Our Big Day

Our wedding day was completely perfect. It was simple and everything I wanted it to be. We were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. It was so pretty! For me, the last few days of being a single woman went a little like this:

My family arrived on Tuesday and headed straight to my older sister Sarah's house. Brian and I had packed up our car and drove to Salt Lake Tuesday night. And although I was anxious to see my family, we decided to camp out that night for the early morning Pioneer Day parade. Boy was that an adventure. It was nice weather. Not too cold and not too warm. We had food, blankets, games, pretty much everything we needed. Brian's mom lived just upstairs so we even had a bathroom nearby. We found a great spot on the grass right at edge of the sidewalk. It was a fun night with Brian's aunt and uncle and some of his cousins. His mom was also there with Brian's grandma. We played some games, mostly Rook. As it was getting very late, we decided not to sleep (well, mostly Brian and his Uncle and brother-in-law). They stayed up playing the Farming Game. It was probably around 2 am when I decided to lay on the grass and fall asleep. Big mistake. About 3 am, the sprinklers went off and woke me up in shock. I wasn't the only one asleep on the grass. Brian's nieces and cousins were also asleep. Well, that woke us all up. Luckily our stuff didn't get too wet and the nice lady next to us showed up how to stop the water by putting out feet over the spout. What a night...

The next morning we watched the parade with the family. It was great. There were so many people lining the streets. Policemen, firetrucks, horses. I had never celebrated Pioneer Day before because in California, people don't even know what it is. It was a really nice day. We also saw a bunch of missionaries that were serving in Salt Lake and on Temple Square. Brian saw a sister missionary that he knew from Canada so we went and said hello. I asked her if she knew my best friend Rachel who was serving on Temple Square. I had sent an invitation to her so she could show her mission president and hopefully get permission to be in our sealing room. Unfortunately, however, this sister missionary we were talking to told me she had been sent outbound to Washington D.C. I was a little sad. 

On Thursday, my sister Sarah and her husband Jason were scheduled to be sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple. That was pretty cool. That had been so important to Sarah since the day they were married. Due to the circumstances at the time, they were not able to be sealed when they got married. Nonetheless, she made it her goal to be sealed almost exactly one year later. I feel horrible because I really struggled with wanting to go to the sealing. She really wanted Brian and I there but I was afraid that it would take away from my experience that I would have 2 days later. After realizing that I had hurt her feelings, I decided to put my own selfish thoughts aside and go. I am so glad I was able to go. It was my first opportunity to be in the temple with Sarah. She was glowing and she was so happy. We all could feel the spirit. It was so cool to see one of her dreams coming true and it made me think a lot about what it would be like in a couple days for me. Brian was also there with me so we got to both see the sealing room together for the first time. 

On Friday, the day before the big day, I was able to go with my step-mom and sister, Allison to get our nails done. It was so surreal at this point. I couldn't believe I was getting married the next day! It took a little while to get through all of us, but when we were done we headed straight up to Salt Lake for the grooms dinner, which Brian's mom has prepared. She did an awesome job. It was beautiful and the food was awesome. It was so great to have both our families in the same spot. They all enjoyed meeting each other and I think it was a good time for all. 

After dinner, I said goodbye to my fiance for one last time. I decided I would spend my last night single going out with my very best friend, Courtney who flew up from California to spend my day with me. Her cousin, Emily was with us also. I say, the more girls the better! We went to get some dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. That place is so good. We had such a good time. We laughed and talked about past memories we had. After dessert, we walked back to the car. We walked passed the temple. It was beautiful at night. On the drive home we did what any immature girls would do, blasted the girly music and sang our hearts out. This was fun because Courtney and I used to do this all the time. It was always a spirit booster when we were having a bad day. We saw a statue of a dinosaur on the way home, and of course we had to stop and take pictures on it! What a great night!

It was finally here. I got almost no sleep. I was so anxious. I just wanted it to be the morning. When morning finally came around, I hopped in the shower for the last time as a single person :) Shortly after, Jen (my hairdresser) showed up. I felt like a movie star because shortly after that, the girl who was doing my makeup came. Here I was, sitting on a chair while 2 girls worked to make me pretty. That was pretty fun. I think every girl looks forward to that. When I was done, I got dressed (in a skirt and shirt because I couldn't wear my wedding dress in the temple) and I drove to Salt Lake with my dad and Mary. 

I was on my way to get married! When we got to Brian's moms, Brian was outside waiting for me. Along with my parents, Brian and I walked through temple square and were met at the temple by Brian's dad. We checked in and were escorted to a room where we talked to a lady who explained to us what we were to do. Then, we separated for just a while where we would meet up again in the Celestial room. It was here where Brian and I were alone and were able to just think about what we were about to do. This was the hardest part. The wait was SO long. It felt like hours before it was finally our turn. And while I can't explain everything that goes on in a sealing, I can say that it was one of the best moments of my life. This was something I have worked towards my whole life and now I was finally here, hand-in-hand with my very own prince charming. It was so cool. I could never see my life without Brian in it and I am so glad I get to spend eternity with him. I don't know why everyone doesn't get sealed together forever! It is the coolest experience I have ever had thus far in my life. 

Well, we were married! Now, off to the reception! Luckily, it was just across the street so we didn't have to walk too far. We got there a little early, just to see how things were going. But when we got there Brian and I were sent away to go check in at our hotel just up the street. Brian and I didn't complain of course. It was such a beautiful little bed and breakfast. We checked in and the guy there showed us around. There was even free cookies! And I am pretty sure we were the only ones staying there. It was a very peaceful little place. And that's all I am going to say about that...

The reception was beautiful and Brian's mom worked very hard to have everything ready by the time we got there. To be honest, I would have spent the whole time at the hotel if I had the choice. But our family and friends were there to greet us and say hello. I am so glad that I chose the caterer I did. The food was awesome! Although, I don't think Brian and I ate too much. 

It was such a fun day. We both realized how loved we were. We couldn't believe the generosity we received. It was the perfect end to the perfect day. It's a day I don't think Brian and I will ever forget.