the beginning of our happily ever after

Today is Ben & my seven year anniversary

...with no itch in sight...

After dropping the kids off at school this morning and beginning my super-long list of to-dos, I wanted to look at wedding photos and reminisce.

Sigh...what an incredible day that was.

Mind if I share some with you?

Who'd have thought we'd do so much in the next seven years though.

As Ben reminded me this morning:

"In seven years, we have lived in three states, seven houses (built two & remodeled two), had two biological children, adopted two children from Ethiopia...with one more on his way."

Wow. Makes me tired thinking about it.

. . . . . . . .

The ceremony was at 7 pm so we had all day to get ready. I even worked out that morning and got my ring cleaned.

The folks at my gym thought I was crazy as I leisurely strolled in.

. . . . . . . .

Our precious programs. One of my favorite details from our wedding.

More like a book loving those important to us. My labor of love for them.

Rather than bouquets, my bridesmaids carried candles adorned with feathers, satin ribbon, flowers, and crystal.

I wanted a winter wedding and Ben proposed October 1st so I chose the latest date possible without Spring yet coming to Seattle...the very end of February.

{and yes, you can plan the wedding of your dreams in 4 months}

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Everything was candle lit. Not great for photography...but amazing for the day of.

In the middle of the wedding, I burst out laughing as I saw my girls trying so hard not to draw attention to themselves as wax dripped down their hands.

Sorry, ladies. Guess the florist didn't think about that part.

Daddy walked me down the isle to my friend singing Jewel's version of Ave Maria.

I so love this photo.

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Ben and I talked through the entire ceremony. Our pastor {and friend} scolded us several times for it.

I always wondered what the bride & groom talked about up there. Now I know.

After the ceremony, we walked to the Prayer Room and prayed together {and Ben washed my feet}.

. . . . . . . .

I think I'm the only bride in history that prayed for bad weather for their wedding day. That whole week it was bright and beautiful and even warm. My winter-wonderland wedding was going to look out of place with Spring quickly coming!

Luckily God heard my pleas and though the day was sunny, the evening was frigid.

Quick touchup before greeting everyone.

Another of my favorite photos ever {my mom & my dad's mother}.

My dad's good friend drove us in his car. He even wore a chauffeur's cap. Love that!

I just love the little details of that day.

I silver leafed that "A" myself. It's now on our bookcase above the tv.

The cake was ice blue with white & silver detail.

The rhinestones from my bouquet adorn our Christmas tree every year.

Upon each table were feather and satin ribbon lined apothecary jars filled with sparkling rock-salt and birch branches with hanging tea lights.

We had a dessert reception rather than dinner since the wedding was so late. We had anything you could possibly think of. Sundae bar, tons of cookies, petitfours, and more. Wish I had more photos.

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We laughed so much that day!

Until my baby brother got up for his speech.

Me. The non-crier. Was a disaster.

We danced to the song that was playing when Ben 1st kissed me.

...afterward he apologized for that kiss and said he, "didn't ever see us going anywhere."

I love giving him a hard time for that.

{Ben's sweet mom}

Many a night, my mom & girlfriends helped me punch little snowflakes to throw.

Hundreds...and hundreds of them.

{my hands hurt just thinking about it!}

What an incredible first day of the rest of our lives. I read what a friend wrote on our photos the other day {they're now above our bed}.

It said, "may today be the least happy of the rest of your lives." I love the concept of that. And Benny, you sure have given me happiness. You love me very well.