When I think of our wedding day, I can remember every detail so vividly.  And I don’t mean just the flowers, and the centerpieces, and the dancing.  I can close my eyes and feel the excitement of the morning as I got ready, laughter and chatter filling the air and morning light pouring in the windows.  I can remember taking a deep breath and walking towards Ben for our First Look, his back turned towards me, the anticipation almost too much to bear.  The feeling of overwhelming joy as we hugged and cried and kissed and spent time together just soaking it all in before our ceremony.  I still laugh when I recall the panic of not being able to get our unity candle lit with the ever so subtle breeze brushing through the gazebo, and the triumphant moment when the flame finally caught.  I remember looking out at all the faces of our loved ones gathered on the lawn in front of us as we made our vows, and when I close my eyes I can still see everyone’s faces.  I can certainly remember standing among the pine trees after we walked down the aisle as husband and wife, and exclaiming to each other “We’re actually MARRIED!!”  The feeling of Ben’s arms wrapped around me as we shared our first dance together, steady and sure like he always is.  So many moments from September 20, 2014 are etched into my memory forever, and although the day went by so fast I can so easily relive each moment because each and every minute of the day was so memorable.

 

Benjamin, being married to you is better than I have words to say!  It is an honor to be your wife, and this first year of marriage has been such an adventure.  You’ve shown me such selfless love and generous grace that I don’t deserve.  Thank you for loving me despite my stubborn streak and independent nature, and for patiently teaching me by your example how to be servant-minded.  Your sense of adventure and wild spirit continually inspire me, and I feel so grateful to be by your side for the both the adventure of the unknown as well as the mundane of the every day.  Even the little things in life are better because of you.  Here’s to one year, and forever more to go!

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Thank you to Katelyn James for capturing our wedding day so beautifully!  I never actually shared our wedding photos on the blog, so a year later is better than never, right?  We will treasure reliving this joyful day forevermore!  Thank you Katelyn and Michael!

I carried my grandparents photographs on my bouquet:  Gramma Pat, Grandpa and Grandma Garner.  I also wore my Gramma Pat’s ring and carried her handkerchief with me.  I loved having them all so close with me when they couldn’t be there.

My beautiful and talented makeup artist, Kami!

My handsome groom!

I began keeping a journal when Ben and I first started dating, filling it with memories and photographs.  I gave it to him on the morning of our wedding!

My favorite moment of the day!  Finally getting to see my love!

Love these ladies!!

Fun fact:  I found my dream dress on eBay!

My sweet friends Tiff and Kelly!!  Love those smiling faces!

Totally embarrassing but I’m sharing this anyways.  We got the candle lit!!!  Victory!

“We’re married!”

The best family we could ever ask for!

Sunset portraits before dinner…

 

The most gorgeous cakes ever!!  Thank you Chelsey!

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life!  Thank you for all the memories you shared in your speech Nathan!

My sweet sister, looking so cute pregnant with Audrey!

Sweet serenade!  My favorite trio!

Yay Sara and Aaron!!