the wedding that started it all...

The temple ceremony was beautiful. 

We knelt across from each other encircled about by our family and made promises that sealed us together for time and all eternity.

Apparently my big brother, Jason, bawled like a babe the entire time. I love him. He’s some 14 years older than me and I remember he used to wake me up and sneak me out to the trampoline to look at the stars to tell me about his most recent date and ask for my wise 3 or 4 year-old advice. 

I don’t know how many times that actually happened, but it meant so much to me that I feel like it was an every weekend occurrence. I always knew he loved me.  

I had the best childhood.

After the wedding was over, everyone that was in the temple made their way out, while my mom, Leisel, and I freshened my make-up and hair.

I was reunited with Marcus and we were greeted by a paparazzi of flashes and happy faces. 

What a special time to be surrounded by those who love you most! 

 I was glowing with happiness and the smiles could not be wiped off our faces. 

After taking some pictures, we had to rush back to the condo for a wardrobe change and to finish setting up for the wedding dinner. Marcus had to go get the flowers from his sisters house, so I jumped in the car with my sister and brother-in-law. 

The kids and I munched on sour worms and runts as we drove. 

It seemed like it was taking an awful lot longer to get back than it did to get to the temple…I started to run through all the things that I need to do in the slightly less than 2-hour time period.

1. Get to the condo (30 minutes away).

2. Change into my hippie dress and stitch on the bustle (15 minutes). 

3. Curl my hair and put it up (30 minutes).

4. Make sure the bridesmaid have their new outfits (10 minutes).

5. Get the flowers in place (15 minutes).

6. Lay out the place cards (10 minutes).

7. Find a way to print out my vows, since my copy had gotten lost in the drive to California (20ish minutes).

Basically, I had no excess time and this ride home was DEFINITELY taking longer than it should. 

Finally, the driver admits that he’s lost. Hahahahaha! What are the chances? 

I DID NOT have time to be lost, but there was nothing to do but laugh, because it was clear that the driver was frustrated and embarrassed, so I did my best to remain calm and make sure he didn’t feel too bad. 

After all, this was my party, and they couldn’t really start without me, so whatever, it would all work out.

The temple was being cleaned, but I was kind of diggin' the look! haha

Plus all the creatures in the forest came out to celebrate!