Let's Start From the Very Beginning

How did life end up taking me to Panama City, Florida?

This is a good question, one that I still ask myself on occasion but my heart is gradually turning for this little run-down city.

So, as Maria once sang, let us start from the very beginning.

Michael and I were married on July 6th of this year (2013). We had a simple and quick ceremony with a funky old reverend in, what I like to call, a back-alleyway-makeshift-chapel. It was silly and simple but so sweet, exactly as it should have been. We then proceeded to spend the first three months of marriage apart. Michael finally arrived home on thursday October 17th, just one whole day prior to our "wedding" and his baptism. Because he arrived later than expected, and we were unsure he would arrive at all, the ceremony we had planned was canceled but the show would go on with the reception. I still thank God he made it home that weekend.

I can't even begin to describe significance and beauty this entire weekend held for me and us. Not only were we reuniting after living apart for almost seven months straight, but I finally had a whole heart. I know it is cheesy but it is true. My entire family was with us as Michael made a sacred covenant with his Heavenly Father, and we then were able to share in the joy of our previous nuptials. What a precious moment in time which I hope will continue to burn as a memory in both our hearts.

I will write a post later about the baptism..

As for my fairy-tale reception, it could not have been more perfect. I feel forever in debt to my mom and sister for really pulling it all out. We had speculations for months about how a wedding reception would turn out in our humble home, but it really was all I could imagine and more. Our home has such a significance to me, it couldn't take place anywhere else. And everyone really worked hard to make it happen. I couldn't be more thankful to some very close friends who were so sacrificing of time over that weekend.

After removing most the furniture, repurposing some, rolling up the carpets, borrowing from friends, sewing, gluing, painting, much hand-making, and hours of hard work…. here is a peek at what you may have missed.

It was perfect, like I said before. Michael and I were so thankful for all the efforts that went into the entire weekend and loved every minute of it all. Our photographer, Brittany Hambrick of B. Ashton Photography, did an outstanding job. We are so lucky to get to revisit the entire day whenever we want!

We are also thankful for all the gifts we received from all our friends and family. I can't tell you (but I will attempt in a later post) how helpful they all have been in starting our home here in Florida.

Here are a few more pictures to enjoy..

first look...

Portraits

my fabulous maid of honor, and sister..

my beautiful new family