Oh, hello!
It's been a hot minute, but I have a good reason. Planning a wedding, then getting married, then coming home from your Honeymoon to the Holidays is a pretty busy mashup.
I have a lot to catch you up on..and by you I really mean my blog journal that I write basically so I can look back at my crazy bantering.
Well folks, I am now Mrs. Merrill. The thing that I never thought could happen to me, happened. I know that is so cliche to say, and I know half of you are rolling your eyes, because I would be had I read this a year ago.
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Our wedding, and the events leading up to it were so wonderful. I had amazing friends and family that came from across state, from other states, and took work and school off just to help me make my day special. As most everyone knows, I love antiquing, old style clothing, and the whole look of Vintage anything. That became the Theme if you will of my wedding.
My engagements were taken by my dear, and talented sister: Hayden Sizemore Lee. If you are looking for an affordable, up and coming photographer who can do pretty much any style of anything you'd ever want--she is your gal.
Here's some snippets of my favorite shots:
This was so fun, and they could not have turned out more perfect!!
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So...we started planning. I am grateful that we had a good amount of time to date before we were engaged. It made the transition into engagement, and marriage that much smoother. We learned how to effectively communicate, he taught me how to chill the heck out when I was loosing my cool (which was more often than not), and above anything else--we learned how to have fun together.
No one can make me laugh like this witty, too smart for his own good at times, blue eyed boy.
Ahh--then came the blessed wedding week.
I feel like any time leading up to the middle of that week before took ages. I thought the day would NEVER come! Some say it flies, but the time before did not for me. I was just too excited, and too impatient.
It all started on the previous Wednesday:
I took the oppurtunity to receive my own Endowment in the Brigham City, Temple. I was not short on friends and family that helped make this day even more special than it already is. My sweet Grandma was my escort, and I was so grateful to have her at my side to share that sacred experience with me. Afterwards, I was recieved outside of the temple by my Mommy who rallied the group that followed me through (cause that's what she does best) and hosted us at the local favorite Maddox for dinner.
Nothing compares to that experience. No words could adequately and sufficiently express my appreciation and love for that first time in the Lord's house. I guess that's on purpose though--so everyone can go and see for themselves. :)
Thursday came with much anticipation and excitement: My bachelorette party.
My dear Toni G flew all the way from Ohio to be a part of my special day, and did not disappoint with her party planning.
The first part of the day was a scheduled pampering from head to toe with my fellow Ohio'an sisters. Massages, hot bath soaks, pedicures, facials, unlimited sparking cider, and cozy fancy robes for 6 hours were just a few of my favorite things from this experience.
These women are my soul, my light, and my happiness. I love them so much and was so grateful to share this amazing memory with them.
The late afternoon into evening led us to dinner at The Union Grill in Ogden.
Look at all of those lovely ladies! How lucky am I?!
Following dinner, a hands on liquid paint class followed complete with party favors, lots of laughs, and way too many gifts by all of these ladies who spoiled me, too much!
After dinner, we hop skipped, and jumped over to the theater to see our annual, anticipated favorite of The Hunger Games: Mockinjay part 1. It was perfect fate that this movie came out the weekend of my wedding and that we had Toni G here to celebrate with us like always.
We ended the days festivities at Miss Aly's house. A favorite gathering place for all occasions, and a home away from home for always.
A special thanks to Aly as well, who was Toni's right hand with making this night as spectacular as it was! Thanks Al! Also, thanks Hayd for helping as much as you did, as well!
And to everyone else who dedicated this night to me and our friendship!
I have never felt so spoiled, loved, and treasured by so many great women. To say I am lucky and blessed would be understatements.
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Stay tuned for Part 2 of the wedding memory train!!!
Muah!
