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Four Incredible Years...

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

This is, hands down, my favorite photo from our wedding day. Fresh out of the temple, as newly-wedded as we could possibly be... And completely unaware that as much as we loved each other in that moment, it wouldn't be even a fraction of the love we were destined to feel as time went on.

Moments I cherish from our wedding day:

* that oh-so-brief time just sitting together alone in a lovely, quiet side room, just prior to being led to the room our ceremony would be held in. Just Joe and I, holding hands so tightly, knowing with deepest conviction that this was exactly where we were meant to be.

* the people in attendance at our sealing...Truly the most indescribable feelings even to this day as I reflect on each face I saw there that day. Dear family, loving new family, and the friends-- oh my girls, you know who you are. To my dying day, I will hold the memory of your faces there, having come such a long way to celebrate with me-- so selfless, so full of happiness FOR me...Powerful stuff, those memories.

* curling into Joe's lap in the back of the car as Rochelle drove us back to Columbia for the reception... huge petticoat off for the time being, Joe lightly stroking my cheek as I dozed for most of the two-hour drive... Waking up to hop out of the car at the fireworks stand in the middle of rural nowhere, in my wedding dress, to purchase sparklers for the reception... I love the randomness of it!

* photos with just Joe and I and Katie... Moments to simply BE and not fuss about the rest of the day's details.

* singing "Feels Like Home" for my new husband... Not as polished as I had planned, a bit raggedy when tears threatened, but the sentiment being so true and so real:

Something in your eyes makes me want to lose myself,
Makes me want to lose myself in your arms.
There's something in your voice makes my heart beat fast...
Hope this feeling lasts the rest of my life.
If you knew how lonely my life has been,
And how long I've been so alone.
If you knew how I wanted someone to come along,
And change my life the way you've done.

CHORUS:

It Feels like home to me, it feels like home to me,
It Feels like I'm on my way back where I come from.
It Feels like home to me, it feels like home to me,
It Feels like I'm on my way back where I belong.


* and then leaving the reception-- freshly-purchased sparklers lining both sides of our exit route, grins, hoots, smiles, last words from all our dear ones as we ran to the car, ready to finally be just the two of us... for the first day of eternity.



Happy anniversary, Love. It's only gotten better and deeper and richer and more joyful. I'm truly blessed.


Photo by Kate Benson

25 comments:

  1. Wow - that photo is gorgeous. I've never seen it!

    Lovely tribute. It gives me a nervous and wonderful thrill that in a month, I'll be experiencing the same thing.

    Wowza. I love you.

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  2. Congratulations! And what precious memories to have :)

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  3. That was a really sweet and heartwarming post. Joe is lucky to have you, and you lucky to have him. Enjoy your every day bliss!

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  4. Truly beautiful - both in appearance and spirit. Congratulations on your special day!

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  5. I remember feeling so blessed to be there, to watch such a precious union that has only gotten better over the last few years. One of my fears on my mission was that you might get married while I was gone, and I would miss such a precious moment in your life. I am so grateful that I returned in time to be a part of that special day (and hopefully won't miss a single marriage for any of our siblings...).
    Love to you and Joe, and that beautiful boy who is such a delightful result of the love you share!

    hugs!

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  6. Oh Em!
    I just now put 2 and 2 together and realized that you are LDS.

    You are so cool!

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  7. beautiful. Just beautiful :)

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  8. Congratulations on 4 years! And look at you...beautiful glowing bride! That is a fantastic picture (one of the best wedding shots I think I have ever seen) and it captures every emotion you conveyed in your writing (the "glow" is still there 4 years later.)

    Not that you aren't crazy busy already with the new photography business and all, but have you ever thought about writing (for a living :) ) You do a beautiful job each and every time.

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  9. Yeah...hard to believe it's been 4 years since we spent hours cleaning up the reception (I think it took at least two days to get the white lights out of the tree).

    It's crazy how fast time flies when you're with the one who completes your heart and soul. Congratulations on the four years- only infinity years to go!

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  10. Happy Anniversary Em....

    We Love you,

    Andrea & Zachary

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  11. So romantic! It makes me want to go ask my husband on a date soon! Beautiful picture. You're really a smashing couple.

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  12. How exciting! Congradulations to the both of you :) That is such a beautiful photo of the two of you. And I love how the pictures/favorite memories will bring all of US back to OUR wedding day. To remember to cherish them. Thank you so much for sharing them with us :)

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  13. Anonymous9:49 AM

    Happy Anniversary to you! Don't you wish you could put on your gown just one more time??? Such a shame we only get to wear them once. Oh well...

    - Judie

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  14. I almost started crying!

    It was such a beautiful wedding.

    I can't wait for my turn. But to be honest it scares me to think about being engaged and planning a wedding. I still think I need to grow a little bit.

    Love you!! Can't wait to see you again tomorrow.

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  15. 1. You should put more wedding pictures up. I just love looking at them.
    2. Thanks for the email yesterday. You did't say much but it sure did help.
    3. Happy Anniversary! What great memories you have from your special day!

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  16. beautiful picture and beautiful post. :)

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  17. That was one of our wedding songs too :) Happy Anniversary!

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  18. Congrats! You were a beautiful bride and still are! I love ya and miss ya.

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  19. Oh Emily, that just brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing and Happy Belated Anniversary.

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  20. I'm so happy for you! That was a beautiful tribute.

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  21. Congratulations! A beautiful photo and a beautiful post...I love that song too! Now I want to go watch How to lose a guy in 10 days...

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  22. To answer your question you posted on my blog: Yes, I'd LOVE a pretty header! That'd be amazing!

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  23. What a beautiful picture! Happy anniversary!

    "Cheers" to many more happy years of wedded bliss!

    Love y'all!

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  24. Anonymous12:14 AM

    Emily,

    I am so glad I got to be there for the biggest day of your life. You'll never know how much I treasured every minute of that experience! Congratulations to both of you...I'm not sure if you got my text. You were in my thoughts on the 17th!
    Rochelle

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  25. I can remember all the little details like it was yesterday. That was such a fun and emotional trip. Has it really been that long since we've seen each other? Or was there a visit in Utah in between. Either way I miss your guts and wish I could girl talk with you in person every day.
    Congratulations on 4 years. You two really compliment each other.

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