Brian took his last final Friday, April 11, had clean checks, packing, and all that fun stuff. So he got in Friday night and came over. We were both in disbelief I think. When he left we were both like, "Okay, see you tomorrow morning. WHEN WE GET MARRIED." It was the weirdest and most exciting thing.
Three of my best friends stayed the night, Cassidy, Meagen, and Kyrsten, to help me get ready in the morning. I was pretty scrambled, and I don't know if they knew what to do with me haha, but I'm glad they were there. The morning of the wedding, even though I felt like I didn't get any sleep, I basically jumped out of bed when my alarm went off.
When we got to the temple, I couldn't believe what was happening. It just seemed like I was trying to grasp what someone had said to me 15 minutes previous when I was supposed to be remembering what someone was telling me right then. I was SO happy to have my mom with me the whole time, she helped me every step of the way.
Finally, it was time for the sealing. I met back up with Brian and everything just felt perfect. The sealing was absolutely beautiful. The spirit was so incredible. It was so emotionally overwhelming to have most of our closest friends and family there with us, I felt so much love and support from them. I was overwhelmed with love for Brian and for our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for temples and for the absolutely perfect blessing it is to know that Brian and I can be sealed forever because we were married in the House of the Lord.
After the sealing my mom helped me into my grandma's dress. It was so special to be able to wear it, especially since my mom wore it too. After I was ready, we had a little time to just sit in the brides room and talk. It was so neat. I am so grateful for her, she is the greatest and best mom and friend. There was a little mix up, Brian kept getting told to go to different places. All of a sudden a temple worker comes in and says, "I have a lost groom out here, Brother Duffy." and I said, "That's mine... I mean he's mine. I mean... he's my... husband." Husband, that was weird. haha. Long story short, we thought we were waiting on him, and they thought they were waiting on us, when both of us had been ready for quite some time.
It was time to walk out of the temple, and it felt like a dream. We walked out to see SO many people we love and adore. My little sister runs up to me bawling, it runs in the family... :) Hugs from the absolute best family and friends. My cheeks hurt from smiling and it was only 10:00.
Perfectly happy.
Best families EVER!
We love our Grandparents!
I gained the best in-laws ever, making me feel so included and loved from the first time I met them. They sure did raise the best husband ever! I can't wait to spend more time with them in August.
My parents are the greatest. They have set the best example for me of selflessness, love, and devotion in marriage. I am so grateful for their support and all they do for me.
I love him like crazy.
My dad walks around the temple as Jami, the world's best photographer, was taking pictures of Brian and I. He shakes both of our hands, tells us good job, and that they're leaving. Hahah I love this picture and my goofy Daddy.
After the luncheon we went back to my house to help get everything ready for the reception, we were pretty dead at this point, but somehow found the energy to keep going. I am obsessed with the location of our reception, Wadley Farms, it is just unique, simple, and was the perfect location. We set up, and then Jami got there to take pictures. Brian was like, "What?? I thought we were done with pictures." And about 1,000 pictures later, we were :)
We adore these kids. I am so excited to have gained the cutest nieces and nephews there ever were.
We took pictures until guests started showing up. It was so much fun to see everyone! Honestly, we're still in awe at the love and support we continue to receive.
Two of our best friends, Dylan and Easton played and sang, "All of me," by John Legend. It was so sweet of them, especially since they had to do it on our old dinky little keyboard. They're the best!
Then, we cut the cake. Brian and I agreed not to smash it in each other's faces... but he still shoved a massive piece in my mouth-of course.
A picture of a picture of a picture :) We took a picture with the picture of my mom and dad when they were married, and they had taken their picture with my grandma and grandpa when they were married. All three of us in the same dress, which fit almost perfectly on each of us.
I threw the bouquet, and of course Camri caught it :)
Daddy-daughter dance was next :) I am so grateful for my Dad and all he continues to do for me. He is the greatest example and one of my greatest heroes.
I also got to dance with my grandpa. I look up to him more than words can say. He is the hardest-working person I have ever met, and I am so grateful for him.
Brian and I danced and it felt like a dream.
The dance party came next.
My family is pretty out of control with our "dance moves."
It was so fun seeing some of the kids I used to babysit! Sure do love them!
Dancing with my new sweet nieces was definitely the best part!
Love you Heather!
Love you Mom, you are my hero!
While we were getting ready to leave I had to sneak in some dancing with my little brother and cousins!
Shae looked so concerned about her bubbles, when I asked her if she needed help she said something along the lines of, "No, I can't open them until Brian and his princess leave." and then she looked up at me and said, "Tess, you changed." hahaha She is the absolute sweetest.
And before we knew it, we were off.
Until our "crazy" moms ran out trying to stop us. hahaha they're the best!
A HUGE thank-you to EVERYONE who helped with the wedding. We had the best photographer, best cake-designer, best florist, best caterer, and best hosts. Thank you to everyone who helped set-up and clean-up. Thank you to everyone for coming and supporting us! Thank you to all of Brian's family who traveled so much in one weekend! Thank you to all my family who could make it! Thank you to our parents who worked so hard to make sure everything was perfect. Thank you to my mom for helping me plan a wedding in 2 months and making it absolutely perfect. We honestly do have the best families and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Being married to Brian is the greatest blessing ever. I find out more everyday how selfless and loving he is. Couldn't be more grateful for him and all he does!
