5 years ago today…
We walked hand-in-hand down my aunt’s stairs toward twenty-four smiling faces in the living room below.
You in a simple dress shirt and black pants. Me in a black and gold dress.
We never claimed to be traditionalists.
We passed through an aisle made up of two rows of our closest family and friends – each of them giving us a flower that we placed in a vase next to my waiting grandmother.
Sarah played the piano - that song from Amelie that always sends shivers up my spine.
Grandma spoke our handwritten ceremony at the make-shift altar. Our brothers read poems – one, ee cummings. One, mine.
We lit candles. Exchanged rings and vows.
Cried.
Were secretly proud that we made everyone else cry.
Kissed.
Signed papers making everything legal.
We created a new last name – some letters left over from our previous lives joined together. A new name for a new family.
Before dinner I realized I’d forgotten to ask the caterer to bring tables. We laughed as Sandy’s neighbors and in-laws dragged tables across the front lawn in the rain.
After we ate, we thanked every person in attendance. Told each of them what they’d meant to us.
More tears.
We partied into the early hours on Sunday. Returned to work on Monday. In one week, we would move into our first house.
Five years later…
I’m still planning the honeymoon. (Maybe on our ten-year anniversary?)
I remember every moment of that day.
My grandma will continue to send us cards every year, signing them as “The Commissioner.”
We have two wee souvenirs of our union.
Our lives are full and happy. Happier than I ever thought possible.
Because I married my best friend. And you still are – I really do love you more each day.
Happy anniversary, Jay.
Happy Anniversary!
happy, happy anniversary friend!!
and how cute are the two of you?? i don’t think i have actually ever seen a picture of you!!
enjoy your special day!
I got chills, beautiful wedding, beautiful bride! Happy Anniversary!
Happy anniversary! You two look exactly the same as you did when you got married! Honestly, two kids haven’t changed you a bit.
What a great post- happy anniversary to you both.
It’s great that you remember every moment of that day. So many brides say they can’t recall it because of all the stress and flurry of activity.
That’s so sweet! Happy Anniversary!
And I love that idea of making a new last name. Could never convince my bf to do it, but I still love it.
aww…. that is incredibly sweet.
You look gorgeous Miss Andi. (and I’ve never seen a pic of the Mr.)
What a beautiful way to remember 5 years!!
You’re a fine lookin’ set of lovebirds. Happy Anniversary!!
congratulations on your first five years, and many more to come. traditional? BAH! i laugh in the face of tradition. the only “tradition” that matters is that of love, laughter and happiness…..
Hey Andi and Jay,
Congrats on 5 years. They really fly by, don’t they.
Lovely. Happy anniversary! You gave me a few tears.
Mmm, happy day!
You take my breath away, Andi, you’re so beautiful! I remember every moment of that very special tearful day as well, except into the wee hours… Happy wood anniversary. Hmm… I think Tony shed the biggest and loudest sobs. Hope you two have a wonderful, reminiscent day.
Congratulations! What a lovely storey!
And somehow, it doesn’t surprise me that you took your own path to wedded bliss.
Hey, it was emotional, okay Larsen! Those were pretty big sobs though, I must say. Happy anniversary you two. Can’t wait to be back in Alberta so we can visit you and your wee souvenirs more often.
Happy Anniversary!
I love your dress!
Oh, Happy Anniversary!
I loved that you picked a song from Amelie for your wedding. And I love, love, love your dress. You are lovely!
Happy 5th Anniversary! Wishing you both many, many more years of happiness together!
happy anniversary!
Wiping the tears from my laptop I remember that very special day. I was so honored to be the the Commissioner. You two are so right for each other.
Happy Anniversary Andi and Jay!!
You two looked so nice, love the dress!
Happy Anniversary Andi and Jay!
Happy anniversary! What lovely pictures. I adore your dress- it’s very, very similar to a prom dress I had. I still look at that dress as the outfit I looked prettiest in in my whole life. It’s a great, great style, and you looked gorgeous!
that sounds like such an interesting ceremony. i’ve never known anyone who made up their own last name.
happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! What a beautiful dress and you make a lovely couple.
I love non-traditional weddings. There’s something about the white cupcake dresses, pastel bridesmaids, and the organ music that just makes me gag. I had an off-white Gunne Sax dress that cost all of $80, one attendant, and we had recorded music from Chicago. Both my parents gave me away because my Dad had very little part in raising me.
I considered a sapphire and diamond ring, but the pushy sales lady was so horrified, I let her talk me into a “traditional” ring and I just hated it. I swapped it out after a few years for the emerald and diamond ring I wear now. Sometimes you’ve got to push a bit for what you want, but you have to if you’re going to be happy with it.
Cheers!
Adrian
You are guys are too friggin cute. The house next door is for sale. Want to move in?
You’re gorgeous!!
And really? A new last name? So cool!
i’m all verklempt. happy anniversary.
Why do you always make me tear up?
Congratulations to both of you!
Just letting you know that I’m doing a blog give away so make sure to come check it out and tell your friends
I actually sewed a real bag this weekend!
Happy Anniversary! Now take that honeymoon. No more excuses.
(But who am I to lecture? We haven’t taken ours yet, either.)
Happy Anniversary! How young are you? Such a cute couple!
justmylife - I was 24 and he was 28. I was practically a child-bride…
Happy Anniversary! You two are adorable!
(Sorry Jay, I meant that in only the manliest way.)
Happy Anniversary! Congrats on 5 years!
Aww! Happy Anniversary! You two are too good looking for words. I might be a little jealous.
That’s so sweet. What a unique and special wedding you had. Congrats on 5 years!
Happy Anniversary! Still planning the honeymoon, eh? Well, you’ve got me beat, Steve and I are still planning the wedding. Kind of. When we have time. Okay fine, my mother’s planning it.
I love that you created a new last name, that is such a great idea.
Congrats!!
And dear me - y’all look like dressed up children!!
OMG! Aren’t you guys cute?
Yes. Yes you are.
I love your gorgeous dress! What a sweet bride you are!
Very romantic.