming friends quickly. Now one of my best friends, she is such a hard worker who I have always known for going after what she wants, a true California beauty, and the nicest and most kindhearted person I have ever met.

AND I have to mention my sweet bestie, Brooke. She is at BYUHawaii having the time of her life. She was all set to catch the red eye the night before our wedding. I woke up to a text from her friday morning explaining she couldnt get on and spent all night trying to find another way home. We were both heartbroken. She has been one of my best friends since sophomore year of HS. She knows every story of mine-secret or not-and is amazing. But you were there in spirit my love-I cant wait to see you soon!

I had always hoped I would marry someone who had amazing friends like I do.

Who loved them like family and had millions of stories about them.

I got exactly what I wished for.

Josh loves his friends and is loyal to them no matter what.

He has the best stories and always tells them to me while smiling like a kid and laughing to himself.

He always said, "Luke and I would go on dates just so we could hang out together"

and boy is it true...trust me, I can attest.

I feel blessed for our good fortune in having amazing friends

and I feel even more blessed that they shared our wedding day with us.