The plan was to keep posting through out the summer...
School had ended, and I had moved back home for the summer! I decided I was going to work all day, party some nights, but do nothing most nights, take a break from relationships, and travel lots.
Also, I was hoping to keep up this blog just for the fun of it.
That was the plan.
Until, 10 days later..
I started dating one of my best friends. Jon Bowen.
Then a month later I went on a month long trip to the East Coast..
I got home at the end of June, and a couple weeks later headed to Cali for a week on the beach.
Where I got ENGAGED.
What?
Yes.
I was married a month and a half later, in the Salt Lake Temple.
The summer that was supposed to be a drab, ended up being the best of my life.
Looking back, it all seems like a dream.
Walking through the streets of New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C...
Seeing life changing Church and American history sites
Eating some of the best pizza from NYC and Chicago
Spending time in the sacred grove, Adam ondi ahman, the Smith family log house, and many other sacred places
Catching fire flies in Missouri
Viewing the city from the Eiffel tower
Bonfires, fishing in the pond, scary movies and a trip to the John G. Shedd Aquarium with my cousins in Chicago
Driving a huge motor home through the crowded streets of Philadelphia
Riding a boat right next to Niagara Falls
Going on the most epic shopping spree of our lives, with Annie Christine Beeton
Riding a carriage through Central Park
Running every morning, in a total of 14 different states
Experiencing more tram rides then I ever need to experience again
Following the freedom trail in Boston
Following the freedom trail in Boston
Having lots of times to ponder, and reflect, knowing that it wasn't long before I was going to make some big changes in my life
And having some of the most unforgettable times with my family
And having some of the most unforgettable times with my family
All of this while knowing in the back of my mind, I could be getting married soon..
And I needed to start planning a wedding
So, when there was down time in the motor home, my Mom, sister and I did nothing but plan.
The minute we got home from the trip, my amazing Mom, with the help of lots of family (Thank you everyone!) kicked into gear and soon enough things were coming together!
The weekend of August 24th is still a daze to me.
On the wedding day, the temple was amazing, the weather was beautiful, and the peace and happiness that was felt was indescribable.
It was all surreal.
The next night, August 25th, the reception was a blast. We even got rained out toward the end! Luckily it held off that long..
It was exactly how I've always pictured my wedding and reception being.
Minus the rain:)
Getting married on a sunny, peaceful, afternoon in my favorite temple, to the most amazing guy I know, with close family and friends there to enjoy the day.
Then the reception the next evening. Outside on a summer night, little kids running around in bare feet, yummy food and warm music, lanterns to light up the evening, and seeing all our family, friends, and neighbors we love.
It was perfect to me.
Take a look:)
And onto the reception
Summer 2012 ended up being the best of my life. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful people that made it that way.
Our parents, siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Cousins, and friends. Jon and I will forever appreciate your examples and love towards us.
Also, a lesson I've learned..
You never know what is just around the corner.
(All photos were taken by Claire Marika, who is incredible! Find more at http://clairemarika.com)
The weekend of August 24th is still a daze to me.
On the wedding day, the temple was amazing, the weather was beautiful, and the peace and happiness that was felt was indescribable.
It was all surreal.
The next night, August 25th, the reception was a blast. We even got rained out toward the end! Luckily it held off that long..
It was exactly how I've always pictured my wedding and reception being.
Minus the rain:)
Getting married on a sunny, peaceful, afternoon in my favorite temple, to the most amazing guy I know, with close family and friends there to enjoy the day.
Then the reception the next evening. Outside on a summer night, little kids running around in bare feet, yummy food and warm music, lanterns to light up the evening, and seeing all our family, friends, and neighbors we love.
It was perfect to me.
Take a look:)
And onto the reception
Summer 2012 ended up being the best of my life. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful people that made it that way.
Our parents, siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Cousins, and friends. Jon and I will forever appreciate your examples and love towards us.
Also, a lesson I've learned..
You never know what is just around the corner.
(All photos were taken by Claire Marika, who is incredible! Find more at http://clairemarika.com)