The Paper Anniversary

On January 29th Steve and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. In honor of the occasion, I thought I'd post a few of our favorite photos and memories from our wedding day.

We got married on a truly gorgeous Austin winter day after a whirlwind three-month engagement. True to style, Steve reportedly slept about 11 hours the night before the big day, but I was up at around 5am, about the same time as my little nephew Luke. I took Luke for a sunrise walk in his stroller and he listened to me worry about whether it would rain that afternoon or not. He was very understanding.

The rest of the morning was a blast, because my mom, sisters, and the rest of my bridesmaids all got ready together. Meanwhile, Steve and his boys played a series of lawn games, and as he recently told me "had to hurry to get dressed when we realized it was almost time for photos."

Just before the ceremony, Steve and I had a moment alone (well, just us and the photographers) to see each other before all the guests arrived. It was really nice to have a few quiet minutes together, to take some deep breaths, and to talk about my dress, of course!

There was nothing to prepare me for the sensation I felt when 120 people stood up with grins on their faces and tears in their eyes during the walk down the isle with my dad. Everyone looked so genuinely happy for us and it was overwhelming. I will never, ever forget that feeling.

The best advice that we got before the wedding was to really enjoy it, to look around and take it all in. We  tried to do that, and we both agreed afterward that we remembered so much of the day- it didn't "go by in a flash." Instead, we remember so much about the beautiful ceremony, performed by Steve's dad, and the fun that we had with our friends and family at the reception. It was so touching how people came in from all over the country to share in our special day. I can't think of anything better.

Our "Save the Date" video that got everything started: http://vimeo.com/16156996

The flower girls and a ring bearer playing with/eating rose petals. They all did so great!

Seeing each other for the first time. Just us and the photographers.

Mimi and Grands were the patriarch and matriarch of the ceremony.

Steve and his boys.

The sisters chill out just before the ceremony.

Me, checking out the crowd. Dad, trying not to...faint? cry? :)

Our dear friend Jeff walks my beautiful mama down the aisle.

Here comes the bride.

Steve waits patiently, dad, brothers, and best friends by his side.

God was there with us.

We did it!

The reception was a blast. We'd seen almost everyone the night before at Rudy's BBQ for the rehearsal dinner, so Steve and I actually got to sit and eat our food for a few minutes, without running around too much. After dinner, I don't think we left the dance floor for 2 hours straight.

I think they were applauding the food.

Dinner was during sunset. Out the window behind us, the Austin sun went down over the lake.

Let the dancing begin.

Two days later as we left for our honeymoon in Argentina, I felt sad that it was over. Not because I'd miss the planning, but because it was so lovely to have so many of the people we loved, in a place we loved, at the same time.

Go Irish volleyball!

Designed by brother in law Mike.

Chocolate party favors homemade with love by Debbie.

At the end of the night, we jumped into the bed of my brother-in-law Mike's pick up truck and headed down the road to the after party at Steiner Ranch. Yee haw!

We can't express enough gratitude to the family and friends that got us to that day, were there to celebrate (in body or in spirit), and continue to support our marriage now. We are truly blessed to have one another and to have you.