Friday, May 28, 2010

5 Years Ago Today


I woke up around 7:30am to get my hair done and get ready to head to the temple. Liesl (my cousin) and Jenell (my best friend) had stayed over and where there to help me out in the morning. The night before we had stayed up watching old "In Living Color" episodes. Most people say they hardly slept the night before their wedding however, around 11pm I decided to head to bed and once my head hit the pillow I was out until my alarm woke me up the next morning. My parents came and picked me up and we were at the temple by 9:45am. Chris and his parents were parking as we pulled in and we walked into the temple together! I had the great opportunity of having my mother and mother-in-law assist me in the Bride's room getting in my dress. I was excited and couldn't believe that I was actually getting married. I must tell a side story. I was able to walk through the Las Vegas temple before it was dedicated. I was probably around 6 or so when I did this. Of all the things I could have remembered about the temple from that long ago, the one thing that stuck out the most was the Bride's Dressing Room. I remember being 6 and seeing that room and thinking, "one day I will be in this room getting ready for my wedding!" As I stood in front of the huge mirrors in my wedding dress I felt such a peaceful feeling! I was then taken to the Sealing Waiting room where Chris was with my dad and his dad. I was so excited to see him and my father. We were able to sit in there for quite a while with our parents and if anyone knows my dad you can guarantee there were quite a few giggles and smiles. While we were in there another couple was brought in. I still laugh with Chris about how nervous they seemed to be. The didn't touch and they didn't talk. Once again I often hear people say how nervous they are before they get married, how they have second thoughts, but I had NONE. I knew that this guy sitting beside me was going to be mine forever and that it was the right choice. I knew that the guy sitting next to me was going to be the father of my children and I was so excited for this new chapter to begin in my life! As we got closer to the wedding time our parents were taken into the sealing room and we were left with on another, soon enough they came and escorted us to the Sealing room. I remember walking in and seeing a whole bunch of my family there and also Chris's family. There were people standing because there was no more room to sit and at that moment I realized how much we were both loved and what a great family both of us were marrying into! Another side story. My Grandpa Stewart was a sealer at the Las Vegas Temple for many years and as a child I always wanted him to marry me. Since he died when I was in High School I had to pick someone else. We decided to go with President Worthen, who lived behind my Grandpa Stewart and knew him very well. He gave us some great words of encouragement and even told how my Grandpa and Grandma always honored their church leaders and we would be a happier couple if we chose to do that same thing. I was touched to hear of my grandparents and it just made our sealing much more memorable. After our sealing we were able to thank everyone that came one by one and I was once again overwhelmed with how much we were truly loved! After the sealing as we exited the temple we were met again by all of our family and then some. Even my family that was not able to be at the sealing was there waiting for us, I couldn't believe it!

We took pictures and then headed over to my Aunt and Uncle's house for a bar-b-que. We had a blast and were surrounded by so many wonderful family members and friends the entire day!
The Nelson Family at the Bar-b-que...The Blackburn Family at the Bar-b-que...(wow, this family sure has grown!)Chris and I then left the bar-b-que to check into the nice hotel room at the Hilton that my dad was able to get us for way cheap. We then headed over to the chapel for our reception. What a great time we had. We danced we laughed and we did all the fun reception stuff! Here are just a few pictures from our wedding day!


I always joke that it's a good thing I got my nails done, or Chris's would have been way nicer than mine! :)

Our beautiful cake!

3 comments:

Heidi said...

Ahhh how sweet!! You guys are a perfect couple!!

tiffunny said...

Happy 5th anniversary!

Get Hooked said...

I remember that day! Happy Anniversary! So glad you found a great man to share eternity with!