We do!

So the wedding....

was perfect!!

I just realized I have not yet written about it. But seeing as I have a long weekend to fill up (homework...done!) I thought I'd give you a peek.

Our wonderful photographer/angel/"cousin" was Nickell Blair, whom I have forever dreamed of photographing our wedding.

So the benefits of having your wedding...
- on a Thursday, everyone is available! 
- in November...beautiful photos! The day we took our bridals/groomals was perfectly snowy. Three days later on our wedding day, there was not a cloud in the brilliant blue sky and the temperatures had risen.

The day was beautiful! Lauren and Mia were kind enough to think of everything I might need the night before as we headed up to my mission buddy Amanda's house for the night (thanks again Amanda!)They even thought of the "Morning-of-the-wedding Bride's Remix", which was played to "calm my nerves." What nerves?? I was almost surprised at how calm I was. Cooooooool as a cucumber. I was even dressed and dolled up before anyone else. 


Steve (I found out later) had hardly slept that night because he kept worrying about forgetting something important. I would never trust anyone more than him to bring the marriage license, rings, and even flowers to the temple. My husband is the best.

Our sealing was the most special moment of our lives. During the time Steve and I were writing back and forth on our missions, I remember a dream I once had in which I saw him kneeling across from me and I could hear him whisper, "We made it!" 

We made it! 

And looking back, we wouldn't have done it any other way because we know it was the Lord's way of preparing us for greater things. We knew what the Lord needed us to do, we knew with certainty He'd help us through, and we knew He'd lift us up and bring us back together with a stronger love. We love the cheesy Brad Paisley song: "We've come so far since that day, and I thought I loved you then." I thought I loved him then, and I did, but it is a speck compared to the absolute love I have for him now.

Our wedding was a long awaited celebration! The reception was all I had imagined it to be. Simple, classy, with lots of friends, family, and flowers! We held the reception in the Springville Museum of Art, where my parents had their own wedding reception 28 years ago. It was special celebrating in a place that has meant so much to me over the years as I served on Art Royalty and spent a lot of time there in high school. But even more special was knowing my dad was there celebrating with us. For the first time in years, all of his children were gathered close together. I often look at Steve and see so much of Dad in him. I can't wait for them to meet- they'll crack each other up with their corny jokes!

Our gorgeous flowers were arranged by my good friend Mary Stuart, and were more than I ever expected. Steve's aunt Amber made our cake for us - the most beautifully delicious red velvet and cream cheese we have ever tasted!

Our first dance was supposed to be to Norah Jones' version of "Love Me Tender" but...
we surprised Steve with a flash mob to Hall and Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True." Thanks to everyone for keeping it a secret from him and participating! It was priceless seeing his eyes light up as I joined in the dance halfway through and he realized I was the instigator! If anyone was able to record it, please let me know! Here are the awesome photos:

 

And then he surprised me with the most beautiful place to spend a honeymoon: Johnson Mill in Midway

I am married to my very best friend and love every second of it! I look at him and am amazed how good he is. How selfless he is. How loyal he is. How loving and gentle. He's good inside and out, and he's mine!