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I am not one who makes friends easily. While I'm not exactly shy, it's hard for me to get to that next level with people. Fortunately, I have a built-in best friend in my little sister (and now two more!) and have always considered my cousins to be my dearest friends. Though that's not to say that our friendships aren't intentional.
When I moved away from home, the Lord blessed me with two dorm sisters (Leslie and Jodi), with whom I walked through some very pivotal moments in life. After moving out of the dorm, when friends weren't always an arm's reach away, I struggled with feeling very lonely at times (so much so that I did everything in my power to try and transfer back to Arizona). It was during this season in life that my mama told me ever-so-wisely to share my heart with the Lord. Over the next couple years, the Lord brought so many amazing women into my life, and strengthened my appreciation for the genuine
friends I already had.
This is why I had such a ridiculously large bridal party (not because I think I am that popular). While I certainly could not include every single woman that is important to me, I am incredibly thankful for the friends that agreed to stand by my side that day.
We were extremely hesitant about seeing each other before that big moment when I would walk down the aisle with my papa. Yet, at the same time, having plenty of time and ideal lighting for pictures was of huge importance to both of us. After tossing around some of our options, we both somewhat reluctantly agreed that we should probably do a "first look".
This decision really set the tone for the rest of our wedding day. Not only did it allow us to spend a few precious moments together alone, but also it provided an opportunity to take our family and wedding party photos before the ceremony, without feeling rushed.
The emotions and expressions and memories contained in these pictures are so dear to us. In a way, looking at them is like experiencing it again from a distance.
Having just celebrated our one year anniversary, I thought it would be fun to try and jot down a few memories of our wedding day (before we get too far-removed to remember).
From Jenna:
After a restful night snuggling with Jessica, my only sleeping buddy up to that point in my life, I was greeted with my all-time favorite coffee splurge-- Seattle's White Russian Mocha. I then took a freezing cold shower, at which point I was reminded that although this was the most special day in my life, it was not going to be a perfect day. I was also reminded as my momma brought me a towel and rubbed my arms to keep me warm that I have the most loving, serving mother in the universe. Another highlight of getting ready was the fact that most of my closest friends and family members were able to be in the room with me. Although I had mocked others with large wedding parties in the past, I am so thankful that I ignored my prior biases and shared those moments with the people that I did.
From Ryan:
I distinctly remember lying in bed in the house my best-man Josh rented for my groomsmen and I. I spent more time in that bed awake with excitement about the day to follow than actually sleeping. In the morning, many of us made pancakes and eggs and shared breakfast together before we made our way to Seville to get ready. The self-tie bow ties that Jenna and I chose made for a fun morning of educational youtube videos in an attempt to help each other tie them. As we got ready, like Jenna, I remember feeling very joyful to have my best friends from all across the country around me in one room.
Things have apparently been a lot busier around here than I even realized (considering I haven't updated any pictures since November).
December was too good to us. Not only did Nashville's weather behave ever so nicely, but we got to spend a lovely little chunk of the month in dear Zona. I mean, if you don't fall at least a little bit in love with the desert after seeing the first photo, then I have to believe you're lying to yourself.
My personal highlights from our week-long Christmas vacation with my family: experiencing the ever-challenging Christmas morning scavenger hunt with my husband for the first time; seeing Grammy & Poppy THREE whole times; a sunny, twelve-mile bike ride on December 28th with ALL seven of us (that's including Mr. Bera); the annual gingerbread house contest, and two rousing game nights of Balderdash and Cranium; spending an evening at Jason's adorable Tempe home for the first time; the wonderful Christmas eve service at East Valley; and I have to say it, as always, the food!
If only every week was Christmas week.
[I guess it's more like 'twas now. I typed out this post weeks ago, and then never got around to putting the pictures up so pretend you're reading this at the beginning of December.]
After our Thanksgiving celebration, the Bernals helped us deck our house out for Christmas. And by decking it out, I mean buying a tree (thank you Denise & Wally!) and setting out the few little decorations we own. We opted for a real tree this year, but since we won't actually be in town for a good chunk of December, we picked an adorable 4-foot fir. We are thrilled with our little tree, just the right size for our 6 ornaments. Yes, that's right, we've managed to collect a total of SIX ornaments between the two of us! It's not that we're not festive, but I am just so darn picky.
& Since we were all dolled up for seeing lights at Opryland later that night, we made a pit stop on our way to pick up our little tree and took some family photos.
