The Day "We" Began

Today, is a very special day in my life - it's the 20th Anniversary of the day I married my very best friend.

I have so many wonderful memories of our wedding day and the days leading up to it, it would take a novel to write them all, because, inevitably, it would lead into the story of our life's journey together. And that, my friends is a story that continues to write itself.

The photo above was taken at the reception hall when the photographer got us away for a few minutes alone. It's one I cherish and Emma keeps a copy of it in a frame in her room.
I don't think we look much like that anymore, but we are still that much in love.

My Mom and I hosted a Bridal Tea for my attendants at Mom and Dad's house two days before the wedding. Here's a photo of me with my Mom and Grandma that day.

I miss my Grandma a lot. She's been with the Lord now for 14 years - she died the year Emma was born, but we figure that she got to meet Emma in Heaven and told her how much she'd be loved when she got here.

This is me with my forever BFF, Missy. We were friends since the day we met in 9th grade. She was the one friend in my life who knew everything about me and loved me anyway! We went through a lot together - another novel - but no matter where we were or what we were doing, we were always friends and that bond was never broken. She was one of my Matrons of Honor for the wedding.
Missy is in Heaven now with my Grandma. She died 4 years ago from cancer and I miss her everyday. God has sent me some wonderful new friends - and I love them - but there will only ever be one Missy.

Ok, so now I'm crying, but they are happy tears - because it was such a beautiful day and I had so many that I loved there with me.
Here's me with my Dad while we were getting ready.
He hated getting dressed up, but never complained once about wearing that tux.

He and my Mom were all smiles. It really was a wonderful day. They loved Mark almost as much as I do, and I know they were thrilled that we were getting married. (Well, they were thrilled that I was FINALLY getting married. Apparently 27 was a little long to wait! Ha!)
This is a great picture of them. I love seeing my Mom's smile so big.

My cousin Tina and my Aunt Theresa are in this photo. Tina was my other Matron of Honor. She holds a special place in my heart as we shared a birthday, just 3 years apart. I'd been her Maid of Honor just a year earlier, so this was a special day for us both.
Tina went to be with the Lord last April after struggling for years with life issues. I'm so glad we had memories of happy times together.

I'm glad to have this photo of my Dad and I re-creating my walk down the aisle for the photographer. Wasn't he handsome in that tux?


I wish I could find the box of photos that our photographer gave us after we chose our album. There are so many other loved ones that I want to share with you, I just can't find the pictures.
We were so fortunate to be surrounded by so many family and friends that day - it was one of the best days of my life!

Here Mark and I are in the back of the limo. Funny story - we had just been served our meal at the reception when our photographer called us away to take some pictures of just the two of us. When we got back, the servers had removed our plates! We didn't get to eat! So, when we left the reception, we had the limo driver go to a convenience store so we could get some snacks. Not many people can say that they had Lays Potato Chips for their wedding meal. Ha!

Mark had this beautiful black velvet cape made for me for the wedding. We figured since it was December it would be cold - not! It was 60 degrees that day! But I was determined to wear it since it was so lovely. He had it lined with fabric that matched my wedding dress. I still have that cape and hope that Emma can wear it one day.

We honeymooned in Camden and Portland, Maine; a place we both loved. Here we are in front of one of the B and B's we stayed in - The Elms in Camden.

And here we are doing what we did the most of on our honeymoon - played Scrabble!
Yes, it's true. I came down with a nasty sinus infection the day we flew to Maine and was sick our whole honeymoon. Never a dull moment with us - still isn't!

We were back in time to celebrate Christmas with my Mom and Dad and my Grandma. My Dad made this sign for us for when we bought our first house.

So, there you have it - a glimpse of one of the best days of my life - ever!
Mark and I have been through a lot these past 20 years, some good, some not so good, but we've done it together and walked the road together and looked to the Lord to guide us. It's been a fantastic adventure and I can't wait to see what the next 20 years has to offer!

Happy Anniversary Mark - I'll love you forever!
~~Robin

Enjoy our wedding song!