Wedding Recap: The Reception

My family was so amazing to do all they did for this wedding! Specifically my mom and sister Kelsey for being my personal wedding planners and Ffej of course, for footing the bill :) But all my family members and Nathan's as well were so eager to help and my reception was PERFECT! Everything I imagined. (Or more accurately, everything I pinned on pinterest).

We had a small dinner with close friends and family before the real festivities. The food was divine. Unfortunately, my dress was freaking tight. Very little food fit inside my stomach. There was plenty of room for diet coke though, and my wonderful wedding planners made sure Nathan and I got our own, special ones.

There was, of course, more picture snapping.

Slowly guests began to arrive and it was so wonderful to see so many people I love! Unfortunately for Nathan and his family and friends not living in Mission Viejo, I knew almost everyone there and he has a lot of meeting people to do. He was a great sport though. We danced and sang and ate and hugged and it was a beautiful night. Everyone says your wedding day goes by in such a blur that you don't remember anything. Mine didn't. Mine was perfect and I loved every single second.

After some cake-cutting, some first-dancing, and some boquet throwing, Nathan and I headed off to our car through a line of sparklers. It was awwwweesssommme. And we drove off happily to our little honeymoon :)

Wedding Recap: The Minimoon

Minimoon = mini honeymoon. Cuz the real one is in June.

Kelsey and Blake being the wonderful brother and sister that they are, got Nathan and I a hotel in Newport Beach for the weekend and it was the perfect little escape. Right by the beach, awesome pools, and we can't forget.. Kelsey snuck in before us and left us some Nutella. And it was gone in 2 days. Thanks Crosby's for the wonderful weekend!!

Now the wedding is done and it's back to real life! I'm discovering that real life is much happier with a handsome husband :)

Wedding Recap: The Sealing

I slept suprisingly well the night before. I woke up at 6:30am to Jessica practically sleeping on my face. I was still calm but starting to get pretty excited. I put on a little bit of makeup and Kelsey did my hair and then it was time to go! We of course forgot my wedding dress and had to run back. Good thing we were the only wedding that day, because we were 20 minutes late.

Driving up and seeing Nathan standing outside the temple was one of the most precious moments of my entire life. I had started to become anxious in the rushed drive over, but just seeing him immediately calmed me and I felt the reassurance one again that he is the one for me. We snapped a few pictures and then headed inside.

Now I of course won't go into detail about the ceremony because it is so special and sacred, but I will say a few things. I cried the moment I walked into the room. The peace and joy I felt was overwhelming. Promising eternity to Nathan and kissing him across the altar is the happiest moment of my life. I can think of no greater joy given in this life.

The ceremony was over and we gave lots of hugs and then changed and it was awesome to see Nathan's face as he saw me in my dress for the first time. We exited the temple and I couldn't stop smiling at the crowd of friends and family cheering for us. It was a wonderful feeling.

We smiled for a billion pictures but my cheeks didn't even hurt. I was so happy and sooooo in love. Here are a few of the unprofessional shots. I can't WAIT to get the real ones. Our photographer was amazing! 

Nathan and I stayed for a bit longer as the photographer took us all around the temple snapping a million more pictures. Then we drove away- as husband and wife. We kept laughing and then rolled down the widnows and sang along to the radio. Out first stop as a married couple? McDonalds of course.

We headed back to the house for a quick break before the reception. Then it was time to go set up!

Wedding Recap: The days before

I could blog about the whole week before the wedding but it's basically it was just me giving my kids crosswords because I justified wedding week as "no working" week. I also moved all my crap into our new apartment. I have way more stuff than I need. Nathan and I had a huge de-junking night. It was awesome.

Anywho. Nathan and I left Wednesday at noon for California. First I met Jessi Poo for my final dress fitting. For some reason I stressed the whole night before that the lady was going to forget our appointment or the dress wouldn't be ready or for some reason it was all gonna be ruined. But everything was fine and it further revealed to me that I worry way too freaking much.

As you can see I dressed up real nice.
The fitting only took about 30 minutes and Nathan and I were on our way!

We got in around 9 to lots of love and hugs and excitement and a garage filled with wedding decorations! The next day we had to run a few errands and get our marriage license. Yet again, another think I needlessly stressed about. It took 12 seconds. There was a couple in there getting married and it made me sad and I wanted to tell them about how they could be sealed forever but I figured they didn't want to hear that on their wedding day.

Soon all the Merkley's made it into town and I dropped Nathan off to spend a few hours with them. I came home to watch One Tree Hill and practice my wedding hair with my awesome sisters. Many tears were shed. We'll discuss OTH later though.

That night all the Merkley's and all the Fffarg's were together in my home! It was so weird and so awesome to have my two worlds collide. We ate and talked and sang Happy Birthday to Greyson. Then I said goodnight to Nathan for the last time as my fiance.

Before bed all the ladies entered the wedding zone and went into wedding mode. I did a lot of watching, that's my right as the bride, but my wonderful mom, sisters, aunt, and grandma made flower arrangements for hours!

Then it was finally time for my last night's sleep as a single lady!

Tomorrow.

The wait is over. 

It's finally time.

The shaggy-haired drummer I met in an ice cream shop 5 years ago is about to become my husband.

I've loved the same boy since I was 18 years old and tomorrow, I get to marry him.

Goodnight sportfans. Tomorrow I'll be a Mrs. 

wait for it..

It's wedding week sportsfans.

And it's about freaking time.

2 days of work, a dress pickup, a drive to California, and a marriage license is all that stands in our way.

I am still calm, but getting more and more excited!

I don't know how anyone expects me to actually work.

I think I'll just take a nap and the children can teach themselves.

4 days homefries. FOUR. DAYS.

the most wonderful time of the year

I love Conference Weekend.

I am so blessed to get to experince it all from Salt Lake City. I have spent 11 Confernces living in Utah and attended at least 1 session each time. I think when I finally make it out, I will feel sad. Like Conference is happening without me. Luckily I'll be stuck here for a while. So no worries. ANYWAYS.

Conference weekend was the bomb. Like always.

Katie got us amazing seats for Saturday afternoon!

She's always got the sweet hookups.

The session was amazing. The talks were incredible. I cried when the showed Elder Archuletta. You know, the usual.

We met up with Jessi and Marshmellow after!

While them men headed to Priesthood, us ladies headed to City Creek Center along with the rest of the world. We had fun anyways! 

The men came over to Nathan's (almost mine too!!!) apartment and while Jessica and I digested food babies, they played games that send electrical shocks through your body.

Sunday consisted of more Conference and fun but sadly, no pictures. I think we hit our picture taking cap on Saturday. I'll just leave you with my favorite. Love these two.

 "This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm — please apply the following: Stop it!" -Dieter F. Uchtdorf