Twelve Years

There we are, twelve years ago today.  What a blessed day it was, July 8, 2000.  Today wasn't bad either, but nothing on that scale of course.  Mommy didn't get a card this year for an anniversary, but don't worry: instead she got a telegram.

This was a neat little novelty idea - you can still send an old-school telegram to someone, so Daddy thought it'd be fun to do it as an anniversary "card."

Twelve years - it seems like another lifetime ago, when we were all dizzy with plans and expectations.  We had a bridal shower that was a luau - probably the first of many luaus since, actually.  It was the biggest though - with a ton of friends showing up to celebrate with us.  Daddy's friends got us a bread maker, wrapped in twine.  A lot of twine.  The twine ball was a theme of the wedding - on our wedding day, you could even see one in Daddy's groom cake!

As for the wedding itself, things went perfectly.  The harpist was a little snooty (or snotty, if you prefer), but everything else went perfectly well.  We had our wedding in Free Chapel, or at least Free Chapel from a lifetime ago.  This was the old building, but it was still a BIG building, and quite improbable for anyone to fill.  It didn't matter - we were so focused on each other at that time, and everything was so wonderful.  The ceremony was nice, and the reception afterwards was unforgettable.  It was a very special day, one of the happiest in our lives (only second to the day we met Madison for the first time!).

As you can imagine, a metric ton of pictures were taken that day - I'll post just a few of my favorites here:

It was as if there was no one else around - we were so very happy.  I still am, seeing these photos again!

We were never ones to not have fun with a snooty harpist.  I was paying her after all!

As we danced, guests formed a huge circle around us, blowing bubbles that floated down all around.

Strapping groomsmen!  We had a lot of fun with our group photos!

Mommy on one of the happiest days of  her life.  She was so beautiful!

Everyone in our family was there to share in such a joyful day.

David Austen - so young!  I love the composition of this shot.

Leaving the reception!  Look how beautiful Mommy is.

Mommy, the flower girls, and the lovely bridesmaids.

Everyone gathers as we run through a stream of bubbles to another surprise - our car!

When we left, they didn't just add cans to the back of the car - they turned the entire vehicle into a large piñata!  Seriously, take a look:

We did ride off into the sunset, a happy couple on our way to a brighter future.  It's been the best twelve years of my life.  On July 8, 2000, I married my very best friend.