{10 years and counting}

June 29^th, 2002 – a HOT & muggy Saturday. 

The morning started out with my maid of honor, Stacey, and me hammering wedding signs into the boulevard at various intersections around Bloomington!  Leaving the hammer behind and not realizing it until we arrived at the next spot. After a morning at the salon I battled wind gusts blowing my veil around as we made stops to fix a couple downed signs.  I wasn’t a bridezilla, a blubbering mess or a control freak. I was calm and focused and ready to do this thing.  Much to my surprise I didn't cry at all that day.  Dan was… actually, I don’t know I didn’t see him in the morning but I’m assuming he was calm and collected as usual. Only a few things really get his feathers ruffled.  
Then it was time for pictures. And if you know me, you know I was looking forward to our pictures.  I love photography and knew I was going to be looking back on these for the rest of my life.  My heart sank the day before the wedding when our photographer called to say he wasn’t coming!  His mother was dying and he had to head up north.  He said he was sending a replacement and everything would be fine.   Shortly into the day I knew it wasn’t going to be fine and from the moment we got our proofs I've hated our pictures.  Which is why there is only one hanging in our home.  Only about 10% were in focus and he didn’t really capture us.  Yes, we have pictures of our wedding but it’s not us, not our style and just overall disappointing. 

When you have an attractive group like this, you want them to be in focus!

 I felt like we rushed through the family pictures just to end up sitting and waiting for the ceremony to start. 

 Dan with his sisters; Stephanie, Katina and Jacqui.

 Our ceremony was meaningful, short and sweet and the reception was awesome.  I’ve been told by many that it was one of the best they’ve been to, even though the air conditioner went out on a 100 degree day! 

 Dad giving me away.

 Saying our vows.

My Grandma Carole purchased a whole case of bubbles for us and sadly she passed away a month before the wedding. 
 The bubbles were in her honor.

 This is my favorite picture from the ceremony. My bridesmaid, Emily, took it through the limo window as we were driving away.

   I remember the MULTIPLE best man speeches and skits and the gracious maid of honor speech.  Then the dance, oh the dancing; we have some friends and family who can really shake it!  Whether it was my sweet flower girl, Eva, running behind my Dad and spanking his butt…or the collision that happened during the garter toss…or the fact that woman’s underwear were discovered in the Men’s bathroom...or that my Grandma wore sunglasses, inside and out, which spawned the nickname Hollywood...or that some of our guests got so wound up they almost came to blows, we have so many amazing memories!
I still smile every time I think back to that day, I remember every minute like it was yesterday.  It's funny to hear the kids' comments about how we look so young and different.  Every time Cami asks me to show her my dress, her reaction to it makes me remember the way I felt the day I picked it. 

Dinner and Dancing... 

 

After 10 years, I will finally admit that I started the cake fight!

Ok, maybe I don't remember this moment but I was really into that song!

Beer, Check! CD, Check! Purse and Gloves, Check Check!  Bill is ready to party!

*Sorry about the picture quality, all these were scanned from various scrapbooks*

We did so well doing so much ourselves and not getting caught up in extravagance just for the sake of it.  The help and support from our friends and family was overwhelming and very much appreciated!

That wonderful day has led to 10 incredible years and I wouldn't change anything.  Time has flown by, and each day I fall asleep grateful that I will wake up next to my best friend and supporter. I know, shortly there after, the two best gifts he’s given me will come running in and jump on our bed. 

Dan, thank you for truly being my better half. 
~ A.