To start out I have to say to all those who told me married life was the best you were right! I loved it! There is nothing better than being able to see Matthew each and every day knowing that he's coming home to me and I never have to leave again. That is the best feeling!
I went and received my endowments the night before our wedding. It was beautiful and I was in awe of all the blessings I'm able to receive if I remain worthy. It was a lot to take in at once, but I'm grateful I enjoyed it and was able to have my mom and Matthew with me. My dad was able to get off work to come, but had to work a lot the next week. He's the best and I know he wouldn't have missed it for a second! Family and friends came to support as well. I love that peace that is only found in the temple. I have never found it anywhere else. It was hard to leave, but I had the most important day of my life ahead of me!
The wedding day was perfect! I don't think I could've asked for anything better. Except one thing....the wind NOT to be blowing as we got our pictures. But it could've been worse. At least there was no rain! The pictures were a blast and the sealing was beautiful! That moment walking hand in hand out of the temple towards awaiting family was the most incredible experience. I looked up at that strikingly handsome young man next to me and thought, "Oh my goodness! We did it! He's mine!" It felt like I was on a cloud nine the rest of the day. I was married to my best friend. There was no more distance. I got to see him EVERY DAY. No, not on skype. In person. Prayers were heard and answered.
We had a family luncheon provided by my wonderful grandma's and aunt. That evening was the reception. The family I had nannied for came and I cannot explain the joy I felt at seeing those girls. They still mean the world to me. Sofie hung out with Matthew and I almost the whole time. Little Madison ran back and forth, but still remembered "Nana." That sweet voice still brought a smile to my face. The reception was beautiful and I was so grateful to see family who I hadn't seen in a while and say goodbyes to the ones I wouldn't see for some time. It was hard, but I knew I had a family of my own now and I would follow my husband wherever he went.
We were fortunate enough to have both places for our honeymoon paid for. We are forever grateful! We stayed two nights in a cabin in Greer. It's so beautiful up there! I don't think I have ever felt more relaxed. I don't think either of us wanted to leave! We drove 10 hours to Salt Lake City and stayed at the Anniversary Inn. They have themed rooms so we were able to pick two. We visited families from Matthew's mission and my love for him just grew hearing about how dedicated he was to the Lord and His work. We went to temple square, ate dinner with my cousins, and went to the new mall across the street (everyone should go by. It's so awesome!). After two nights there it was a 12 hour drive up to Washington. Around 11pm Wednesday night we were home.
Thursday evening my parents flew out and Stephanie (a cousin and our photographer) came out from Rexburg. Friday we all went to Seattle and up to the Space Needle. The view was incredible! We went to the mall and we able to just to enjoy time with one another. Friday we went back to Seattle to Pike's Market. There is so much to do there! I loved seeing all the different ethnicities. I don't see too much of that back home. My Uncle and Aunt, Dirk and Laura, and their kids Hayden and Ginny met us there too. They live in Oregon. The last time we were able to see them was probably three or so years ago. It was so fun to meet little Ginny and listen to her sweet laugh. Hayden is so funny and has gotten so big! It's nice to know that I have family close to visit.
Saturday was the reception. It was bitter sweet. I was excited to meet all these new people and see Matthew's friends, but the whole time I knew this would be the last time I would see my parents for a while. That's a hard thing to realize, but I enjoyed my time. The reception was perfect even though it had to be moved from outdoor to indoor. I felt right at home. I knew this is where I needed to be. After we opened presents at the house my Uncle, Aunt, and their kids left. Then it was my parents. I hugged my mom goodbye and she wouldn't let go. "I'm not letting go of you, Brianna. I'm not letting go." I will never forget that. In that moment I realized all the things we had gone through good and bad made our relationship what it was. I think almost everyone takes their mom for granted until you have to leave her and you realize that there is no one in the world that loves you more than her. I've thought about that and cannot even fathom how much I will love my own children. I pray it's a bond that strong. I know it was hard for both of them. My dad got a little catch in his throat and I knew he was on the verge of tears. Everytime dad cries, I cry. Thank goodness he didn't. I love both of them so much and I cannot wait until I get to see them and my siblings again.
For now we're loving life. Matthew's working about 34 hours this week which is great, but I miss him. I'm job searching. We're getting college things together, switching all my stuff over, getting a legal last name change. You know, married stuff(: I've been fighting a kidney infection which gave me a 103+ temp Sunday-Tuesday, but thankfully the antibiotics are kicking that dang thing right out! Overall, I love my life. I love getting started and seeing how we are together. We're not perfect, but we try. Couple's scripture study and prayer have been a huge blessing already and we hope to make it to the temple next week. That's it for now. My next update will probably be in few weeks after Matthew's birthday on the 25th!(:
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