One year...

So I can't sleep. Pretty common ailment among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester. I figured I'd do something while I am awake, so why not write about today?

One year ago, this happened:

ONE YEAR AGO. It's so mind-blowing to me when I think about that. At this time, one year ago, I couldn't sleep either. I was too darn excited to get the day going. Wondering how everything would fall into place. Hoping that my wedding would be everything I wanted it to be.

So many people tell you things might not happen how you want it to... but for J and I we got exactly what we wanted. A celebration of us and the best party ever!

Now I suppose here's where I tell you how crazy this year has been, how hard, and what I've learned. And all of that is true. The year flew by, we had some tough moments, and I've learned a lot about myself and J. But it's been 100% worth it. I'm forever grateful and feel so damn lucky to call J my husband. (and cue the tears, thanks pregnancy hormones!) In about two months, I know I am going to be feeling lucky that he's our little boy's dad.

So here's to celebrating today and looking forward to many, many more anniversaries together!

Wedding Wednesday! Reception Part 1

Man! These wedding recaps are taking me so long to do. (Kind of like my thank yous! They're done just need to be mailed. Oops!) But I need a does of happy today so below you'll find some of my favorite shots from the cocktail hour and the beginning of the reception. Enjoy!

We took some portraits on the beach... love how they came out!

While we were doing that, everyone seemed to be having a good time at the cocktail hour... my family especially!

My mom and her brothers.

Family Tradition: Normal shot then GOOFY shot!

So glad that my vision of simple but elegant came true!

My grandmother and her friend handmade all of our napkins!

Loved his groom's cake!!!

Love that she came in this way! We told her she had to do something fun!

Apparently my brother and J's sister had an elaborate handshake... no picture proof though!

One of my favorites of the night!

One of my favorites of J!

J FINALLY meeting my closes friends from college!

 We had dinner, then toasts, then cake cutting, THEN first dance. J and I hate being the center of attention!

Needless to say, the best man speech was HILARIOUS but a bit embarrassing!

That's all for now! Maybe I'll be on the ball and schedule my next post? Maybe? Who knows?

Wedding Wednesday: Ceremony

Last week (maybe the week before, my weeks are smushing together!) I posted my getting ready and portraits photos from my wedding. This week I am very excited to share my ceremony ones, because I think they reflect just how beautiful the day was and how I really got exactly what I had imagined for my wedding! A gorgeous ceremony in my childhood church surrounded by my favorite colors and our family and friends! So here we go!

Love this shot of the moms!

My girls:

I was told she did this her entire walk down the aisle!

Best part of the ceremony? The end where my little flower girl flower bombed the aisle because she forgot to throw the petals!

My dad and I have a special relationship. We butt heads A LOT because we are the exact same person! So I was excited to have him wait until our walk to see e for the first time. 

Jimmy sees us for the first time. 

Wasn't sure if he would tear up since he saw me earlier but he did! Aww!

Helping me up because my dress was so frilly I was scared I'd trip!

So blessed that my grandma was able to do a reading for the ceremony. She's a devout Catholic so I knew it meant a lot to her!

So the coordinator told us the priest would tell the girls and guys when to come up to the altar. Well.... he DIDN'T so this would be me telling them to come up!

Our Vows

HUSBAND AND WIFE!

 One big happy family!

 My brother would be my favorite part of this picture. 

Focus on the flower girl's face in these next three! Cracks me up every time!

<3

Sorry for the flow of photos, but it's just too hard to decide which ones to share! I know I'm like every other bride out there but I can't help but keep staring at all of these photos with a smile so big it almost hurts. 

Linking up with Shanna and Kristyn!

PS. I will always remember today and look back and think about exactly where I was on that Tuesday morning. It gives me goosebumps every year when I look at my class and realize they weren't even born yet! Grateful that I live in country where I can celebrate my marriage and continue living my life without living in fear.