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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.
We had such a wonderful thanksgiving celebration with Ryan's family. Spending time together is always something to be extremely grateful for, not to mention the amazing feast we got to share. Kristen got up early and made us all pumpkin/banana muffins, accompanied by fresh VitaMix orange juice. Some favorites were the herb-stuffed turkey breast and the rye-seeded sourdough and herb stuffing. I have to say our whole menu really did come together beautifully, thanks to every single person rolling up their sleeves & pitching in.
Some things we're especially thankful for this year:
- Enjoying the ordinary moments in life with each other
- A house we can actually unpack in
- Not just one, but TWO amazing wonderful, supportive families
AND if that alone wasn't rad enough, on Monday, Captain TJ took us sailing for our very first time. Let's just say this-- I could get used to that kind of an afternoon. Cruising along with only sounds of water lapping against the boat, chatting with friends, eating yummy food, loving on adorable baby Sailor, eeking over the dolphin trailing alongside us, & soaking up the 70 degree weather in November. I loved absolutely everything about Florida except the humidity. You'll understand better when you see my hair in these pictures.
Ryan booked a wedding in Florida and instead of using the travel funds for a solo flight, we decided to put it towards gas so both of us could go. We stayed at sweet Jared's parent's house in St. Pete for the wedding and then got a bonus day in Clearwater with our dear friends TJ & Sheena. While our entire Saturday was consumed with wedding festivities, we were able to fill our Sunday with kayaking on the ocean, "sexy man" sushi, and almost partying in downtown Tampa. Almost because by the time Jared drove us there, Ryan was sound asleep in the front seat and I was not far behind. Party poopers, we know.
