One Year: Looking Back

On this day last year, I married my best friend! I can hardly believe it has already been a year, but at the same time, it feels like a lifetime ago. 

Like every girl, I awoke that morning the surreal realization that I was getting married that day. I remember visions of blue and rays of sunshine, flutters of nerves and emotions filled to the brim! A morning run with my dad and a bathroom full of girls and curling irons, eyeliner and lipstick. I wasn't the slightest bit nervous until the clock tower in the quaint little town of Camden, Maine struck two o'clock- not even when my beautiful mother helped me into my gown and placed on me the precious necklace she gave to me days before.

The clock ticked on and text messages rolled in. "90 minutes!!" "You're getting married today!!" What a day it was!! A few miles down the road my husband-to-be was with his family, donning his handsome dress blues. I had never seen him in them before and that was one thing I couldn't wait for. (I think I was more excited to see him than he was me!!). 

Before I knew it, I was in the car with my handsome dad, gorgeous mother, and precious (and beautiful!) baby sister. As my girls awaited our arrival at the ceremony location, I sat in the backseat of my father's car trying to remain sweat free. I don't ever remember feeling so out-of-body-like! Or as pretty! (Just sayin'!)

Finally, I could not take it a moment longer and I stepped out of the car and with my parents and sister, I joined my girls and awaited the start of the music. Together we laughed and giggled, smelled our lovely bouquets and prayed together. And then, at the sound of the clock tower, the music began. One by one, each girl elegantly slipped away and before I knew it, it was just me and my wonderful dad. Together we waited for our cue and began to descend the terrifyingly steep stairs. Talk of Band of Brothers and the New York Yankees was whispered between us until we reached our destination: the step where my best friend stood. My hand was given to Strom as my dad kissed me on the cheek. 

And there we stood. Smiling, giddy, taking mental pictures (you've all seen Pam & Jim's wedding from The Office, right?? That was us!) Saying our vows, taking communion together, promising each other our forever. Our parents joined us to pray a blessing over our new life together. And like the snap of two fingers, the pastor smiled his closing words that Strom could kiss his new bride. We were married!! What a surreal feeling that was. My sister handed me my flowers and we were suddenly at the far end of the aisle. Husband and wife. 

And because I have never gotten to show off our wedding photos in here, I thought (basically for my own enjoyment!) I would share a little bit of our day with you - my 20 readers! ;) 

(All photos by Sierra Kristen Photography)

What a precious day we had! It has been an entire year and I still miss it with a longing ache. We faced a new life and a new year together, not knowing what all the future held for us. If I could have predicted it, I don't think I would have gotten much right! My mom asked me the other night if I would change anything about our timing and if we felt we were ready to get married. I didn't even have to think about it (though I did give a long-winded answer...What can I say, I love words!). I knew there was nothing I would change. This past year as been filled to the brim with exciting adventures and moments of pure monotony. It has been filled with moments of sheer joy, and ones of great sadness. It had its life lessons and its slaps in the face. It was full and happy and it was sad and lonely. There were nights of tuna fish and ones of fine dining. We worked out little quirks and made a few of our own together. We found our routine and we made our life together. Did we have surprises and things to work through? You betcha! But it has been so worth it. All the laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, money concerns, and series of future "unknowns" can't outweigh the feeling I have when I know I have a husband who loves the crap out of me. Even when I'm crazy, he loves and adores me! Through all the good and bad, the ups and the downs, it's the two of us, facing the world together. 

Yeah... this last year has been epic. Not because it was non-stop fun and games, but because we have had each other... And because the Lord has us. 

Here is to 50 more years like this one. Happy Anniversary, Babe!