Happy Girl

Mike and I made it to our wedding day on June 19th, 2010, six years after our first date on June 20th, 2004. After those first two weeks together we were saying "I love you," and after a month we were talking about forever. We knew. I don't know how we knew and I probably never will, but we knew.

It hasn't always been perfect. I think there have been times when Mike and I have hurt each other more than we have any other person. But even through the short few years I've known him, I've learned enormous amounts regarding love. I've learned it is the strongest force in all the universe, and that if it runs true and deep and you're willing to sacrifice for it, it can do and endure anything. I've also learned that it is somehow simultaneously fragile and worthy of the fiercest of protection against the doubters, against each other's doubts, and even the demons inside everyone's own heart. I've learned to hold on. If you've found it, make sure you hold on. Loving Mike has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding choices I have ever made, worth every tremulous step it took to reach June 19th.

Even as sure as I was in my choice, getting married shook me up. I remember standing with my Dad outside the chapel, waiting for the pastor's wife to tell me it was okay to come up to the steps. I was fighting back tears and trying desperately not to panic over a fit of nerves I couldn't describe, even now. Somehow, gripping my father's arm, I made it to the front doors which opened in front of me, and there he was. I saw him and realized that this was what was missing. When I reached Mike at the altar I squeezed his hands tightly the whole time, and his smile melted away everything. Today we announced to the world what we've both known for a very long time--we're partners in life. It was nothing more or less than that simple fact.

The whole day was simply spectacular--every single moment of it. The sky was beautiful and I was surrounded by so many people that loved not only me, but Mike and me, together. It was the most amazing day of my entire life. When we reached the reception I danced my heart out, smiled for every second, and laughed as if I were the happiest girl in the whole world. And I am.

I wanted to say something special for my bridesmaids. I chose five girls to stand beside me--my sister Kristen (Maid of Honor); my childhood friend Beth (Matron of Honor); my friend since my WMU days, Shruti; and two friends from pharmacy school, Beth and Colleen. I love each and every one of these girls as if they were all my sisters, for they have loved me, supported me, encouraged me and protected me like family, some of them throughout my entire life. True friendship is as rare as true love, and I have found it in these five fantastic women. They have always, always had my best interest at heart and I could never ask for a better gift from them. Not only did they take great care of me on my wedding day, but they take great care of me every day. The only way I could ever thank them enough is to strive to be as wonderful a friend to them as they have done for me. :)

After the wedding Mike and I kicked off our marriage in style on a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean, aboard this beautiful ship, Freedom of the Seas! We visited the islands of CocoCay (Bahamas), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Island) and St. Maarten (Virgin Island) and had an absolute blast!! I could tell you about everything we saw and did, but I wrote down everything in a journal and it took me twenty-five pages there so I'll spare you. ;) I did, however, take a ridiculous amount of pictures which speak volumes in and of themselves! If you'd like to check them out visit my ever-updated photo gallery. :P

**Honeymoon**

**Wedding**

I'll never have a honeymoon again, but I'm looking forward to many more vacation adventures with Mike. :) Now we are both living in Ionia, after years of living apart, and it still feels wonderful to think about never saying goodbye again. :')