Happy Valentine's Day!

Three years ago today we were just about to get married.Valentine's Day will always be a special day for Garth and I because it was our rehearsal.

We have amazing memories of being with all of our favorite people to celebrate our upcoming nuptials. After the rehearsal we had pizza, wine & beer at my parents' house. It was a fun night of talking, laughing, toasts, and practicing the Hussle.

I can't believe it has already been three years ago. Time flies when you're in love! How will you be celebrating Valentine's Day?

Fits like a glove!

Almost 3 years later and the dress still fits!
This picture was taken with my SIL, Jess, as she was trying on dresses and I thought I would get in on the action and try my dress on. We were just being silly, but I think I will try it on every year to make sure it fits. And because, you know, it's just fun to wear again.

The Wedding!

Rehearsal:
Gettin' our hair did:
Sisters:
Mom and I with Jess:
Moms with the bride:
Brother!
Garth and I:
The fam:

Mom & Dad:

Garth looks so handsome!
Garth walking Jess' grandma down the isle:
Getting married:
Reception:First dance:
Then there was a big storm, we lost power, and had to go into the basement for a bit. Luckily, the main building of the reception hall had power and we were able to go there to continue the party!EPIC!;)

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

One year ago TODAY I married the man God made just for me. Happiest. day. of. my. life.
We had a blast on our wedding day, and we are having just as much fun being married! Marriage is one of God's greatest gifts and I'm enjoying every second of it!!!

Rehearsal

Saturday is Valentine's Day!!! It may be a Hallmark holiday, but I think our world could use a few more holidays that celebrate love!

Garth and I are celebrating V-Day/One Year at a fancy restaurant with a live band and dancing. I am so excited to dress up and spent time with the one God made for me!
But I can't help but think about last year's Valentine's Day. It was super special and one I will always remember - it was our rehearsal dinner! We were surrounded by the people we love and isn't that the best way to spend Valentine's Day? It was just the way I envisioned it - close friends and family, relaxed atmosphere, good wine, and pizza at my parent's house. Perfection. My favorite memory was teaching my brothers and Garth the hussle in our living room. Garth wasn't getting it, my brother Brad was high kicking (which is not necessary in the dance). It was hilarious and a moment I will never forget. The speeches were beautiful and there were lots of laughs. My camera was dying, so the pics aren't quality and I do apologize.

"Love Her More By Loving Her Less"

This is my favorite poem of all time. We had it read at our wedding so it has even more value to me. I just had to share it with all of you.

Love Her More By Loving Her Less by John Piper

If you now aim your wife to bless,
Then love her more and love her less.

If in the coming years, by some
Strange providence of God, you come
To have the riches of this age,
And, painless, stride across the stage
Beside your wife, be sure in health
To love her, love her more than wealth.

And if your life is woven in
A hundred friendships, and you spin
A festal fabric out of all
Your sweet affections, great and small,
Be sure, no matter how it rends,
To love her, love her more than friends.

And if there comes a point when you
Are tired, and pity whispers, "Do
Yourself a favor. Come, be free;
Embrace the comforts here with me."
Know this! Your wife surpasses these:
So love her, love her, more than ease.

And when your marriage bed is pure,
And there is not the slightest lure
Of lust for any but your wife,
And all is ecstasy in life,
A secret all of this protects:
Go love her, love her, more than sex.

And if your taste becomes refined,
And you are moved by what the mind
Of man can make, and dazzled by
His craft, remember that the "why"
Of all this work is in the heart;
So love her, love her more than art.

And if your own should someday be
The craft that critics all agree
Is worthy of a great esteem,
And sales exceed your wildest dream,
Beware the dangers of a name.
And love her, love her more than fame.

And if, to your surprise, not mine,
God calls you by some strange design
To risk your life for some great cause,
Let neither fear nor love give pause,
And when you face the gate of death,
Then love her, love her more than breath.

Yes, love her, love her, more than life;
O, love the woman called your wife.
Go love her as your earthly best.

Beyond this venture not. But, lest
Your love become a fool's facade,
Be sure to love her less than God.

It is not wise or kind to call
An idol by sweet names, and fall,
As in humility, before
A likeness of your God. Adore
Above your best beloved on earth
The God alone who gives her worth.
And she will know in second place
That your great love is also grace,
And that your high affections now
Are flowing freely from a vow
Beneath these promises, first made
To you by God. Nor will they fade
For being rooted by the stream
Of Heaven's Joy, which you esteem
And cherish more than breath and life,
That you may give it to your wife.

The greatest gift you give your wife
Is loving God above her life.
And thus I bid you now to bless:
Go love her more by loving less.