A few years ago I remember seeing big, long, posts of my friends who were just getting around to showing off pictures from their wedding day. They were pictures from 3 to maybe 5 years earlier and I remember saying to myself, "I definitely won't wait THAT long to post all my wedding pictures!" Well, here I am, THREE whole years later and I am finally posting my wedding photos. Oops!
Even though this day was such a perfectly beautiful and happy one, it also had so many heartbreaking moments that are hard to look back on. It was only a short two months after our wedding day we lost Jordan's father, Chris. A man who loved so deeply and was deeply loved by so many. A man that we all miss every single day. Yes, our wedding day was a celebration but for so long looking at these pictures brought such an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Thinking about these last moments together and at the time, not knowing how the future would play out. Every picture he was in literally speaks a million words and emotions. And makes us miss him even more. But I am grateful to know that families are forever and we will all be together again someday. His legacy lives on in his beautiful family I am lucky enough to be a part of. Especially in the example of love and devotion he set for his family that Jordan shows me every single day.
As I look back on this day, I also feel such an amazing amount of gratitude. Remembering all the MANY people who sacrificed so much time to make our day unforgettable and everything I had ever wanted all my life. From the bridal showers to putting all the invitations together. There are so many wonderful souls who I will forever be so grateful for. My amazing parents who helped me every step of the way and helped make pretty much EVERYTHING possible. I love them more than I can ever explain and feel so grateful to have been blessed with the best. To my sister and brothers who had to do all the "dirty" work. They helped me with all the spray painting and hammering fences together and every other crazy project I needed done ( My Uncle Brad too! :) ). My siblings and parents are my best friends and I'm so grateful for all they did. To my wonderful 2nd family the Smiths, who I immediately felt at home with and love more than they realize. So grateful for them! To my beautiful "second mamas" Sheryl, Carol, Debbie, Rachelle, Stacy, Marcee, Lisa who made sure everything was perfect and in the right place. Who I could go to at any time and ask for their advice and help. They are absolutely amazing and I am so lucky to have grown up with these ladies in my life. To the Stevenson's for letting me have my reception at their home and being so incredibly generous. To all my wonderful friends who supported me and gave me all the advice I could ever dream of! I love them and am who I am because of who they are. To all the many people I didn't mention who gave their time, gifts, and supported Jordan and I through it all. People truly are so generous and kind, it makes my heart so full. Life really is about the relationships you make and all the many people in it. Who touch your life and shape who you are. I really have been blessed with some of the most amazing people and I feel so incredibly thankful for all they have done for me.
Last but not least, I have to thank the reason for the whole occasion...my cute Jobin. These last THREE YEARS have been amazing. Yes, there have been so many experiences, UPS and DOWNS. We've cried, we've laughed until our stomachs hurt, we've been annoyed at each other, we've traveled together, we've lost a father, we've spent LOTS of time on road trips, we've been jobless & homeless, we've been on many adventures, we've moved our lives across the ocean to Hawaii, we've been homesick for our families, we've been really growing up together and most of all we've been madly in love through it all. Life never goes as expected and there are so many things that shake us but I am forever grateful that the biggest decision in my life I got right.
A year after we were married, I got a HUGE speeding ticket and the night before I was hysterical thinking of how we would pay it off, I woke up to a note from Jordan that said, "I was thinking while you were asleep how much I love that we get to go through everything in life together now, the good and the bad. And even when bad things happen, I love you even more. No matter what I still love you, I always love you, and love you even more than I did. You will always be my favorite and everything will be ok." This has always been so special to me because that is marriage. It is going through life with someone you love more and more with each day no matter what happens. To me, it is putting God first and then your spouse...putting them above yourself and loving them with everything you have. Our marriage isn't perfect, we aren't perfect people. We are constantly trying and learning and growing and finding what works best for our relationship. But there is no one else I would rather be with forever than Jordan. I love him with everything I have and can't wait for the wonderful years we have ahead of us. Happy Anniversary to my lover!
Enjoy all the wonderful pictures taken by the most incredible photographer and person, Rebekah Westover. I love this lady so much! I couldn't imagine anybody else being my photographer. Check out her amazing work at www.rebekahwestover.com
