me + you

I just recently came across these candid photographs. I love them. I will tell you why. I love what they capture--the feelings of the moments when no one is expectedly looking. Over a year ago, I remember feeling uncertain, am I making the right decision? It is a big decision, and how do I know if I am doing this whole thing right? We are told we don't have specific soul mates--and with the guidance of the spirit, we make this decision-->this one decision that will affect our lives more than any other decision we make in life. Needless to say, it can be very scary to take that leap.

But let me tell you something about Carson. Something that made this decision for me. I met Carson when I was 15 years old. Carson is a person who lives every minute to the fullest. His passion and love for life practically ooze out of his pores. ( I mean we did THIS for our engagement!!!) Knowing him just makes me so excited to be alive. 

His confidence and charisma opens up doors I never knew existed. Yet his nurturing and tender side has my heart turning in circles. His loyalty is fierce. Never have I once doubted his love and concern for me. It's almost as if from the moment he met me, he has lived with a blinder on his eyes and for that I am eternally grateful. Throughout the 8 years I have known him, there was not one time that I could not trust in him--with anything. A moment that I realized I could really lose him, showed me that losing him was something I could never bare. His soul is forever knit into mine. 

This first year has been filled with growth, miracles, adventure, learning, and so much love. It has been the greatest year of my life. A year ago, I made the best decision I have ever made. I married a man who has brought me more happiness, more confidence, and more peace than I have ever felt. Together, we have climbed to places I never knew existed. Happy First Year Anniversary, Carson!

Have faith in who you are and your ability to make decisions because that little leap of faith can poor out some of the sweetest and most tender joy. 

 Life, keep rockin'! 

***

I'm the lucky one

Don Garrett sent us this finished product a few days ago. He is fantastic. He captured some of the sweetest moments of our wedding day. Moments I will cherish forever. I discover a new little treasure every time I watch it. December 14th was beautiful in so many ways. I experienced a happiness so powerful and so real. We are incredibly blessed.

I just want to cry as I watch the ending of this video--A. I love the relationship I have with Carson. B. we have the greatest family members and friends  C. Honestly, I would not trade any part of it. I know that sounds so superficial but everything happened for a reason. That day was the day that I received an abundance of peace and an inner joy that I had never experienced or known was possible. It was Heavenly Father giving me a glimpse into the marriage I would have. I saw a man that would--no matter what went wrong--make me happier than I could ever imagine. That we would make it work because of who we are!! It was Heavenly Father showing me how much my family loved and cared for me! You all were angels from above. I felt the true beauty of love, family, and marriage that day. (p.s. thank you to my sweet mother and grandparents who made it A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-LY special for us and our history! thank you!)

I felt like I was on a cloud and nothing was bringing me down. The love of those around me just lit my little candle and I was on fire. What a night. 

Thank you to all of those who bent over backwards for us. I will be forever grateful. 

p.s. If you want to have inhibition-free dancing at your reception, turn down the lights. 

Don threw in some sweet, unedited dance footage for some extra fun. HILARIOUS. 

We definitely have some dancers in our midsts!

Wedding Day

**Photography: Chantel Marie

Reception

"Gavin Smile"

**Special thanks to:

**My mother and my Grandparents for all of the gorgeous, sentimental decorations and for making it happen. ;)

**My Aunt Susan for decorating the cake and all of the gorgeous flowers (kissing balls and all). 

**Photography: the amazing Chantel Marie 

**The power went out half-way through the reception and never came back on. (I know, what are the odds?) Although we did not have electrical power for the last half, we had the power of families and loved ones. We all gathered into the ballroom, the only room with small sources of light and we carried on. I felt an overwhelming sense of love for everyone there. It is easy to get caught up in the dazzling material things of a wedding, but the most important part is sharing it with the people you love. That is what we did! And although our families put in SO much effort to create the perfect wedding, I felt a deeper love for our family as I saw them come together as a team and pull off an unbelievable reception for, both, Carson and I. It was a fantastic turnout AND the best day of my life. Thank you to those who lit candles, set up a little boom box, held up cell phones (Don and your power-house light), and everyone who celebrated with us like there was no tomorrow. It will be a day I will never forget.

We cannot fully express how much love and gratitude we have for all of you. Thank you.